Classification of Computers Based on Size and Capacity

A computer is a device that transforms unusable data into information. According to the set of instructions the user gives it, it processes the input and generates the desired outcome. Modern digital computers are classified on the basis of their size and capacity. The size and data handling capabilities of the various types of computers may be used to categorize them into two groups.

1. Computers according to Size:

• Supercomputer.

• Mainframe computer.

• Personal computer.

• Workstation.

• Minicomputer.

2. Computers according to their Capacity to manage data:

• Digital computer.

• Hybrid computer.

• Analog computer.

Classification of Computers

Classification of Computers

Different classifications of Computers are as follows.

Classification According to Size

There are four different sorts of computers based on their size and how they are configured to operate:

1. Supercomputers

Supercomputer

The most efficient computers in terms of processing data and performance are supercomputers. These computers are used for research and exploratory purposes. Supercomputers are exceedingly large and highly expensive. It can only fit in large, air-conditioned spaces.

Supercomputers are used for a range of tasks, such as space exploration, seismic research, and the testing of nuclear weapons.

Supercomputer Features:

• They make use of AI (Artificial intelligence)

• They are the fastest and strongest;

• They are very costly.

• They are enormous in size.

• They are employed by companies that manufacture goods.

• They process information at a rapid rate.

2. Mainframe Computers

Mainframe Computers

Despite being less efficient than supercomputers, mainframe computers are nevertheless extremely expensive. Large corporations and governmental organizations frequently employ mainframe computers to run everyday operations. They have the ability to store and analyze a lot of data. To maintain information on their customers, students, and insurance policyholders, banks, colleges, and insurance companies utilize them. They may also act as a server in a network environment. Hundreds of users may be managed simultaneously by them.

Mainframe Computer Features:

• They have enormous amounts of memory.

• They are capable of running several different operating systems.

• They have a significant number of CPUs with powerful processing speeds.

• Tightly Coupled Clustering Technology is employed.

3. Minicomputers

Mini Computer

Minicomputers are used by small businesses and industries. They go by the term "Midrange Computers." These minicomputers frequently have several users, just as mainframe computers. They are a bit slower than mainframe computers.

For example, the manufacturing department may employ minicomputers to keep an eye on specific production processes.

Features of Minicomputers:

• It is smaller than mainframes or supercomputers in terms of size.

• In comparison to a mainframe or supercomputer, it is less costly.

• It is able to perform many jobs at once.

• It may be utilized by several users simultaneously.

• It is utilized by small businesses.

4. Microcomputers.

Micro Computer

A microcomputer, sometimes referred to as a personal computer (PC), is a type of computer that runs on a smaller scale than traditional computers (Personal Computer). A component that is commonly referred to as a motherboard houses the central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, memory in the form of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), I/O ports, and a bus system of connecting wires. They are the most affordable.

Features of Microcomputers:

• They are extensively employed for personal usage.

• They are smaller and comparably less expensive.

• Multi-user functionality is not supported.

• It has a limited computational capacity.

• They are quite simple to use.

Based on Capacity

According to fundamental operating principles, there are three different kinds of computers. They are as follows:

1. Analogous Computers

Analog computers process analog data. Temperature, pressure, weight, depth, and voltage are a few examples of this type of data. These have an infinite range of values and are continuous quantities.

The first computers were analog, and they laid the groundwork for today's digital computers.

Analogous Computers

2. Digital Computers

In digital computers, letters, numbers, and other special symbols are represented by digits. On-off (ON-OFF) inputs are used by digital computers, and ON-OFF signals are also generated by them.

An ON is often represented by a 1 and an OFF by a 0, respectively. A digital computer is capable of processing both numerical and non-numerical data. In addition to doing fundamental arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, it can also perform logical operations.

Digital Computer

3. Hybrid Computers

Computers that combine digital and analog components are called hybrid computers. It combines the best features of both types, having the speed of an analog computer with the memory and precision of a digital computer. Hybrid computers are typically used in specific applications where both forms of data need to be processed. As an example, a gas pump contains a processor that converts measurements of fuel flow into information about quality and cost.

Hybrid Computer

Solved Questions

1. Comparison between micro and mini-computers?

2. What are the uses of Super Computers?

Ans: Supercomputers are employed in data-intensive and computation-intensive scientific and technical operations including quantum mechanics, meteorology, fossil fuel extraction, molecular dynamics, physical modeling, aerodynamics, nuclear fusion research, etc.

Practice Questions

Write True or False:

1. Supercomputers are the fastest and strongest. (T/F)

2. There is only one processing optimization in Minicomputers. (T/F)

3. Supercomputers are employed in data-intensive operations. (T/F)

4. Microcomputers are capable of running several different operating systems. (T/F)

Summary

Computers are divided into several categories based on their architecture, the speed at which commands or instructions are carried out, the peripherals they use, and the tasks for which they were designed.

The different computer types may be divided into two groups based on their size and capacity for handling data.

There are five main kinds of computers based on size: PC (Personal Computer), minicomputer, microcomputers, supercomputers, and mainframe.

Additionally, there are three different kinds of computers based on their capacity to manage data: A computer can be digital, hybrid, or analog.