A computer is most imaginary machine that manages the many different types of instructions which are given by user, finally produce the accurate output for user. Computer is able to perform all types of simple and complex operations.
Computer is electronic is device so it contains the different hardware components such as circuits, transistors and wires etc.
What are Different Types of Computers and Their Functions?
There are 4 types of computers with their classification such as:
- By Size and Capacity
- By Data Handling and Operating System Capabilities
- By Based on Number of Microprocessors
- By Based on Number of Users
By Size and Capacity
Super Computer
In old days, large enterprises and organizations used the supercomputer because they required large-scale computing power. A supercomputer is architectural and operational totally depend on parallel and grid processing, because with the help of thousand of processor all processes are executed simultaneously.
Supercomputer mostly implemented in large scale scientific and engineering areas, because where required maintenance for large amount of database.
Some examples are:
- Titan
- Sequoia
- K Computer
- Mira
- JUQUEEN
- SuperMUC
Functions are:
- Industrial function
- Space exploration
- Weather forecasting
- Nuclear testing
Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computer uses the primary memory such as (RAM) and multiple processors. It serves as a central processing unit for all workstations and terminals points associated with it. A mainframe computer was designed to be used process large amounts of data in pet bytes. It able controls thousands of users at one time. The name a mainframe ‘means a frame to hold multiple processors and main memory.
Some examples are:
Banking, Government, Education system mainframe computer
Functions are:
- Government data processing
- Banking
- Insurance
Mini Computer
Minicomputer is introduced in mid-1960.This types of computers is small size compare to supercomputer and mainframe computer. In which had been used the different technologies such as transistors and core memory. “Digital Equipment Corporation” was made first minicomputer with US $161000.In this computer also, multiple persons can work at a time without waiting.
Some Examples are:
- Tablet PC
- Desktop minicomputer
- Smartphone
- Notebooks
Functions are:
- Processing monitoring
- Data acquisition
- Feed back
Micro Computer
Micro computer is a small in size. You can say it equivalent to personal computers. In Microcomputer use different technologies like as CPU(one single chip), Microprocessor, Input/output devices and other storage parts. This is multi-User computer that is big advantage.
Some Examples are:
- PDA
- PC
- Smartphone
- Notebooks
Functions are:
- Application processing
- Education
- Amusement
Embedded Computer
Embedded computer is a micro controller technologies based system, and this has been design for specific task. This computer is not need more power for large computing. These computers are able to support some devices.
Examples are:
- DVD
- Medical Equipment
- Printer
- Fax
- Washing Machine
By Data Handling and Operating System Capabilities
Analogue Computer
Analog computer uses some physical fact’s continuously variable for solving problems such as mechanical, hydraulic and electrical quantities. Anything that is variable concerning time and ceaseless can be asserted as simple clock measures through the separation fixed to the clock spokes through time, much the same as simple clock measures.
Digital Computer
In the Digital Computer, all calculations and other operations are represented in the form of digits such as binary system “0” and “1”. These computers are able to perform global weather patterns, control industrial, mathematical calculations, and other complicating calculations as well.
Hybrid Computer
Hybrid Computers are combination both analog and digital computers, because these computers are able to execute both data such as analog and digital. These computers take input in the form of analog signals, convert them into digital, and produce the output in digital form.
By Based on Number of Microprocessors
1. Sequential Computers:
The sequential computing is traditional architecture. In this model all instructions are performed one by one so speed of this computing is slow compare to parallel computing.
2. Parallel Computers:
Parallel computing is imaging type of model in which many processors or applications execute simultaneously. In parallel computing splits the overload work into more than one processor, and computation simultaneously.
Classification of Parallel Computing:
- Bit-level parallelism
- Instruction-level parallelism (ILP)
- Data Parallelism
- Task Parallelism
By Based on Number of Users
1. Single User:
In this model only one user can perform task at a time
2. Multi User:
In this model only multiple users can perform task at a time
3. Network Types:
In which has special functionality, in this modal connect computer and other terminals with local area network.
