‫ْ‬ ‫َّ‬ ‫ٰ‬ ‫ْ‬ ‫َّ‬ ‫ْ‬

‫ِبس ِم ِ‬
‫هللا الرحمن الر ِحي ِم‬
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
(Types and Classifications of Computers)
Lecture # 03
By: Mr. Muhammad Tahir Sohail
Lecturer
Department of SE

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 TYPES OF COMPUTER
(ON THE BASIS OF FUNCTIONALITY)

According to functionality computer can be divided

in to three types:
1) Analog

2) Digital

3) Hybrid

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 1-ANALOG COMPUTER
 An analog computer is a form of computer that uses
the continuously-changeable aspects of physical
fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic(moved
or operated or effected by liquid) quantities to model
the problem being solved.”
 Analog means continuity of associated quantity just
like an analog clock measures time by means of the
distance traveled by the hand of the clock around a
dial.

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1-ANALOG COMPUTER (CONTI.)
 Analog computer measures and answer the
questions by the method of “HOW MUCH”. The
input data is not a number infact a physical quantity
like temperature, pressure, speed, velocity
 Used in World War II and the Korean War.

 They were commonly used in science and industry

before the Digital Computer
 EXAMPLES:
➢ Thermometer
➢ Analog clock
➢ Speedometer
➢ Tire pressure gauge
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 2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS
 “A computer that performs calculations and logical
operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”.
 “Computer capable of solving problems by processing
information expressed in discrete form.
 Digital computer counts and answer the questions
by the method of “HOW MANY”. The input data is
represented by a number. These are used for the
logical and arithmetic operations.

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2-DIGITAL COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
 By manipulating combinations of binary digits
(“0”, “1”)
o Mathematical calculations

o Organize and analyze data

o Control industrial and other processes.

 EXAMPLES:
➢ IBM PC
➢ Apple Macintosh
➢ Calculators
➢ Digital watches etc
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3-HYBRID COMPUTERS:
o “A computer that processes both analog and digital
data”.
o “Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts
analog signals, converts them to digital and processes
them in digital form”
o Hybrid Machines are generally used in scientific
applications or in controlling industrial processes.
 Examples:

 Hybrid computer is the computer used in hospitals to

measure the heartbeat of the patient.
 Radar is also an example of hybrid computer
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CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
(ON THE BASIS OF SIZE CAPACITY AND SPEED)

On the basis of size capacity and speed,

Computers can be divided into following
four classifications:
1) Super Computers.
2) Main frame Computers.
3) Mini frame Computers.
4) Micro Computers.

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS
 Leads the world in terms of processing capacity,
particularly speed of calculation
 Can handle gigantic amount of scientific computation

 About 50,000 times faster than micro-computers

◼ Used primarily for engineering and scientific

problem analysis as well as for computerized
graphics and special effects seen in films.
 Cost as much as $20 million

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 1-SUPER COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
 A super computer contains
a number of CPU which
operate in parallel to
make it faster. It also
known as grand father
computer.
 In areas like:
 Defense(Missile Technology)
 Weather forecasting
 Scientific research
 Drug discoveries
 Hollywood movies
Examples of Super Computers
are CRAY X1 , CRAY T90 and
Control Data Cyber 205. 11
 2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS

 Smaller and less powerful

than supercomputer
 Can support hundreds and
thousands of users
 used mainly by large
organizations for critical
applications, typically bulk
data processing(i.e. huge
storage capacity and massive
processing ability)

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2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
 These are large and fast computers usually housed
in a controlled environment.
 Multi-user environment, have the ability to service
more than 100 terminals at a time
 TERMINALS – are the points from which users
can have access to the services of a multi-user
computer.
 Terminals (which look like a microcomputer) are
used to enter and retrieve data from mainframe
computers.
 They can support the processing requirements of
hundreds and even thousands of users.
 Are the largest, fastest and most expensive
computers in commercial use today. 13
2-MAIN FRAME COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
 Of all types of computers, mainframe have
been around the longest.
ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator
And Calculator) and UNIVAC(Universal
Automatic Computer) were mainframe
computers.

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3-MINI COMPUTERS
 Is the smallest computer
designed specifically for the
multi-user environment.
 This type of computer can
allow several persons to use
the machine at the same time.
 Can process up to millions of
characters.
 Before the late 60’s, most
computers produced were
mainframe computers and
they were very expensive.
 The prohibited price of
mainframes limited its buyers15
to only the largest companies.
3-MINI COMPUTERS (CONTI.)

 A smaller and more affordable version of

mainframe and thus what the minicomputer was
born.
 Their storage capacities are smaller and they
service fewer terminals as compared to
mainframes.
 A computer servicing more than a100 terminals
is no longer called a minicomputer.
 The major difference between the mainframe
and minicomputer is in the number of terminals
they can service.
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS
 A personal computer; designed to
meet the computer needs of an
individual.
 Provides access to a wide variety of
computing applications, such as word
processing, photo editing, e-mail, and
internet.
◼ The major difference between
microcomputers and the larger
minicomputers and mainframes is
that micros are generally single-user
but a multi-tasking machine.
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)

 Personal Computers (PC)

occupy physically small
amounts of space
 Low Power Consumption

 Example:
 Desktop computers
 laptop computers
 handhelds

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
DESKTOP MICROCOMPUTER
 Bigger in Size
 No Portability
 Input & Output devices
are connected separately
to System Unit
 Has separate
components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the
computer.

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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
LAPTOP COMPUTER
 A portable, compact
computer that can run on
an electrical wall outlet
or a battery unit.
 All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact unit.
 Usually more expensive
than a comparable
desktop.
 Sometimes called a
Notebook.
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4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
HANDHELD
 Also called a PDA (Personal Digital
Assistant).
 A computer that fits into a pocket,
runs on batteries, and is used while
holding the unit in your hand.
 Typically used as an appointment
book, address book, calculator, and
notepad.
 Smaller in Size and Fully Portable
 Speed is less than Desktops &
Laptops
 Capable of running specific
Application Software (System
Software are limited)
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 Can operate for days on its batteries.
4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
TABLET PC  A tablet PC is a wireless
personal computer (PC) that
allows a user to take notes
using natural handwriting
with a stylus or digital pen
on a touch screen.
 The user's handwritten
notes, which can be edited
and revised, can also be
indexed and searched or
shared via e-mail or cell
phone.
 Touch Panel with Electronic
Pen.
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 4-MICRO COMPUTERS (CONTI.)
WORKSTATION
◼ Workstations are similar like Desktop PCs but unlike
desktops, they have high end processing speed for
specific software
◼ Used for Graphic Designing, Special effects for
movies, CAD applications
◼ Special Input and Output devices are provided to
Power Users

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 EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
 An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a larger
product

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 SERVERS
A server is a large shared computer
 several times the power of a workstation
 several times the memory of a workstation
 hardware and operating system optimised
for multi-user, no-crash operation
 A server may act as one or more of
functions like:
 compute server: to run programs
 file server: to store files centrally
 mail server: to route mail messages
 web server: to store web files etc
 Print server: to print the document
 Proxy server: to provide internet access.

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