Classification

of
Computers

Unit-1 Fundamentals of Information Technology

B.Tech- CE, 1st Sem
Classification of Computers
• Computers can be classified on the following basis:
▪ Size & Capability
• Super computers

• Mainframe computers

• Mini computers

• Micro computers

▪ Functionality
• Servers

• Workstation

▪ Computational Methods
• Analog

• Digital

• Hybrid
Classification on the basis of size
• Supercomputers:
• Having high level of performance compared to a
general-purpose computer
• Performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS
instead of MIPS
• Used for intensive computation tasks in various fields
such as:
• Quantum mechanics
• Weather forecasting
• Climate research
• Oil and gas exploration
• Molecular modeling
• Physical simulations etc.
• Examples: CRAY series, PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner
Classification on the basis of size
• Mainframe computers:
• Very large in size
• Capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands
of users simultaneously.
• Executes many programs concurrently and supports
much simultaneous execution of programs.
• Used by big organizations for bulk data processing
such as statics, census data processing, transaction
processing
• widely used as the servers as these systems has a
higher processing capability as compared to the
other classes of computers
• Examples: IBM z Series, System z9 and
System z10 servers
Classification on the basis of size
• Mini computers :
• A midsize multi-processing system capable of
supporting up to 250 users simultaneously
• Launched in mid 1960s and sold at a much
cheaper price than the main frames
• It is a midsize multi-processing system capable
of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously
• Actually designed for control, instrumentation,
human interaction, and communication
switching as distinct from calculation and record
keeping
• Later became very popular for personal uses
with evolution.
• Examples: Personal Laptop, PC etc.
Classification on the basis of size

• Smaller relatively inexpensive computer with a

microprocessor as its CPU
• Includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O
circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board
• The previous to these computers, mainframes and
minicomputers, were comparatively much larger,
hard to maintain and more expensive.
• Single user can interact with this computer at a time
• Laid the foundation for present day microcomputers
and smart gadgets that we use in day to day life.
• Examples: Tablets, Smartwatches
Classification on the basis of
Functionality
• Servers :
• A computer or system that provides resources, data,
services, or programs to other computers, known as
clients, over a network
• They are named depending on the type of service they
offered
• A device could be both a server and a client at the
same time
• Examples: security server, database server, mail
server, proxy server, web server, file server, cloud
server etc.
Classification on the basis
of Functionality

• Computers designed to primarily to be used by single user at a

time.
• Run multi-user operating systems intended for serious academic
or professional computation in multitasking fashion
• It may be an average-powered computer connected to a larger
network
• Used for our day to day personal / commercial work.
• Optimized for the visualization and manipulation of different
types of complex data such
Classification on the basis of
Computational Method
• Analog Computer:
• Computers designed to use the continuously-changeable
aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or
hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved
• Anything that is variable with respect to time and
continuous can be claimed as analog just like an analog
clock measures time by means of the distance traveled for
the spokes of the clock around the circular dial
• Used in such areas, where to need data to be measure
directly without transforming into numbers
• Uses the programs for transforming of problematic
equations into analog circuit
Classification on the basis of
Computational Method
• Digital Computer:
• Performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system of
“0” and “1”
• Digital computers use the binary number system, which has
two digits: 0 and 1.
• Input devices convert data into electronic pulses, and performs
different operations on numbers in discrete form.
• Examples: Personal Computers (Desktops, Laptops,
Notebooks), smartphones, tablets, calculators, digital weighing
machine, accounting machines, digital clock, ATM (Automated
Teller Machine).
Classification on the basis
of Computational Method
• Hybrid Computer:
• A computer that processes both analog and digital data
• A digital computer that accepts analog signals, converts them
to digital and processes them in digital form
• There are three types of hybrid computer. Such as –
o Large Electronic Hybrid Computer
o General-Purpose Hybrid Computers
o Special-Purpose Hybrid Computers

• Used in the large scale organizations to solve logical and

technical calculations as well as offer great processing of
differential equations.
• Examples: ECG m/c, Ultrasound m/c, CT Scan,
ATM, Smartphone,