CHAPTER -1

COMPUTER
SYSTEM
(PART – 2)
CONTENTS
• Storage Unit
• Strengths of Computers
• Weaknesses of Computers
• Types of Computers
➢ Purpose Wise
❑ Special - purpose Computers
❑ General - purpose Computers
➢ Principle of Operation Wise
❑ Analog Computers
❑ Digital Computers
❑ Hybrid Computers
STORAGE UNIT
➢ Memory of computer can be thought of as ‘cells’. Each of these cells is
broken down into smaller parts called bits. A bit is a binary digit . i.e. either 0
or 1. A bit is an elementary unit of memory. Eight bits together from a byte.
One byte is the smallest unit which can represent a data character. Other
units of memory are KB, MB, GB, TB, etc.
➢ Thus, Memory is the storage brain of the computer which is responsible for
storing any kind of information permanently. Various storage devices are,
hard disks , CDs , DVDs, USB drives etc.
STRENGTHS OF COMPUTERS
➢Speed – Computers are much faster compared to human beings. Can execute
millions of instructions in one second.
➢High Storage Capacity – Computers can store a large amount of
information in very small space.
➢Accuracy – Computers can perform all the calculations and comparisons
accurately.
➢Consistency – A Computer generates consistent results, if provided the
same input and processes.
➢Reliability – Computers are immune to tiredness and boredom or fatigue.
Thus more reliable.
➢Versatility – Computers can perform repetitive jobs efficiently.
WEAKNESSES OF COMPUTERS
➢Lack of Decision-Making Power.

➢IQ Zero.

➢No Heuristics – Heuristics means learning from past experiences.

If a computer commits an error once and similar situation/event
occurs again, computer will commit the same error again.
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be categorized in the following way:

• Purpose wise:
➢Special-purpose computers
➢General-purpose computers

• Operation wise:
➢Analog Computers
➢Digital Computers
➢Hybrid Computers
SPECIAL – PURPOSE COMPUTERS
➢Special – purpose computer is the one that is designed to perform
a specific task. The instructions (programs) to carry out the task
are permanently stored in the machine. For the specific tasks, this
type of computer works efficiently but such computers are not
very versatile.
➢Thus, these computers are designed to handle a specific task like
Satellite tracking, Air traffic, Industrial processing control, ATM
etc.
GENERAL – PURPOSE COMPUTERS
➢ General – purpose computer is the one that can work on different types of
programs input to it and thus can be used in countless applications. The programs
are permanently stored but are input at the time of execution. These computers are
very versatile.
➢ Thus, these computers are designed to handle a variety of problems in different
fields of life like Inventory control, Budgeting, Entertainment, Word processing,
Surfing internet etc.
➢ Examples are Microcomputers, Minicomputers, Mainframe computers,
Supercomputers etc. which can run any number of software applications.
ANALOG COMPUTERS
• An analog computer is a form of computer that works with continuous physical quantities such as voltage, current,
temperature etc. That is, they take input in the form of volts, ampere, celcius etc. But their accuracy is poor as
compared to digital counterparts. Analog computers are mostly used in engineering and scientific applications. An
electronic weighing scale is an example of an analog computer. Other examples are : Thermometer, Analog clock,
Speedometer etc.

• Characteristics of analog computers:

➢ The Speed of analog computer is fast.
➢ These computers are not reliable.
➢ These computers became the base for digital computers.
➢ These computers are difficult to operate and use.
➢ These computers are easy to develop.
➢ These computers have small memory.
DIGITAL COMPUTERS
• These computers work with discontinuous data converted into binary form i.e., digits 0 and 1,
and all operations are carried out on these digits at extremely fast rates. Digital Computers are
much faster than analog computers and far more accurate. Computers used for business and
scientific applications are digital computers. Digital computers come in variety of forms based
on their configurations.

• Characteristics of digital computers:

➢ These computers are easy to use.
➢ These computers are reliable.
➢ These computers are further divided into different
categories such as Personal computers, Mainframe computers
and Super computers.
HYBRID COMPUTERS
• A hybrid computer is a combination of computers that are capable of inputting and
outputting in both digital and analog signals. Traditionally, the analog components of the
computer handle complex mathematical computations. The digital components take care
of logical and numerical operations in addition to serving as the controller for the system.
Thus, Hybrid computers utilizes the best qualities of both the digital and analog
computers. In these computers some calculations take place in analog manner and rest of
them take place in digital manner. Hybrid computers for example are used for scientific
calculations, in defense and radar systems, in hospitals to monitor patient’s vital signs.
They are also used in weather forecasting.

• Characteristics of hybrid computers:

➢ These computers are reliable and provide
accurate result.
➢ These computers are very fast.
➢ These computers are easy to move.
➢ These computers are cheaper.