Classification of Computers

• Various types of computers are available now a days.

• We know the function of computer is to process data and
provide some output to the users.
• Computers can widely be differentiated on the basis of
their abilities to process data.
• They are classified according to
the purpose, size and capacity and data handling or
technology used.
 ON THE BASIS OF PURPOSE
General Purpose Computer: Can fulfill general requirements such
as gaming,word processing, invoicing etc. Usually at home ,school
and in office .(Film,whatsapp)
Special purpose Computer: They are designed to perform specific
task like weather forcasting,space research, defence research etc..
ON THE BASIS OF SIZE AND CAPACITY
1.Micro computer
• Smallest computer general purpose computer
• Single user general purpose computer
• Size is small, also speed is low compared to other.
• EG: Desktop PCs, Personal digital assistance, smart phones, tablets,
smartwatches.
• Used in home office, educational institution etc
 2.Mini computers
• Large in size compared to mini ,actually a medium size computer.
• Suitable for small business or for department in a large
organisation.
• used as server which support hundreds of users at a time for file
sharing,printer sharing and storing cental information.(network
server ,internet server,laptop PCs)
• It is designed for control,instrumentation,human interaction and
communication switching.
• Greater memory .
 3.Mainframe computers
• Known as big iron.
• Very big in size and expensive.
• Capable of supporting thousands of user.
• Massive storage capacity.
• Used in big organization like banks,E-commerce portal,insurance
companies,airlines etc..
• Since the system having high processing capacity compared to
other classes of computers ,these are widely used as servers.
 4.Super computers.
• High level of performance.
• Most powerful and very expensive.
• Used in the field of computation such as quantum
mechanics,weather forecasting,climate
research,molecular modelling etc.
• EG:PARAM( parallel machine ),Jaguar,Roadrunner etc
 On the basis of data handling or
Technology used.
• Analogue
• Digital
• Hybrid
• Analogue
 Digital computers

• Digital computers are specialised in performing arithmetic and

logical operations.
• Digital signal is a discrete time signal.
• Can be used for analysing data, controlling industrial and other
process also to simulate dynamic system such as global weather
patterns.
• Speed is very high
• Very accurate and precise
• Flexible processing
• Easy data storage.
• EG:desktop,notebooks,workstation,smartphones.
 Hybrid computers
• Hybrid computers accepts analogue signals convert them
into digital and process in a digital form.
• Mainly Used in special purpose like radars (central
national defence and passenger flight radar system)
Components of a computer
SMPS-Switched mode power
supply
• Computer Hardware is defined as the physical part or
component of a computer system that can be felt, seen,
and touched.
• Computer software can be defined as a set of instructions
or collection of programs which are designed and
developed to perform specific tasks.
• These instructions developed by a developer and are
accepted by the platform.
• Software is capable to perform numerous task .But only
mechanical task can perform by hardware.
 System Software

System software is designed to controlling and working

with computer hardware.It allows users to interact directly
with hardware functionality.Some of the operating system
are pre-installed in the computer and smart phones
EG: Windows 10,Linux,Android.
 Application Software.
• Application software is capable of dealing with user inputs
and helping them to complete task.
• System software allows allow the user to accomplish one
or more task .
• It is programmed for simple and complex task.
• Eg: web browsing,Spread sheet software.
presentation.,accounting software,customised shopping
application,google docs.
 APPLICATION OF COMPUTER
• Business
• Education
• Banking
• Communication
• Healthcare
• Personal Use
• Military and Defence
• Insurance
 1.Business
Payroll calculation ,sales analysis budgeting, financial
forecasting managing, employees database maintenance of
stocks etc
It is used for accounting purpose to handle company
financial accounts and inventory management using
software like Tally.
 2.Education
Various online courses like massive open online courseware
(MOOC) and distance learning is in trend by using the
efficiency of computers, hundreds of websites are available
on internet to deliver free online education in almost every
area.
The e-Learning stands for electronic learning.
Hybrid learning is a technique of combining traditional
classroom and digital course delivery that emphasizes using
the best option for each learning objective.
 3.Banking
In banking self enquiry facility ,signature retrieval facilities,
remote banking centralised information, digital transaction
etc
It minimises human efforts, time and cost.
It is convenient for the customers by providing 24 * 7
access.
Online banking is an electronic payment system that permit
its customers to conduct it a variety of financial transaction
through their respective websites.
 4.Communication.
• Communication introduces the time taken for
communication between the stakeholders by the methods
of email live chat tools WhatsApp, video conferencing,
audio conferencing ,social networking ,web conferencing
etc.
 5.Healthcare
In Healthcare computers offer miraculous therapies to the patients
such as ECG, computer tomography scan,, x-ray, radiotherapy.
Also the medical information from prescription to report can be
digitized.
The Record Keeping of medicines as well as the patients becomes
easy.
Digital Healthcare technology is such as artificial
intelligence,AR/VR,3D printing, Robotics ,nanotechnology etc
 6.Personal Use
Computer can also used to keep the day to day details that
are essential to keep anywhere. Used for keeping a track
on personal things such as investments, Incomes,
expenditure savingsetc
 7.Military and Defence
• Military and defence developing missiles and other equipments.
• In defence system construction of weapons and controlling their
functions.
• The computer built the link between the soldier and the commander
through the satellite
• It is used for tracking incoming missile target to destroy them.
• Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy
forces benefit diagnose any problem with the platforms.
• computers are used to hold document keep records and record of events
 8.Insurance
• Insurance by using the technology like blockchain, internet of things
(IoT),artificial intelligence, and Augmented reality have left a greater
impact on Insurance sector .
• blockchain the distributed ledger Technology is safe and fewer chance
of theft or fraud it is easier to authenticate transactions policy for
customers.
• insurance companies are keeping all record up to date with the help of
computers.
• insurance companies, finance houses and Stock Broking firms or
widely using computers for their concerns.
 Advantage and disadvantage of
computers
Advantage
• Multitasking
• Speed
• Storage
• Accuracy
• Data Security
 Disadvantage of computer
• Reduction in employment oppurtunities.
• Potential loss of privacy
• Virus hacking attack
• Cyber crimes
END UNIT 1