A Lucid Distinction in the Classification of Computer System
Classification of Computer system is required in order to fully appreciate the concept of Computing. Computer technology has undergone different historical stages and today we can embrace a highly sophisticated Computer System several miles away from what use to be Charles Babbage Analytical Machine(a reference point in the history of computer system).
According to size computers are classified as :
• Supercomputers
• Mainframe Computers
• Minicomputers
• Workstations
• Microcomputers, or Personal Computers
Analog Computer
An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved
Digital Computer
A
computer that performs calculations and logical operations with
quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system
Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)
A
combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting
in both digital and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup
offers a cost effective method of performing complex simulations.
On the basis of Size
Super Computer
The
fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very
expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather
forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy
research, and petroleum exploration.
The
chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as
fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many
programs concurrently.
Mainframe Computer
A
very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or
even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts
with a simple microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and
moves to supercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below
supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than
supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.
Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and mainframes.
In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and
small mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between
small minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.
Micro Computer or Personal Computer
-
- Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
- Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook computer.
- Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
Workstations
A
terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation
is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in
contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."