Classification of Computers by Type

1. Monday, November 21, 2016
Classification of Computers by
Type

2. Learning Outcomes
At t he end of the lesson, I should be able to:
(1) Identify computers classified by type
(2) State the characteristics of computers by types
(3) State examples of computers by types

3. Computers are classified into three types with
respect to Function or Internal hardware structure
or Logic used. They are:
1. Digital Computer
2. Analog Computer
3. Hybrid Computer

4. Digital Computers
Digital Computers works on discrete data.
Characteristics:
1. Discrete data refers to discrete values such as 0, 1.
2. Digital computers works on 0,1(Binary Numbers)
3. These computers based on the presence or absence of an electrical charge
or binary 0 & 1.
4. The native language of this class is therefore called binary language
(Machine Language)
5. These Systems are more accurate and precise than others
Examples: - calculators, digital watches etc…
1. Examples:
2. The calculator
3. Cell phones
4. PDAs – Personal Digital Assistant
5. IPads
6. Graphics tablets etc.

5. Analog Computer
Analog Computers works on continues data.
Characteristics:
1. Continues data refers to those values that cannot be discrete.
2. Temperature, air pressure, speed, current, weight etc
3. Analog computer calculates the result by measuring the continuous
change in these quantities
4. Analog computers do not require any storage capability because they
measure and compare quantities in a single operation
5. These Systems are more speedy than digital
Examples: Speed meter, air pressure measurement devices, rain gauge etc.
Speedometer of a car measure speed in terms of km/h or m/h, the change in
temperature is measured by a thermometer in degrees.
Examples:
1. Quartz clock
2. Speedometer
3. Fuel pump
4. Microphone
5. Speakers etc.

6. Hybrid Computer
Combine the best feature of both digital and analog systems
Characteristics:
1. Works on both analog and digital data
2. Speedy like analog
3. Accuracy like digital
4. They are used mainly in specialized applications where
both analog and digital information needs processing
5. Weather forecasting, Air Defense, Radar Controlling
systems, digital petrol pumps etc.
6. In petrol pumps, fuel flow converts into quantity and then
quantity is converted into values.
Examples:
1. Electronic cardiograph (ECG)
2. Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)

7. Assignment
Find out what computer is fastest, between
Supercomputer and mainframe computer.

8. Word list
1. Discrete
2. Digital
3. Analogue
4. Hybrid
5. Logic
6. Algorithm