Classification of Computers

Back to: DATA PROCESSING SS 1

 

Welcome to class!

In today’s class, we will be talking about the classification of computers. Enjoy the class!

Classification of Computers

By types

Computers can be classified by types into THREE major types.

They are:

1. Digital computer
2. Analogue computer
3. Hybrid computer

• Analogue computer

This type of computer is used to measure and process continuous data such as speed, temperature, heartbeat etc. Examples are speedometer, thermometer etc.

Analogue computers work with a range of values continuously. This results in the data produced only be approximates. Analogue computers are best used for measuring things such as speed, temperature, voltage and time.

Some World War II bombs had small analogue computers attached in order to gauge when they should be released or detonated.

• Digital computer

This is the most common type of computer today. It measures physical quantities by counting. Examples are calculator, digital wristwatches, digital fuel dispenser etc.

Digital computers, not surprisingly, deal with digital data. This makes them a lot more accurate than analogue computers. They utilize a binary number system, a system with only two numbers, 0 and 1. The standard computers we use today are classed as digital computers.

• Hybrid computer

This type of computer combines the features of digital and analogue computers together. Hybrid computers are a mixture of both analogue and digital. They are very rare as they can be expensive and complicated to produce.

Although the majority of tasks are performed by a digital computer, there is certainly still a lot of value in both analogue and hybrid computers when it comes to more specialized tasks.

Evaluation

1. List the classification of computers according to type
2. Explain the difference between the classifications of computer according to type.

By functionality

Classification of computer according to purpose can be grouped into two (2), namely:

1. General-purpose computers
2. Special purpose computers

• General-purpose computers

These are computers designed solely to solve a vast variety of problems e.g it can be used for Word processing and at the same time used for graphics, database, spreadsheet etc.

• Special purpose computers

These are computers designed solely to solve a restricted class of problem e.g computer for medical diagnosis, weapon guidance, traffic control, weather study and forecast etc.

General evaluation

1. What is the difference between general-purpose computers and special purpose computers?
2. Explain the following: digital, analogue and hybrid computers.
3. Give any two examples of the general-purpose computer.
4. Mention the classification of the computer by purpose.

Reading assignment

Hiit Data Processing For Senior Secondary Education, Pg 13

Weekend assignment

1. How many classifications of computers do we have?   2    B.  4    C.   7  D.  3
2. The generation of the computer that uses AI is     A.  third   B.  second   C.  fifth    D.  first
3. ……..is the smallest and the most popular class of computers.   Micro  B.  Mini   C.  Super   D.  Mainframe.
4. What type of computer combines both features of digital and Analogue computers?   micro  B.  hybrid   C.  digital   D.  super
5. Computers designed solely to solve a restricted class of problem is called  A.  general-purpose   B.  special-purpose   C.  digital    D.  analogue

Theory

1. List the classifications of computers according to type.
2. Explain the difference between the classifications of computers according to type.

 

In our next class, we will be talking more about Classification of Computers. We hope you enjoyed the class.

Should you have any further question, feel free to ask in the comment section below and trust us to respond as soon as possible.

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