Classification of Computers

Computers can be examined from several different viewpoints and classified and classified according to many different criteria. The definitions of computer classes are vague for a number of reasons. Advances in technology tend to blur classification based on application, simply depending on the size and requirements of the application of the application. Cost is also another single characteristic for distinguishing the above computer classes. As time goes on, advances in technology make higher performances available for the same price, matching the demands of users of a particular computer class. Because the definition of computer classes is not clear, different people and different authors place the same machine in different categories. However, most computers at any given time will clearly fall into one class or another. In conclusion the general concepts of architecture and programming discussed are applicable to computers of all classes. This classification is based mainly on their processing speeds and their capacity to store date. They are 1. Super Computers; These are high-capacity computers that cost millions of dollars, occupy special air-conditioned rooms. And are often used for research. Among their uses are oil exploration, aircraft design and other mathematical research, for example Cray-I, ILLIAC IV. 2. Mainframe Computers: these are less powerful than super computers. They are fast and are used by large organizations like banks, airlines, insurance and other multi-national companies. They are built to handle millions of transactions. 3. Mini Computers: these are midrange computers. They are generally refrigerator size machines that are essentially scaled-down speeds and data-storing capacities, they have been typically used by medium-sized companies. Mini computers are been replaced by a network of microcomputers, such as HP 100 and PDP 11/70. 4. Microcomputers: These are small computers that can fit on a desktop or in one’s briefcase. Microcomputers are of two types, i.e. personal and workstations. Personal computers include desktops, laptops, notebooks and palmtops, and are found in most businesses. Workstations are expensive, powerful desktop machines used mainly by engineers and scientists for sophisticated purposes, and are usually intelligent. Workstations are often connected to a larger computer system to facilitate the transfer of data and information. • DESKTOP COMPUTER: these are the computers mostly seen in Ghana. They are normally put on top of a desk with their system unit most at times looking like a rectangular flat box on which the monitor that looks like a television set is placed on. At times the system unit comes in the form of a straight box known as the tower and the monitor is placed beside it unlike the flat type, which the monitor is put on top of it. • LAPTOP COMPUTER: Laptop computers are not common in Ghana as compared to that of the desktop. They look like a small suitcase and have all its parts and accessories molded together. • PALMTOP OR NOTEBOOK COMPUTER: this is the smallest of all types of computers and is scarcely seen in our country. They are very small and looks like a scientific calculator, which can easily fix into human hand i.e. can be placed on the palm. In the technological era we find ourselves, palmtop computers can now perform many of the tasks that desktop computers are known to execute. 5. Micro Controllers: these are also known as embedded computers, and are installed in smart appliances like microwave ovens, electronic games etc. Digital Computers: a device that manipulates discrete data and performs arithmetic and logic operations on these data. Analogue: a device that operates on data in the form of continuously variable physical quantities. Hybrid: a data processing device using both analogue and discrete data representation.