Classification of the Computers
Computers are available in different shapes, size and weights, due to these different shapes and sizes they perform different sorts of jobs from one another.
They can also be classified in different ways. All the computers are designed by the qualified computer architectures that design these machines as their requirements.
A computer that is used in a home differs in size and shape from the computer being used in a hospital. Computers act as a server in large buildings, while the computer also differs in size and shape performing its job as a weather forecaster.
A student carrying a laptop with him to his college is different in shape and size from all the computers mentioned above. Here we are going to introduce different classifications of computers one by one. We will discuss what are in classifications and what job they perform.
computers are mainly categorized into four groups, they are:
On the basis of SIZE
Super Computer
Super Computer is the most powerful computer. The biggest in size, the most expensive in price than any other is classified and known as super computer. It can process trillions of instructions in seconds. This computer is not used as a PC in a home neither by a student in a college.
Governments specially use this type of computer for their different claculations and heavy jobs. Different industries also use this huge computer for designing their products.
In most of the Hollywood's movies it is used for animation purposes. This kind of computer is also helpful for forecasting weather reports worldwide.
Mainframes
Mainframe computer is the largest type of computer for common use. They have very large storage capacity and have a very high processing speed. they support large number of terminals. Until the dawn of the personal computer in the early 1980s, computers were large, multiple cabinet affairs that required special room conditions and trained operators and programmers. Mainframe computers, the larger of the computers can literally fill a room. These large computers, sold by IBM, Amdahl, Unisys, Hitachi, and others, are used to fulfill the computing needs of large companies and corporations and are also used in large telecommunications centers. They are very powerful with huge amounts of storage and processing capability. The drawbacks to the mainframe computer for use as a personal computer are its size, its immense amount of computing power, and its price, which can run into the millions of dollars.
Minicomputer
A mini computer is the computer which is referred to as the mid sized computers and they serve as the same functions as the normal desktop computers. Mini computers are the one which are fond between the main frame computers and the work station computers. These types of computers are quite easy to be handled and are serving the similar functions as other computers. This size computer ca support a larger range of people. The total numbers of people who can use the mini computers are from 4-400 users at the same time. At times the mini computers are often referred to as the multi processing computers which show that the computer can be used to perform certain tasks at the same time.
The other distinction that exists among the mini computers is that the computer had its own different types of hardware and software's. Even at time the operating system unit in the mini computers is also different this in fact is the major difference among all the other computers and the mini computers. Minicomputer was the invention that took place at the second generation of computers. The first level of computers that had been used among people was the micro computers. These are the computers which are very smaller in size and they can be carried at any place and then after them the mini computers were developed with some of the changes made in them. People in the olden times had been liking working with it but when the new sort of computers were developed, people began to show more insert in them and then later on the demand for the minicomputer was decreased but in today's world this type of computer is not all used among people. On the whole in olden times the minicomputers were referred as the stand alone computers.
Micro computer
Micro computer is the smallest computer of all. It is based on microchips. It is commonly found in offices, schools, homes, desktop etc. Mainframe computer is huge in size so it occupies whole room whereas a microcomputer can be put on a table or a bag. Because of its extensive use in home, microcomputers are also known as Home Computers or Personal Computers.
Micro computers come in different brand, model and sizes. laptop computer and Notebook are the popular micro computers. Though they are very small and light weight, they have high storage and processing capacity.
On the basis of Brand
There are many brands of computers available in the market manufactured by different companies. In general, computers come under following categories:
- IBM PC
- IBM Compatibles
- Apple / Macintosh
1. IBM PC
IBM PC is the largest computer manufacturing company establishing USA. The computer manufacture by IBM PC or branded computer. Personal Computer(PC) is the most important type of micro computer system. The micro computer manufacture by IBM company are called IBM PC. These computers are reliable, durable and have better quality but they are costly.
2. IBM Compatibles
The computers that have some functional characteristics and principles of IBM computer are called IBM compatibles. In other word, all the computer are manufactured by the another companies rather than IBM company are Known as IBM compatibles. All the software and hardware of IBM compatibles. These are Cheaper and their parts are easily available in Market. They are also duplicate or assemble computer.
3. Apple/Macintosh Computer
All the computers manufacture by apple cooperation, a leading computers manufacturing computer of USA are known as Apple/Macintosh computers. These computer use their own software and hardware. The are totally different than that of IBM computers, In terms of both hardware and software. For e.g. software developed for apple computer can't run or BM computers and vice-versa. Similarly, floppy disk formatting in IBM computer con't be recognized by apple Macintosh computer and vice-versa. It are popularly used in desktop publishing (DTP) houses as they provide better quality of graphic output.
Classified by Size and Chassis/Case
Actual personal computers can be generally classified by size and chassis /case. The chassis or case is the metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic components. Every computer system requires at least one chassis to house the circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also contains slots for expansion boards. If you want to insert more boards than there are slots, you will need an expansion chassis, which provides additional slots. There are two basic flavors of chassis designs-desktop models and tower models-but there are many variations on these two basic types. Then come the portable computers that are computers small enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and subnotebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.
Tower model
The term refers to a computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop models, in which these components are housed in a more compact box. The main advantage of tower models is that there are fewer space constraints, which makes installation of additional storage devices easier.
Desktop Model
A computer designed to fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model computers are narrow and tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers are generally limited to three internal mass storage devices.
Notebook Computer
An extremely lightweight personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the principal difference between a notebook computer and a personal computer is the display screen. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky screen. The computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost about twice as much as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.
Laptop Computer
A small, portable computer- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Now a days, laptop computers are more frequently called notebook computers.
Subnotebook Computer
A portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. Typically, sub notebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise equivalent to notebook computers.
Hand-held Computer
A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one's hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have ot replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (Personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book. Some manufacturers are trying to solve the small keyboard problem by replacing the keyboard with an electronic pen. However, these pen-based devices rely on handwriting recognition technologies, which are still in their infancy. Hand-held computers are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.
Palmtop
A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. How ever, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
PDA
Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice imput by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton Message Pad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their high price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually become common gadgets. PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
No comments:
Post a Comment