Classification of computers






CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

The computers can be classified based on the technology being used as: Digital, Analog and Hybrid.


DIGITAL COMPUTER

These computers are capable of processing information in discreate form. In digital technology data which can be in the forms of letters, symbols and numbers is represented in binary form i.e. 0’s and 1’s. binary digits are easily expressed in a digital computer by the presence (1) or absence (0) of current voltage. It computes by counting and adding operations. The digital is used in industrial, business and scientific applications. They are quite suitable for large volume data processing.

ANALOG COMPUTER

An analog computer works on continuously changeable aspects of physical
phenomenon such as fluid pressure, mechanical motion and electrical quantities. These computers measure changes in continuous physical quantities say current and voltage. These computers are used to process data generated by ongoing physical processes. A thermometer is an example of an analog computer since it measures the change in mercury level continuously. Although the accuracy of an analog computer is less as compared to digital computers, yet it is used to process data generated by changing physical quantities especially when the response to change is fast. Most present day analog computers are well suited to simulating systems. A simulator helps to conduct experiments repeatedly in real time environment. Some of the common examples are simulations in aircrafts, nuclear power plants, hydraulic and electronic networks.

HYBRID COMPUTER

This use both analog and digital technology. It has the speed of analog computer and the accuracy of a digital computer. It may accept digital or analog signals but an extensive conversion of data from digital to analog and analog to digital has to be done. Generally, the analog components provide efficient processing of differential equations while the digital part deals with logical operations of the system. Hence benefits of both analog and digital computing are readily available. Hybrid Computers are used as a cost-effective means for complex simulations.


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