1.5 Types of Computers
These categories are based on size, price and capabilities
Can we add these areas on this section i.e. 1.5?
Computers are classified according to:

Purpose – Whether the computer is general purpose or special purpose.

Type of Data Handled – is using analog, digital data or a combination of both.

Capacity – the volume of work that the computer can handle is large or small.

Technology – 1st ,2nd ,3rd ,4th generation

Size - main frame, super, mini,
General Purpose

Designed to handle variety of different problems and to meet different needs.

Normally weak in speed & efficiency as compared to Special purpose computer.

Use for applications such as payroll, accounts, inventory control, budgeting and sales analysis.
Special purpose

Designed to handle specific problem or to perform special task.

Use for specific task like Satellite tracking, industrial process, house hold devices.
Analog Computers

Analog computer were commonly used for scientific & engineering problems, particularly in
chemical industry, electric power plants, and petroleum refineries.

These type of computers are rarely use in current world.

Example an electric current meter, Fuel pump station meters etc.
Digital Computers
Digital computer are specialized in counting, the digital computer handles values that are in a discrete
(binary 1 or 0). Digital computer counts and answer the questions by the method of “HOW Many”. The
input data is represented by a number. These are used for the logical and arithmetic operations. All
commonly used computers are DIGITAL
Hybrid Computers

The combination of features of analog and digital computer is called Hybrid computer. Having
both digital & analog features.

Used in various areas of engineering, space vehicle

simulation and training of astronauts, passenger flight

radar system, also used to control robots.peripheral device?
Peripheral Devices (where can we fix this)
What is a peripheral device?

A peripheral device is any input or output component that connects to a computer

Standard components include:

Keyboard

Mouse

Display unit

Printer
2,6 Computer unit’s interaction diagram
1.5 Can we add this to types of computers…..coz of the last two