Classification of computers :

Classification on the basis of data processing techniques :

1.Analog computers :

Analog signal

Digital computers :

Digital signal

Hybrid computer :

Computer system that are used are available in various sizes. These computers also use a variety of support devices that help them to satisfy their processing needs.Due to this, computers can be classified on the basis of purpose, sizes and generations and data processing techniques.Computer can be classified on the basis of type of data they need to be processed. Though now a days most of our computers perform digital operation we can classify them into three classes on basis of data processing technique.The analog single is usually represented by a series of sine waves. These signals are of varying frequency or amplitude. Analog technology is used by broadcast and phone transmission conventionally.An analog computer is a form of computer that represent data as variable points along a continuous spectrum of value such as temperature, pressure, voltages etc. Output from an analog computer is generally in the form of readings on a series of dial or a graph on strip chart. Analog computers do not require any storage capability because they measure and compare quantities in a single operation.Analog computers were widely used in scientific and industrial applications where digital computers of the time lacked sufficient performance. Some typical examples include simulating dynamic systems(such simulations may be conducted in real time or at greatly accelerated rates, thereby allowing experimentation by repeated runs with altered variables.)- simulations of air-craft, nuclear-power plants, and industrial chemical processes.The digital signals that are travel can be represented in term of two states-positive(1) and non-positive(0). Each of these state is referred to as bit. The digital computers are used for measuring data in the digital form.Digital computers are high-speed, programmable, electronic devices that are capable of solving problems by processing information is discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and symbols that are expressed in binary form - i.e. using only the two digits 0 and 1. By counting, comparing, and manipulating these digits or their combinations according to a set of instructions held in its memory, a digital computer can perform such tasks as to control industrial processes and regulate the operations of machines; analyze and organize vast amounts of business data; and simulate the behaviour of dynamic systems such as global weather patterns and chemical reactions.A digital computer can be used to process numeric as well as non-numeric data. It can perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and logical operations. Most of the computers available today are digital computers.Digital computers can be further classified into two categories on the basis of their purpose asare those computers that are designed to meet the need of a special application. They are assigned to perform only a single job. So they execute their tasks quickly and efficiently. In these computers, program or instructions are permanently stored. Computers used in missile technology, furnaces, weapon designing, electrical appliances are some example of special purpose computers.are those computers which are designed to perform a variety of jobs or applications. As they run countless applications at the same time they are less efficient and slower than the special purpose computers when applied on the same task. The general purpose computers can be used in banking, manufacturing , sales analysis, personal usage etc.The Hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. It combines the best features of both types of computers, i.e. it has the speed of analog computer and the memory and accuracy of digital computer. Hybrid computers are used mainly in specialized applications where both kinds of data need to be processed. Therefore, they help the user, to process both continuous and discrete data.In a hospital, there may be number of analog devices like E.C.G. machine etc. Which are used to measure the person's heartbeat, temperature and other information. The information received from these devices is then supplied to digital computers to generate reports. Thus, this whole system uses hybrid computers. Most modern days laptops and palmtops that come equipped with tough technology are also examples of hybrid computer.