CLASSIFICATION OF

COMPUTERS

Classification of Computers

A. Classification According to Purpose

a. General Purpose Computers- are computers that can perform a variety of

task.

Classification of ComputersA. Classification According to Purpose

b. Special – Purpose Computers – are computers that are designed to perform a single or specific task.

Classification of Computers

B. Classification According to Types of Processing

a. Analog Computers- are machines that represent variables or quantities using physical analogies.

b. Digital Computers – are machines that specialized in counting. Digital refers to the process in computers that manipulate binary numbers (0s) or (1 s).

Hybrid Computers -are machines that combine the measuring capabilities of analog and the counting capabilities of digital computers.

Classification of ComputersC. Classification According to Capacity

1. Microcomputers- are called personal computers(PC).

- are the smallest and least expensive category of general – purpose computers.

Three classifications:1. Desktops PCs2. Laptop and notebook computers3.Palmtop computers

Classification of Computers

C. Classification According to Capacity

2. Workstations -are similar to PCS. but having greater memory and more extensive mathematical abilities.- connected to other workstations or personal computers to exchange data.

b. Minicomputers – called as midrange.- are small, inexpensive and compact computers

that perform the same functions as mainframe computers ,but to a limited extent.

-used in process control, scientific and engineering applications.

Classification of ComputersC. Classification According to Capacity4. Mainframe computers –have memory, speed

and capabilities than minicomputers and are usually shared by multiple users through series of interconnected computers.

5. Supercomputer – are the most powerful computers in terms of processing power thus considered as the fastest computers.

- can process complex and time consuming calculations such as weather predictions.