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5 Classification of Computers

Classification of Computers

Jude Nguyen |

Key Takeaways:

  • Supercomputers handle complex calculations. Embedded systems power household appliances. Explore 4 classification of computers by size, purpose, function, and processing capabilities. Also, find the best fit for various tasks.
  • Discover the wide range of modern computers, along with other high-tech products and home appliances, at KWT Tech Mart. We’re happy to deliver within Kampala and the rest of Uganda.

Classification of Computers Based on Size

When classified based on size, the classifications of computers include four categories:

  1. Supercomputers

These computers are the largest, most expensive, and most powerful machines in terms of data processing and performance. They leverage AI and can range from clusters of 100 or 1,000 smaller computers to vast, dedicated facilities. Notable examples include Google Sycamore,  Fugaku, and Frontier.

Supercomputers are primarily used for high-performance computations across various fields. These fields include quantum mechanics, climate research, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, and physics simulations. In addition to these applications, supercomputers have historically played a crucial role in cryptanalysis.

Supercomputers

The Frontier supercomputer. Source: scientificamerican.com

  1. Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers, while less powerful than supercomputers, are quite expensive. The key strength of mainframe computers is their ability to support even thousands of users running multiple programs simultaneously.

Large companies commonly use mainframes for processing transactions, storing customer data, and serving as servers. In government organizations, they are typically used for processing population data and maintaining insurance records. Popular examples include the IBM zSeries mainframes (IBM z14 and IBM z15), Fujitsu GS21 Series, and Hitachi VOS3.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers. Source: networkworld.com

  1. Minicomputers

Minicomputers are smaller, slower, and more affordable than large computers, yet they retain many of the same features. These medium-sized multiprocessing systems can support up to 250 simultaneous users. Popular examples of minicomputers include the PDP-11, IBM AS/400e, Honeywell 200, and TI-990.

Small businesses and industries commonly use minicomputers for daily tasks. This may include business transaction processing, file processing, and database management.

Minicomputers

Minicomputer. Source: computinghistory.org.uk

  1. Microcomputers

Microcomputers or Personal Computers (PCs) are those that could be located in each home, school, or office. They were given the name because they had been designed to perform their functions by one person at a time. The most common forms are laptops, desktops, mobile phones, and notebooks.

Nowadays, personal computers are becoming an essential part of our life. They are highly utilized for education purposes, entertainment, research work, online shopping, and many other fields.

Microcomputers

Desktops are a usual form of microcomputers.

Classification of Computers According to Purpose

When considering the categories of computers based on purpose, they are divided into two categories:

  1. General Purpose Computers (GPCs)

These computers are "general-purpose" in that they can, in principle, be programmed to perform any feasible computation. Their versatility and programmability allow them to address a broad range of problems using diverse applications and software. Some familiar GPCs are:

  • Turing Completeness: GPCs can simulate any computation or algorithm that can be represented by an algorithm, which shows their broad functionality.
  • Programmability: These computers can execute different applications, which makes them adaptable to various user needs. 
  • General Purpose Operating Systems: Operating systems like Windows, macOS, or Linux provide GPCs to give an interactive user interface and to manage hardware resources.
  • Input and Output Capabilities: GPCs have input devices like keyboards and mice. Besides that, output devices like monitors and speakers provide interaction and feedback to and from the user.
GPCs

Windows operating system laptops are an example of GPCs.

  1. Special Purpose Computers (SPCs)

These computers are designed to execute one or a limited number of functions with extraordinary performance and speed. Some of the common examples of SPCs include:

  • Embedded Systems: They are programmable systems that, when inserted into devices, control specific functions, for example, car engine controllers. 
  • Digital Signal Processors: These are types of computers that have wide applications for audio signal processing, image compression, and telecommunication.
  • Automated Teller Machines: These ATMs are specialised computers, used only within banking and customer relationships.
  • Medical Equipment: These are machines that are engineered to scan and process medical images; for example, MRI and CT.
  • Spaceship Computers: These are computers that are optimized for space missions in very uncomfortable environmental conditions.
SPCs

ATMs are specialized computers that are used only within banking. Source: timo.vn

Classification of Computers Based on Function

Based on functionality, there are four classification of computers:

  1. Servers

Servers are powerful computers specifically designed to deliver resources, data, or programs to other devices (clients) within a network. In essence, any computer that provides shared resources to clients qualifies as a server. This role encompasses both the hardware and software enabling these functions.

Common types of servers include network resource management servers, database servers, and storage servers. Each serves a distinct purpose in facilitating seamless connectivity and functionality.

Servers

Storage server. Source: novabackup.com

  1. Workstation

Workstations are computers designed for single-user use and optimized for professional tasks like engineering and 3D modeling. To qualify as a workstation, a system must offer key capabilities like high performance, data integrity, and scalability.

These machines are significantly more powerful than standard personal computers. Popular workstation brands include Dell Precision, Lenovo P Series, and Z by HP.

Workstation

A PC workstation

  1. Embedded Systems

These are computers designed to perform a single function within a larger system, device, or machine. They control the device and enable user interaction.

Real-world examples of embedded systems can be found in industrial machinery, vehicles, and household appliances. For instance, a car's GPS or a washing machine's water valve control system are common applications.

Embedded Systems

Embedded systems commonly control the water valves in washing machines.

  1. Information Appliances

These are small, portable computers optimized to perform simple everyday tasks like basic computing, web browsing, and taking photos. Examples of Information Appliances include smartphones, PDAs, cameras, and digital music players.

Information Appliances

Smartphones are a common form of information appliances.

Computer's Classification Based on Capacity

Based on data processing capabilities, there are three categories of computers:

  1. Analogue Computers

Computers that use mechanical or hydraulic components, rather than electronic circuits, to perform calculations are called analog computers. These computers work with continuous data and can efficiently manage physical quantities.

Instead of using numbers, analog computers perform arithmetic calculations based on measurable quantities, like mechanical motion or gear rotation. In analog computers, data is processed as continuous signals. Meanwhile, in digital computers, data is transmitted as discrete (or discontinuous) signals.

Analogue Computers

Analog computers are a classification of computers that process continuous data using physical quantities like voltage or motion. Source: technikum29.de

Analog computers are particularly effective at solving differential equations and simulating dynamic systems. As a result, they are often used in flight simulation, physics experiments, and industrial process control. They are also applied in some medical fields, where physical quantities, like voltage or pressure, represent variables in a problem.

In our daily lives, analog computers can be found in many household appliances. For example, the refrigeration system in a refrigerator uses an analog control mechanism. This mechanism helps maintain the desired cooling level while minimizing energy consumption.

  1. Digital Computers

The main difference between analog and digital computers is that analog computers process continuous data using physical quantities. In contrast, digital computers use discrete data represented in digital form. This makes them more flexible and suitable for a variety of tasks. In addition, digital computers are less complex and give accurate results with lower power consumption.

Digital Computers

Digital cameras are a form of digital computers.

More specifically, digital computers operate with binary numbers 0 and 1. These are engineered to perform arithmetic operations and, therefore, process and manipulate complex data. The three most critical components of a digital computer entail input, processing, and output.

Some examples of digital computers in day-to-day life involve digital watches, smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras.

  1. Hybrid Computers

A hybrid computer combines features of both analog and digital computers. Such a combination allows hybrid computers to perform many tasks efficiently and effectively. This takes maximum advantage of the benefits of both digital and analog technologies.

Hybrid computers are primarily used in applications requiring high-speed continuous data processing combined with calculation accuracy. Thus, they are helpful in studies related to engineering, medicine, or science.

Hybrid Computers

Lenovo ThinkPad

Examples in daily life include the Lenovo ThinkPad series, which is favored because of its high resistance and good performance. They also have good security features and were designed specifically for business executives.