Classify by Purpose:
They are two type of computers according to purpose.General purpose
Specific purpose
General purpose computers are built to perform a range of task and have the ability to store a large amount of data (programmes) .The efficiency of general purpose computers are low.
Specific purpose computers are design to perform a specific task . The efficiency of specific purpose computers are much better than general purpose computers
Classify by Data handling :
There are three types according to data handling.Analog computers
Digital computers
Hybrid computers
Analog computers :The principle of analog computers is measuring . These measuring are translated into data .such computers do not deal with the numbers .They measure continuous physical magnitude .
Digital computers : They operates with numbers or information.The data in digital computers are represented in digital form(0s and 1s).The results of digital computers are more accurate , efficient and faster .
Hybrid computers : They contain the features of both analog computers and digital computers .Analog computers are use for computational purposes and digital computers are use for storage .
Classify by function :
ServersWorkstations
Information Appliances
Embedded computers
Servers : Server computers provide a specific service. Such as Database Server is a computer to provide a Database service. Web Servers provide a web page and web applications
Workstations: These computers are intended to serve one user and contain special hardware not found on a personal computer .
Information Appliances: These computers are design to perform a specific tasks . such as editing text and playing music
Embedded computers : These computers are intended to operate a specific machine or device . Automobile may contain a number of embedded computers . Washing machine and DVD player contain only one embedded computer.
Classify by Size:-
There are four categoriesMicro computers
Mini computers
Main frame computers
Super computers
Micro computer system : These are normally standalone computers known as Personal computer (PC) or desktop computers . It is a small computer based on microprocessor . These are expensive computers and only one user can use at one time . It contain two type of memories RAM and ROM .
user friendly software are use in micro computer .
Example are :
Desktop computer
In_car computer
Game consoles
laptops and notebook computer
Smartphone
Programmable calculator
Mini computer system : Special software operate these computer . They can support more than one person usually from 4-200 user simultaneously .Mini computer are expensive and use as departmental computer or governmental institutions for data processing like hospital , universities , business. They are use as a server .
Main frame computer system : It is very large and expensive computers . hundred and thousand user use it simultaneously . It is mainly use in hospitals , universities and world governing body .
Super computer system : Super computers are fastest and very expensive . These computers require a lot of mathematical calculations . Modern super computers system are equipped with many processors enabling them to handle complex operation for example weather forecast . First super computer was developed by VON -Newman .