Classification of computers by types

Computers can be classified by types into THREE major types. They are:

DIGITAL COMPUTER

ANALOGUE COMPUTER

HYBRID COMPUTER

• DIGITAL COMPUTER

This is the most common type of computer today. It measures physical quantities by counting. Examples are calculator,digital wrist watches, digital fuel dispenser etc.

• ANALOGUE COMPUTER

This type of computer is used to measure and process continuous data such as speed, temperature, heartbeat etc. Examples are speedometer, thermometer etc.

• HYBRID COMPUTER

This type of computer combines the features of digital and analogue computers together. It is a combinations of digital and analogue computers.

EVALUATION

1. List the classification of computers according to type
2. Explain the difference between the classifications of computer according to type.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY FUNCTIONALITY

Classification of computer according to purpose can be grouped into two (2), namely:

1. General purpose computers
2. Special purpose computers

• SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTERS

These are computers designed solely to solve a restricted class of problem e.g computer for medical diagnosis, weapon guidance, traffic control, weather study and forecast etc.

• GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTERS

These are computers designed solely to solve a vast variety of problems e.g it can be used for Word processing and at the same time used for graphics, database, spreadsheet etc.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is the difference between general purpose computers and special purpose computers?
2. Explain the following: digital, analogue and hybrid computers.
3. Give any two examples of general purpose computer.
4. Mention classification of computer by purpose.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Hiit Data Processing For Senior Secondary Education, Pg 13

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. How many classifications of computers do we have?  A.  2    B.  4    C.   7  D.  3
2. The generation of computerthat uses AI is     A. third   B.  second   C.  fifth    D.  first
3. ……..is the smallest and the most popular class of computers.  A.  Micro  B.  Mini   C.  Super   D.  Mainframe.
4. What type of computercombines both features of digital and Analogue computers?  A.  micro  B.  hybrid   C.  digital   D.  super
5. Computers designed solely to solve a restricted class of problem is called    A.  general purpose   B.  special purpose   C.  digital    D.  analogue

THEORY

1. List the classifications of computers according to type.
2. Explain the difference between the classifications of computers according to type.