Classification of Computers on the Basis of generation

Generation of computer:
The first computers appeared somewhere in the sixteenth century. The original computers
experienced numerous modifications and advancements that led to the stylish modern computers
we see today. Its size, price, precision, and speed have all increased over time. It was time-
consuming. As a result, it has been separated into successive stages known as “computer
generations.”

The different types of generation of computers are:

First Generation Computers (1940-1956)

These computers were very heavy and really large in size. They occupy a full room and consume
a lot of electricity. They do not use an OS. As they use high-level programming languages, it was
a difficult task to do programming on them. A fragile glass device called a vacuum tube is used
as the technology behind it. They are used for calculation, storage, and control purposes.

Important first-generation computers are ENIAC, EVAC, UNIVAC, etc.

Second Generation Computers (1956 – 1963)

Instead of bulky vacuum tubes, transistor technology is used in second-generation computers.
The use of transistors makes it perform better than the first. It is much smaller in size and
requires a lesser amount of energy compared to the first generation.
Examples include: IBM 1920, IBM 7094, CDC 3600, etc.

Third Generation Computers (1964 – 1971)

Here use of transistors can be taken the place of Integrated Circuit. This makes the computers to
work with more efficiency and reliability. Size also reduced.

Examples includes – CDC 1700, IBM – 360 Series.

Fourth Generation Computers (1971 – Present)

Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Circuits, or simply microprocessors, are used in this
generation. A microprocessor chip is made up of thousands of integrated circuits built on a single
silicon chip. In this generation, the use of personal computers (PCs) has increased.
Examples include: Apple, CRAY-1, etc.

Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)

It is based on artificial intelligence (AI). AI helps in describing the medium and the way of
making computers like humans, like how humans think and how humans act, etc. Research work
is carried out in this area, and it is an emerging branch.

Examples include PARAM 10000, IBM notebooks, etc.

Classification of Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity

1. Super Computer
A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of computer for
processing data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also huge (can occupy huge
premises) designed to process vast amounts of data in a short time with high productivity.

These are specially made to perform multi-specific tasks. Therefore, many CPUs work in parallel
order on these supercomputers. This function of a Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or
Parallel Processing. A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous,
combining computers of different architectures, is significantly surpassed most existing personal

computers. This made this machine an ultra-high-performance supercomputer. Each part of a

supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and solving the most
complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.

Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –

 In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft,
airplanes, and flight simulators.
 Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
 Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
 Used in scientific research laboratories.
 Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.

2. Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers, and multi-user,
which means they can handle the workload of more than 100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data process as well. As
well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a time.
The mainframe is a highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously solving complex
calculations and continuously for a long time. These computers have several microprocessors
that have the ability to function the data at too high performance and speed.
The mainframe is ahead of our conventional modern Personal computers in almost every metric.
The possibility of their “hot” replacement in the mainframe computer ensures continuity of
operation. And the standard amount of processor utilization effortlessly exceeds 85% of the total
power. Somehow mainframes can be more powerful than supercomputers because the mainframe
supports many processes simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers can run a single
program but faster than a mainframe. In the past, Mainframes requires entire rooms or even
floors of whole buildings for set up. In today, IBM company is leading the production of
mainframe computers. Mainframe reliability is increased with development in the past 60 years.
These computers can fix most of the hardware and software bugs.
Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –
Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like
Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like railways.
These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on these computations
simultaneously. Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments,
research centres, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking,
maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.

3. Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than one
CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers simultaneously instead of a single person.
Also, it can process with other accessories like a printer, plotter, etc. Minicomputers are the
medium type of computers that have more functionality power and are expensive than
microcomputers. On the other hand, the size, storage, and speed of minicomputers are large but
less than the mainframe and supercomputers.
Minicomputers are made for performing multiple computing tasks at a single point of time,
instead of assigning many microcomputers for a single task, which will be time-consuming and
expensive.
In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a time) capable of
supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these computers are currently used to
store large databases, multi-user applications, and the automation industry.
Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –
The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings, and Research
Centres. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for employees’ salaries, records,
tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field of Higher Education and Engineering.
Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
Good to Know ~ PDP-1 was the world’s first minicomputer, small and interactive,
introduced in 1960 by the Digital Equipment Corporation.

4. Micro Computer
Today we are using many computers at home is also the most common microcomputer. With this
invention of the microprocessors in the year 1970, it became possible to use computers for
people personally at a low cost and reasonable price known as Digital Personal Computer.
The design of microcomputers is minimal in size and storage capacity. These computers consist
of many parts like Input and Output devices, Software, operating systems, networks, and Servers
all these need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital Computer.
There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. Other examples of the
microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop, and workstation. This can be
installed in any work area or even at home for personal use. The primary purpose of
microcomputers is to keep and process the everyday tasks and needs of the people. Only one
person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system is multitasking. The PC can be
connected to the Internet to take benefits and enhance the user experience.
The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimized energy consumption, and the LAN
made the microcomputers increase in demand for every field.

The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people leads
to the tremendous development of each part related to the microcomputers.
Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –
PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection, business, education,
entertainment, publishing, etc.
It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small businesses, creating bills,
accounting, word processing, and operation of the filing systems in a large company.
Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.
Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops.
The fast development of microcomputers with technology. As a result, today, microcomputers
coming in the form of a book, a phone, and even a clock in the name of a digital clock.

Classification of Computers on the Basis Purpose

1. General Purpose
General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word processing letter,
Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing documents, creating databases, and
calculations with accuracy and consistency.
The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The ability of these
computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has versatility and useful for serving
people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the environment.
Examples:
Desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general purposes.

2. Special Purpose
These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage
capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. The
function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.
The special computer needs specific and input and devices as well as a compatible motherboard
with the processor to conduct work efficiently.
These computers are used for special purposes in weather forecasting, space research,
agriculture, engineering, meteorology, satellite operation, traffic control, and research in
chemical sciences.
Examples:
 Automatic teller machines (ATM),
 Washing machines,
 Surveillance equipment,
 Weather-forecasting simulators,
 Traffic-control computers,
 Defense-oriented applications,
 Oil-exploration systems,
 Military planes controlling computers.

Classification of Computers on the Basis of Hardware

Design and Data Handling.
1. Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes
continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like the voltage,
pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.
It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations of numbers, the length of an
object, or the amount of voltage that passes through a point in an electrical circuit. Analog
computers obtain all their data from some measurement way.
Analog computers are mainly used in the fields of science and engineering. Analog computers
are slow and equipped to measure things rather than countable or check.
The efficiency of this computer increases when we get the result of the data in graphs, etc.
Analog Computers cannot store statistics.
They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc.
Because quantities like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used more in these
areas, these types of computers give only approximate estimates.
Advantages of using analogue computers:
• It allows real-time operations and computation at the same time and continuous representation
of all data within the rage of the analogue machine.
• In some applications, it allows performing calculations without taking the help of transducers
for converting the inputs or outputs to digital electronic form and vice versa.
•The programmer can scale the problem for the dynamic range of the analogue computer. It
provides insight into the problem and helps understand the errors and their effects.
Examples:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of the
pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously while
measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.
A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog computing.

2. Digital Computer
As its name suggests, a digital computer represents the digital computer’s letters, numerical
values, or any other special symbols. This computer is the computer that calculates the number
for processing the data.
They run on electronic signs, and the binary numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for
calculation. Their speed is fast.
It can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction, multiplication, or
division and all types of logical (mathematical) operations. Today, most of the computers
available in the market are digital computers.
Digital computers are built to bring the solution of equations to an almost unlimited precision,
but in a bit slow manner compared to analog computers. To some extent, they all have similar
components for receiving, processing, sorting, and transmitting data and use a relatively small
number of essential functions to perform their tasks.
Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for operation rather than continuous electrical
signals as analog computers have, making them the most common form of computers today
because of their versatility, speed, and power.
The desktop or Laptop at our home is one the common and best example of a digital computer.
Advantages of digital computers:
• It allows you to store a large amount of information and to retrieve it easily whenever you need
it.
• You can easily add new features to digital systems more easily.
• Different applications can be used in digital systems just by changing the program without
making any changes in hardware
• The cost of hardware is less due to the advancement in the IC technology.
• It offers high speed as the data is processed digitally.
• It is highly reliable as it uses error correction codes.
• Reproducibility of results is higher as the output is not affected by noise, temperature,
humidity, and other properties of its components.

Other Examples of Digital Computers

 Personal Desktop Computers,
 Calculators,
 Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
 Chromebooks ,
 Digital watch,
 Accounting machines,
 Workstations,
 Digital clock, etc

3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and digital
properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid computers is
to provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital devices.
The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best of
both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations, even
when those calculations are incredibly complex.
As both the properties of a computer consist in the form of a single hybrid computer made
possible to solve too complex calculations or problems, at the same time, these devices are not
only too expensive but also able to solve complex issues a bit fastly.
Incorporating the properties of both (analog and digital) computers into hybrid computers makes
it possible to resolve more difficult equations immediately.
The analog computer systems solve the equation process immediately. But it is not necessary
that those solutions would be completely accurate.
Here, the digital computer system gives 100 % correct solutions, but it takes a bit of time in the
calculation. Therefore, Hybrid computers are made to overcome the flaws of both these analog
and digital systems.
Advantages of using hybrid computers:
• Its computing speed is very high due to the all-parallel configuration of the analogue
subsystem.
• It produces precise and quick results that are more accurate and useful.
• It has the ability to solve and manage big equation in real-time.
• It helps in the on-line data processing.

APPLICATION OF HYBRID COMPUTERS

Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centres, organizations,
and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be solved).
Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers have proved to be much more detailed,
accurate, and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific calculations, for nations’ defence
and radar systems as well.
Examples:
Auto Gasoline pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is installed
on a petrol pump do not only to measure the amount of petrol but also to calculate its
value, in this way It is capable of both functions i.e. hybrid function.

Types & Functionality of Micro Computers

Let us study the types and functionality of micro-computers:

Main Types

Microcomputers, such as personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets, and smartphones, are
widely used for various purposes. PCs offer diverse functionality like word processing, internet
browsing, and gaming.
Functionality

Laptops are popular due to their portability while providing features similar to those of PCs.
Tablets serve as versatile devices for entertainment and productivity tasks. Smartphones have
become essential for communication on the go.

Flynn's Classification of Computer Architecture

To further understand the classification of computers, let us study Flynn's classification of

computer architecture:

Types of Architectures

Flynn's classification categorizes computer architectures into SISD (Single Instruction Single
Data), SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data), MISD (Multiple Instruction Single Data), and
MIMD (Multiple Instruction Multiple Data).

SISD

SISD is the conventional architecture found in most general-purpose computers. It processes

one instruction at a time on a single piece of data.

SIMD

SIMD architecture executes the same operation on multiple pieces of data simultaneously. This
type of architecture is commonly utilized in parallel processing systems to enhance performance
by concurrently processing large amounts of data.

MISD

MISD architecture is a unique design where multiple instructions are executed simultaneously
on a single data set. This approach allows for increased parallelism and can benefit specific
applications requiring complex operations on the same data set.
MIMD

MIMD is a type of parallel computing architecture where multiple processors execute different
instructions on different data sets simultaneously. This allows for tasks to be divided among
processors, increasing overall efficiency and speed in processing large amounts of data.