Presentation III Classification of Computers By Teacher Julio Cesar Peñaloza Castañeda

3.1 Types of Computers Computers are classified in a variety of ways depending upon the principles of working, construction, size and applications. Various types of computers are discussed in this section.

3.2 Analog and Digital computers The computers that process analog signals are known as Analog Computers. The analog signal is a continuous signal. Examples of Analog computers are the slide rule, ABACUS etc.

Digital Computers Computers that process digital signals are known as Digital Computers. The Digital signal is a discrete signal with two states 0 and 1. In practice, the digital computers are used and not analog.

3.3 Computer classification by size Personal Computers: PC is the term referred to the computer that is designed for use by a single person. The term ‘PC’ is frequently used to refer to desktop computers. Although PCs are used by individuals, they can also be used in computer networks. Laptops: A laptop or a notebook is a portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor, suitable for mobile use. There was a difference between laptops and notebooks in the past, but nowadays it has gradually died away.

Tablet Computer: It is a mobile computer with touch-screen display, circuitry and battery in a single unit. Tablets come equipped with sensors, including cameras, a microphone, an accelerometer and a touchscreen, with finger or stylus gestures substituting for the use of computer mouse and keyboard. Supercomputers: They're the most powerful computers in terms of speed of execution and large storage capacity. NASA uses supercomputers to track and control space explorations

Supercomputers A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer –Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second

Servers A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network –Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information

Mainframes A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

Embedded Computers An embedded computer is a special- purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product