A computer is a digital electrical machine that may be programmed to perform arithmetic or logical operations in a preset order (computation). Full form of Computer is Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research. Programs are collections of operations that modern computers are capable of performing. These programmes enable computers to do a wide range of jobs. A computer system is a “complete” computer that includes all of the hardware, operating system (main software), and peripherals necessary for “complete” operation. A connected and cooperative set of computers, such as a computer network or a computer cluster, is also referred to as a computer cluster. Additionally, enthusiasts often aim to build the best custom PC, tailored to their specific needs and preferences, by selecting high-quality components and optimizing performance for their intended use.
What are the types of Computer?
The computer can be classified into three categories based on its data handling capabilities:
- Analogue
- Digital
- Hybrid
a). Analogue Computer
These computers are made to deal with analogue data. Analogue data is data that changes over time and cannot be divided into discrete numbers. We can argue that analogue computers are utilised when exact values, such as speed, temperature, pressure, and current, are not required all of the time.
Analogue computers do not convert data from measuring devices into numbers or codes before accepting it. They record continual changes in physical quantities and display the results as a dial or scale reading. Analogue computers include things like speedometers and mercury thermometers.
Benefits of Analogue Computer
- Advantages of analogue computers include the ability to perform real-time operations and computations at the same time, as well as continuous representation of all data within the analogue machine’s range.
- It permits computations to be performed without the use of transducers to transform inputs or outputs to digital electronic form and vice versa in some applications.
- The problem can be scaled for the analogue computer’s dynamic range by the programmer. It sheds light on the issue and aids in the comprehension of the faults and their consequences.
b). Digital Computer
The purpose of a digital computer is to do computations and logical processes at a rapid rate. It takes raw data in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) as input and processes it using instructions stored in its memory to generate output. All current computers, such as laptops and desktop computers, as well as smartphones that we use at home and at work, are digital computers.
Benefits of Digital Computer
- It enables you to store a big amount of data and quickly access it whenever you need it.
- It is much easier to add new functionality to digital systems.
- Different applications can be employed in digital systems simply by changing the programme, with no changes to the hardware required.
- Because to advancements in IC technology, hardware costs are lower.
- Because the data is processed digitally, it has a high processing speed.
- It is extremely dependable since it employs error correction codes.
- The output is not impacted by noise, temperature, humidity, or other qualities of its components, resulting in improved reproducibility of results.
c). Hybrid Computer
The features of both analogue and digital computers are combined in a hybrid computer. It’s as fast as an analogue computer, but with the memory and precision of a digital computer. It has the ability to handle both continuous and discrete data. Before processing, it receives analogue signals and converts them to digital form. As a result, it is commonly employed in specialised applications that process both analogue and digital data. In petrol pumps, for example, a processor turns measurements of gasoline flow into amount and price. They’re also employed in aeroplanes, hospitals, and scientific research.
Benefits of Hybrid Computer
- Due to the analogue subsystem’s all-parallel architecture, it has a very fast computing performance.
- It generates more accurate and useful findings by being precise and speedy.
- It is capable of solving and managing large equations in real time.
- It aids with the processing of data on the internet.