What is the name given to the large computer that is used when processing large amounts of data and information?

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling capabilities.

So, on the basis of size, there are five types of computers:

Supercomputer
Mainframe computer
Minicomputer
Workstation
PC (Personal Computer)

And on the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer:

Analogue Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer

Now let us discuss each type of computer in detail:

1. Supercomputer:

When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Characteristics of supercomputers:

Supercomputers are the computers which are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason which makes it even more faster.
It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world such as bitcoin etc.
It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

2. Mainframe computer:

Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that it can support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.

Characteristics of mainframe computers:

It is also an expensive or costly computer.
It has high storage capacity and great performance.
It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

3. Minicomputer:

Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management etc. It is smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

Characteristics of minicomputer:

Its weight is low.
Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
less expensive than a mainframe computer.
It is fast.

4. Workstation:

Workstation is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.

Characteristics of Workstation:

It is expensive or high in cost.
They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
It provides large storage capacity, with better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a PC.
It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and editing.

5. PC (Personal Computer):

It is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose computer and designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.

Characteristics of PC (Personal Computer):

In this limited number of software can be used.
It is smallest in size.
It is designed for personal use.
It is easy to use.

6. Analogue Computer:

It is particularly designed to process analogue data. Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called analogue data. So, an analogue computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.

7. Digital Computer:

Digital computers are designed in such a way that it can easily perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as an input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.

8. Hybrid Computer:

As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like an analog computer and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer. So, it has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data is required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.

Sample Questions

Question 1. On the basis of data handling capabilities, how many computers are there?

(A) 5

(B) 3

(C) 2

(D) None of the above

Solution:

The correct option is B i.e., 3
On the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer which are Analogue Computer, Digital Computer, Hybrid Computer.

Question 2. Which computer can deal with analogue data?

(A) Analogue Computer

(B) Digital Computer

(C) both a and b

(D) None of the above

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., Analogue computer

Analogue computer is particularly designed to process analogue data. A continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called Analogue data.

Question 3. __________ is also known as a Microcomputer.

(A) Supercomputer

(B) Minicomputer

(C) Workstation

(D) Personal computer

Solution:

The correct option is D, i.e., Personal computer

Question 4. Which type of computer has two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.

(A) Minicomputer

(B) Personal computer

(C) Analogue computer

(D) All of the above

Solution:

The correct option is A, i.e., Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium sized multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.

Question 5. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones, are ______________computers.

(A) Hybrid

(B) Analogue

(C) Digital

(D) Supercomputer

Solution:

The correct option is C, i.e., digital

Computer : is an electronic device that operates (works) under the control of programs stored in its own memory unit.
A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data to give information as output. An electronic device that accepts data as input, and transforms it under the influence of a set of special instructions called Programs, to produce the desired output (referred to as Information). Explanations; A computer is described as an electronic device because; it is made up of electronic components and uses electric energy (such as electricity) to operate. A computer has an internal memory, which stores data & instructions temporarily awaiting processing, and even holds the intermediate result (information) before it is communicated to the recipients through the Output devices. It works on the data using the instructions issued, means that, the computer cannot do any useful job on its own. It can only work as per the set of instructions issued. A computer will accept data in one form and produce it in another form. The data is normally held within the computer as it is being processed.

Program:

A computer Program is a set of related instructions written in the language of the computer & is used to make the computer perform a specific task (or, to direct the computer on what to do). A set of related instructions which specify how the data is to be processed. A set of instructions used to guide a computer through a process.

Data: Is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions that do not have much meaning to the user.

Data may be in form of numbers, alphabets/letters or symbols, and can be processed to produce information.

TYPES OF DATA.

There are two types/forms of data:

a). Digital (discrete) data:

Digital data is discrete in nature. It must be represented in form of numbers, alphabets or symbols for it to be processed by a computer. Digital data is obtained by counting. E.g. 1, 2, 3 …

b). Analogue (continuous) data:

Analogue data is continuous in nature. It must be represented in physical nature in order to be processed by the computer. Analogue data is obtained by measurement. E.g. Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Lengths or currents, etc. The output is in form of smooth graphs from which the data can be read.

Data Processing:

It is the process of collecting all items of data together & converting them into information.

Processing refers to the way the data is manipulated (or handled) to turn it into information.

The processing may involve calculation, comparison or any other logic to produce the required result. The processing of the data usually results in some meaningful information being produced.

Information: is the data which has been refined, summarized & manipulated in the way you want it, or into a more meaningful form for decision-making. The information must be accurate, timely, complete and relevant.

Characteristics / Features of a Computer.

Before 20th century, most information was processed manually or by use of simple machines. Today, millions of people are using computers in offices and at home to produce and store all types of information The following are some of the attributes that make computers widely accepted & used in the day-to-day activities in our society: 1. Speed. Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many functions within a very short time. They can perform a much complicated task much faster than a human being. The speed of a computer is measured in Fractions of seconds. Millisecond - a thousandth of a second (10-3) Microsecond - a millionth of a second (10-6) Nanosecond - a thousand millionth of a second (10-9) Picosecond - a million millionth of a second (10-12) The speed of a computer is usually linked to the technology used to build it. a). 1st Generation computers (1940s & early 1950s). • The computers were built using Vacuum tubes, and the speed was measured in Milliseconds. E.g., a computer could perform 5,000 additions & 300 multiplications per second.

b). 2nd Generation computers (1950s & early 1960s). Were built using Transistors. Their operation speeds increased & were measured in Microseconds. E.g., a computer could perform 1 million additions per second.

c). Mid 1960s. Integrated Circuit (IC), which combined a no. of transistors & diodes together on a silicon chip, was developed. The speed increased to tens of millions of operations per second. d). In 1971, Intel Corporation produced a very small, single chip called a Microprocessor, which could perform all the operations on the computer’s processor. The chip contained about 1,600 transistors. e). Today’s microprocessors are very powerful, cheaper & more reliable due to the use of the Large Scale Integration (LSI) & Very Large scale Integration (VLSI) technologies, which combines hundreds of thousands of components onto a single chip. The computer speeds are now measured in Nanoseconds & Picoseconds. 2. Accuracy: Unlike human beings, computers are very accurate, i.e., they never make mistakes. A computer can work for very long periods without going wrong. However, when an error occurs the computer has a number of in-built, self-checking features in their electronic components that can detect & correct such errors. Usually errors are committed by the users entering the data to the computer, thus the saying Garbage in Garbage Out (GIGO). This means that, if you enter incorrect data into the computer and have it processed, the computer will give you misleading information. 3. Reliability. The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if it is given the correct instructions & supplied with the correct data. Therefore, if you want to add two numbers, but by mistake, give the computer a “Multiply” instruction, the computer will not know that you intended to “ADD”; it will multiply the numbers supplied. Similarly, if you give it the ADD instruction, but make a mistake and enter an incorrect data; let say, 14 & 83 instead of 14 & 38; then the computer will produce the “wrong” answer 97 instead of 52. However, note that, 97 is ‘correct’ based on the data supplied. Therefore, the output produced by a computer is only as reliable as the instructions used & the data supplied. 4. Consistency: Computers are usually consistent. This means that, given the same data & the same instructions, they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is repeated. 5. Storage: A computer is capable of storing large amounts of data or instructions in a very small space. A computer can store data & instructions for later use, and it can produce/ retrieve this data when required so that the user can make use of it. Data stored in a computer can be protected from unauthorized individuals through the use of passwords. 6. Diligence: Unlike human beings, a computer can work continuously without getting tired or bored. Even if it has to do a million calculations, it will do the last one with the same speed and accuracy as the first one. 7. Automation: A computer is an automatic device. This is because, once given the instructions, it is guided by these instructions and can carry on its job automatically until it is complete. It can also perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure. 8. Versatile: A computer can be used in different places to perform a large number of different jobs depending on the instructions fed to it. 9. Imposition of a formal approach to working methods: Because a computer can only work with a strict set of instructions, it identifies and imposes rigid rules for dealing with the data it is given to process.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

Computer exist in defferent sizes, weight and shapes The major ways in which computers are classified are i) Classification according to Functionality In this category, computers are categorised ccording to the way they process data and kind of data a computer can process. Example of this data are, a) Analog Data b) Digital data ii) Classification according to the purpose iii) Classification according to physical size iii) classification according to functionality ACCORDING TO PHYSICAL SIZE

TYPES OF COMPUTER

Analog computer

Analog computer measures and answer the questions by the method of “HOW MUCH”. The input data is not a number infect a physical quantity like temp, pressure, speed, velocity.

Signals are continuous of (0 to 10 V)
Accuracy 1% Approximately
High speed
Output is continuous

Time is wasted in transmission time

ANALOG COMPUTER

DIGITAL COMPUTERS

Digital computer counts and answer the questions by the method of “HOW Many”. The input data is represented by a number. These are used for the logical and arithmetic operations.

Signals are two level of (0 V or 5 V)
Accuracy unlimited
low speed sequential as well as parallel processing
Output is continuous but obtain when computation is completed.

MICRO COMPUTERS

Micro computer are the smallest computer system. There size range from calculator to desktop size. Its CPU is microprocessor. It also known as Grand child Computer.

Application : - personal computer, Multi user system, offices.

MINI COMPUTERS

These are also small general purpose system. They are generally more powerful and most useful as compared to micro computer. Mini computer are also known as mid range computer or Child computer.

Application :- Departmental systems, Network Servers, work group system.

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

Mainframe computers are those computers that offer faster processing and grater storage area. The word “main frame” comes from the metal frames. It is also known as Father computer.

Application – Host computer, Central data base server.

SUPER COMPUTERS

Super computer are those computer which are designed for scientific job like whether forecasting and artificial intelligence etc. They are fastest and expensive. A super computer contains a number of CPU which operate in parallel to make it faster. It also known as grand father computer.
Application – whether forecasting, weapons research and development.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS