C5 Classification of Computers in FIT1101

Supercomputers

the fastest, largest, most expensive & also the most powerful computers available.

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers are less powerful & less expensive than supercomputers.

Minicomputers

A Minicomputer is physically smaller than a mainframe but can support the same peripheral devices supported by a mainframe.

Microcomputers

Microcomputers are the PCs mostly found today in homes, schools & many small offices.

Size Classification

Computers can range from small laptops to large mainframe systems.

Purpose Classification

Computers can be classified by their intended use, such as personal computers, servers, or supercomputers.

Functionality Classification

Computers can also be classified based on how it works such as servers, workstations and embedded systems.

Supercomputer Characteristics

Fastest computers, largest in size, most expensive, huge processing power, very heavy, generate a lot of heat, use multiple processors.

Mainframe Characteristics

Have a large storage capacity, large in size, multi-user, multi-processing, supports a variety of peripherals.

Minicomputer Characteristics

Multi-user, easier to manufacture & maintain compared to mainframes, cheaper than the mainframes, handle small amounts of data.

Microcomputer Characteristics

Cheaper than both mini & mainframe computers, high processing speeds, small in size, energy efficient.

Supercomputer Applications

Used in scientific research, defense and weapon analysis, nuclear energy research, weather forecasting, petroleum research.

Mainframe Applications

Used in government departments, banks, hospitals, and airline reservation systems.

Minicomputer Applications

Used in scientific laboratories, research institutions, engineering plants, and automatic processing.

Microcomputer Applications

Commonly used in training and learning institutions, small business enterprises, and communication centers.

Supercomputer Speed

The processing speed of supercomputers can go beyond 200 MIPS.

Mainframe Speed

The processing speed of mainframe computers can range from as low as 3-4 MIPS to as high as 100 MIPS.

Minicomputer Speed

The processing speed of minicomputers has a speed in the range of 10-30 MIPS.

Microcomputer Speed

The processing speed of microcomputers can be 70 to 100 MIPS.

Supercomputer User Capacity

A Supercomputer can be operated by over 500 users at the same time.

Mainframes

Primarily used in banks and financial institutions.

General Purpose Computers

Flexible computers for a wide range of applications.

Special-purpose Computer

Designed for specific tasks only, e.g., robots.

Dedicated Computer

General-purpose computer committed to specific tasks.

Digital Data

Data represented in discrete values, e.g., binary.

Analogue Data

Continuous data representing physical quantities.

Digital Computers

Most common, processes discrete numeric and alphabetic data.

Analogue Computers

Operates on continuous data for specialized tasks.

Hybrid Computers

Processes both analogue and digital data simultaneously.

Servers

Provides services to other computers on a network.

Workstations

High-performance computers for demanding tasks.

Embedded Systems

Integrated into devices for specific functions.

Auto-teller Machines (ATM)

Example of a dedicated computer for banking.

Digital Clock

Example of a digital computer displaying time.

Oscilloscope

Analogue device for measuring electrical signals.

Flight Simulators

Example of digital computers for training pilots.

Petrol Pumps

Analogue device measuring fuel flow and cost.

Microcontrollers

Small processors in embedded systems for control.

Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Used in embedded systems for immediate processing.

Digital Weighing Scales

Example of digital devices measuring weight.

Thermometers

Analogue devices measuring temperature with mercury.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

Used for displaying outputs from analogue computers.

Temperature Settings

Controlled by analogue computers for ovens.

Scientific Experiments

Common use for analogue computers in research.

Communication Devices

Mobile phones as examples of special-purpose computers.

Performance Considerations

Different classifications offer varying performance levels.