Computers came in a variety of science and varying operation processing capabilities. The different types of computers are
Mainframe computers: they are the biggest in physical memory size occupying space and are not easily relocated because of their bulkiness. They also support large number of users multi-user system. They have high processing speed, power, and cooling requirements and as such are expensive to maintain. Classically, they have a 32 bite instruction word. The instruction word length is a parameter which indicates the number of bids that can be retrieved stored or manipulated upon a single operation hence it determines the speed of the computer. The longer the instruction word the faster the speed of vice versa.
Minicomputers: these computers are smaller than the main frames and occupy smaller floor space than mainframes. The power and cooling requirements are proportionally smaller than that of mainframes. They are multi user systems and can support over 100 users but not like the main frames.
The instruction word length of the mini computer is smaller than that of mainframes. They have instruction word length of 16-bit. They have a relatively large memory when compared to the main frame and are ideal for dedicated applications requiring a relative fast processing speed and large memory.
Microcomputers: these computers are also known as personal computers pcs having a central processing unit consists of a single integrated circuit known as the micro processor. They are the smallest in size when compared with the mainframe and minicomputers. Because of its small size, they can easily be moved from one location to another requiring minimal power and cooling. Examples include desktops, tower pcs, laptops or notebooks etc'. Ordinarily one person uses a micro computer at a time except when they are configured to work as a network.
Today they are super micro computers that have emerged youtube technology advancement. They are improvement on the classical computer in relation to their processing speed size and memory capacity. Some pcs now have what lengths ranging from 8bits, 64 bits.
Classification Based On Data Types:
1. Analogue computers. They represent numbers as physical magnitudes such as voltage, resistance, temperature, pressure et c. In essence the major values of continuous variables.
2. Digital computer. They represent data using discrete values, that is the measure values of discrete quantities expressed in a numbering system.
3. Hybrid computers. These are computers that incorporates digital computers into analogue processing elements. That in essence, means that they can function both as a digital computer and as well as an analogue computer.
Classifications Based On Purpose:
1. Special purpose computers. They are computers that are designed to perform specialised functions like research, diagnosis and so on. They cannot be used in other fields of life apart from the one they are produced to do.
2. multiple purpose computers. These are computers that are equipped with the capability of executing numerous task. Their configuration is such that the users is not limited to only one or peculiar functions. Greater percentage of digital computers is multipurpose.
