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Unit 4: Classification of Computers

(b) Speedometer. Car’s speedometer is another example of analog computer where the position of the
needle on dial represents the speed of the car. Notes
(ii) Digital Computers. Digital computers are mainly general-purpose computers that represent
and store data in discrete quantities or numbers. In these computers, all processing is done in terms
of numeric representation (Binary Digits) of data and information. Although the user enters data in
decimal or character form, it is converted into binary digits (0’s and 1’s). Almost all the computers
used now a days are digital computers and we will discuss the detailed working and components
of these computers in subsequent chapters.
(iii) Hybrid Computers. Hybrid computers incorporate the technology of both analog and digital
computers. These computers store and process analog signals which have been converted into discrete
numbers using analog-to-digital converters. They can also convert the digital numbers into analog
signals or physical properties using digital-to-analog converters. Hybrid computers are mainly used
in artificial intelligence (robotics) and computer aided manufacturing (e.g. process control).

4.1.3 Based on Size and Storage Capacity

Super Computer
Super computers are the type of computer which works at a faster rate and they are referred to as
the fast computers. As these computers are quite fast so they are quite expensive to buy and even
they are operated by those people who are particularly specialized in the usage of such computers.
This type of computer is also meant for several calculations as it can solve all the problems at a
higher speed.
The term “super computer” was coined in 1929 by the New York World, referring to tabulators
manufactured by IBM. To modern computer users, these tabulators would probably appear
awkward, slow, and cumbersome to use, but at the time, they represented the cutting edge of
technology. This continues to be true of supercomputers today, which harness immense processing
power so that they are incredibly fast, sophisticated, and powerful.
Use
The computer is mainly used for the mathematical and numerical functions as the supercomputers
are very strong in calculations so they provide answer to each and every number that had been
entered there. The main function of supercomputers is to provide each and everything to the person
at the faster rate most of the time that is spent by the supercomputers is in the execution of the
programs so that they can be opened at a faster rate. This is one of the most beneficial features
which make a huge difference between the supercomputers and the other types of computers that
had been invented so far. Super computers are very much efficient in solving all the problems that
are complex and are scientific in nature.
Problem solving is another main feature of supercomputers. This computer has the fastest power
for carrying out different operational activities. On the other hand all sort of problems that are
somehow very much difficult for the person but are real in nature, so supercomputers provide
solution to it. Different companies had been making different super computers but the most popular
supercomputer till now had been invented by IBM which is the Roadrunner. Different activities
and applications are found in supercomputers. However Cray Research had been the most famous
person who had invented the fasts supercomputer which is used among most of the people.
The primary use for supercomputers is in scientific computing, which requires high-powered
computers to perform complex calculations. Scientific organizations like NASA boast
supercomputers the size of rooms for the purpose of performing calculations, rendering complex
formulas, and performing other tasks which require a formidable amount of computer power. Some
supercomputers have also been designed for very specific functions like cracking codes and playing
chess; Deep Blue is a famous chess-playing supercomputer.

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