JSS 2 WEEEK THREE FIRST TERM 2023 LESSON NOTE
Jss2
TOPIC: CLASIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY TYPES AND SIZE
OBJECTIVE
At the end of this topic you should be able to:
1. 1. List and explain the classification of computer by types
2. List and explain the classification of computer by size
Introduction
Computer systems can be
classified into their types namely:
I.
Analog
II.
Digital and
III.
Hybrid
Analog Computers:
These computers have
continuous valve. Example of analog computers include; fuel pump in filling station;
volume control on TV set (since it allows one adjust the volume continuously in
one sooth action), thermometer, speedometers in cars etc. the set of computers
are represented in from of smooth curves and graphs from which information can
be read, through the accuracy of the instrument depend on the reader. Analog
computers operate by accepting data as quantity varying over length of time.
Digital computer:
They are used in
industrial operations. The word “digital’’ means whole numbers (discrete) e.g.
channel selector on the TV set is a digital device because it restricts one to
discreate set of channels e.g. You can have 25, 2, 37 etc. but not channel
23-35 or 2.141 etc. Digital computers are more common computers. They operate
with a set of instructions e.g. IBM 360/370 various IBM PC compatibility etc.
Digital computers are more accurate than analog computers.
Hybrid computers
It combines some of the properties
of both analog and digital computers. E.g. setting (i.e. their output can be in
form of continuous or non-continuous valve or combination of both.
A vivid example of such
combination can be seen in the setting of the TV.
1st – selection
of a channel (channel)
2nd – Tune the
channel until it receives the station you want clearly (analog)
3rd – storing
the station on the channel (digital)
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY SIZE
Hybrid computers are not
too common, they operate in programmed from. Another example is robot used in
industrial environment.
I.
Mini
computers
II.
Micro
computers
III.
Mainframe
computers
Mini computer
These set of computers were initially
designed for scientific and special purpose but the usage has been extended to
the business markets. These computers have the ability to perform many tasks at
the same time. i.e. simultaneously. Examples are PDP II, VAX 6000, HEWLETT
PACKARD 3000 etc.
Micro computers
Micro computers are the smallest
and rugged general-purpose computers and most popular. It is single task
oriented unlike the mini-computer that is many tasks oriented. It is very easy
to operate and maintain. Examples are Apple Macintosh, IBM PC. Micro computers
are of different shapes i.e. desktop, laptop etc.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are large in
terms of size of internal memory and speed of processing. They are used in
specialized environments where dust, temperature and humidity are carefully
controlled. It has large amount of external storage. The size of internal
memory is usually more than 32 gigabytes of storage. They are mostly used in
large establishments, banks, universities and research centers for processing
large data.
Assessment
list 5 hybrid devices and state how they operate


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