On the basis of operation performed and methods used to store and process the data and information, computers can be classified into the following categories:
1. Analog computer
The analog computers represent data in the form of continuous electrical signal having a specific magnitude. These computers are very fast in their operation and allow several other operations to be carried out at the same time. However, the results produced by these computers are not very accurate. Therefore, the analog computers are widely used in applications in which the accuracy of results is not a major concern. They are powerful tools to solve differential equations. They produce their results very fast. But their results are approximately correct. All the analog computers are special purpose computers. Example: Mercury thermometer, barometers etc. Speedometer in cars and motorcycles is another example of analog device.
Feature of analog computers are given below.
Analog computers are faster in speed, but its accuracy is poor.
They are generally specific purpose computers dedicated to do a single job only. A thermometer cannot be reprogrammed to do the job of a seismograph.
There is less or no storage capacity.
2. Digital computer
The digital computer, also known as the digital information processing system, is a type of computer that stores and processes data in the digital form. Therefore, each type of data is usually stored in these computers in terms of 0s and 1s. The output produced by these computers is also in the digital form. The digital computers are also capable of processing the analog data. However, the analog data should be first converted to the digital form, before being processed by these computers. Similarly, if we want the output in the analog form, then the digital information produced by these computers should be first converted to an analog form. These conversions are generally carried out by the in built components of digital computers. Digital computers are generally faster and more reliable than analog computer systems, and provide more accurate results. The computer used by a home user is a typical example of digital computer. The digital computers are also employed in colleges, universities, and small and medium-sized businesses. The digital computer is capable of storing data as long as needed, performing logical operations, editing input data, and printing out the results of its processing at high speed. Digital computer performs operation on binary digits (0s and 1s). It is a programmable device that process information according to logical rules. It is use in word processing, calculations, entertainment, bank, insurance, healthcare system, factories. Examples: computers, calculators, etc.
Feature
Digital computers are very accurate.
It has large storage capacity.
The output generated by digital computer is easily readable by ordinary people.
They are general purpose computers.
3. Hybrid computer
The hybrid computer is a combination of analog computer and digital computer because it encompasses the best features of both these computers, Therefore, the hardware components of hybrid computers are usually the mixture of analog and digital computers. These features make the hybrid computers very fast, efficient and reliable. In these computers, data is generally measured and processed in the form of electrical signals and is stored with the help of digital components.
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