Types of computer

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Computers are classified in a variety of ways depending upon the principles of working, construction, size and applications. Various types of computers are discussed in this section.
DIGITAL AND ANALOG COMPUTERS 
ANALOG COMPUTERS
The computers that process analog signals are knownas Analog Computers. The analog signal is a continuous signal. For example,  sine
wave is an analog signal. The analog Computer Application in Management  5 quantities are based on decimal number systems. Examples of Analog computers are the slide rule, ABACUS etc.
The operational amplifiers are widely used in the construction of analog computers when the analog electrical signal is to be processed. For example, a differentiator is the op amp circuit that differentiates input signal. If the input signal V sin  θis given to analog computer, the output would be V cos  θ. Accordingly, the analog computer that generates the second order differential equation.
DIGITAL COMPUTERS 
Computers that process digital signals are known asDigital Computers. The Digital signal is a discrete signal with two states 0 and 1. In practice, the digital computers are used and not analog.  Examples of digital computers are personal computers, supercomputers, mainframe computers etc.
Supercomputers  Are the most powerful computers in terms of speed of execution and large storage capacity. NASA uses supercomputers to track and control space explorations.
Mainframe Computers Are next to supercomputers in terms of capacity.  The mainframe computers are multi terminal computers, which can be shared simultaneously by multiple users. Unlike personal computers, mainframe computers offer time-sharing. For example, insurance companies use mainframe computers to process information about millions of its policyholders.
Minicomputers  These computers are also known as midrange computers. These are desk-sized machines and are used in medium scale applications. For example, production departments use mini computers to monitor various manufacturing processes and assembly line operations.
Microcomputers As compared to supercomputers, mainframes and minicomputers, microcomputers are the least powerful, but these are very widely used and rapidly gaining in popularity.
Personal Computer PC is the term referred to the computer that is designed for use by a single person.PCs are also called microcontrollers because these are smaller when compared to mainframes and minicomputers. The term ‘PC’ is frequently used to  refer to desktop computers. Although PCs are used by individuals, they can also be used in computer networks.
Desktop Computer  This is the most commonly used personal computer. It comprises of a keyboard, mouse, monitor and system unit. The system unit is also known as cabinet or chassis. It is the container that houses most of the components such as motherboard, disk drives, ports, switch mode power supply and add-on cards etc. The  desktop Computer Application in Management  7 computers are available in two models- horizontal model and tower model.
Laptops  Are also called notebook computers. These are the portable computers. They have a size of 8.5 x 11 inch and weigh about three-to-four kilos.
Palmtops  Palmtops are also called handheld computers. These  are computing devices, which are small enough to fit into your palm. The size of a palmtop is like an appointment book.  The palmtops are generally kept for personal use such as taking  notes, developing a list of friends, keeping track of dates, agendas etc. The Palmtop can also be connected to a PC for downloading data. It also provides value-added features such as voiceinput, Internet, cell phone, camera, movie player and GPS.