Types of Computers Based on Data Handling Ability

A computer is a device that receives information (input), processes it, and shows the result (output). The word computer abodes from the Latin word compute, which means to calculate. There are two main components of the computer. One is hardware, and the second is software. Hardware is the computer components with a physical shape. Software is the set of instructions we give the system on what to do and how to do it.

The computer is divided on the base of size and data handling capabilities. There are five types based on size, while a computer has three types based on data handling capability. We shall discuss all types based on data handling abilities in this article. You will also learn some amazing and interesting facts that will surprise you.

Classification of Computers Based on the Data Handling Capability

There are three types of computers on the base of data handling ability. Their brief information is given below.

1. Digital computer
2. Analogue Computer
3. Hybrid computer

Digital Computers

Digital computers are developed to show different calculations and logical operations quickly. It accepts data as digits or binary numbers (0 and 1). The electronic device performs arithmetical operations like occurrence, addition, subtraction, multiplications, and division. It takes discrete electrical signals to perform and has four basic functional elements; input-output, memory, control unit, and arithmetic-logic unit.

Some examples of digital computer

1. Digital clock
2. Workstations
3. Accounting machine
4. Digital watch
5. Calculator
6. Chromebooks
7. Tablets, smartphones, and laptop
8. Personal desktop computer

Benefits of Digital Computers

1. A digital computer has a high storage capacity to store large amounts of data.
2. You can install different applications.
3. The hardware components are not expensive due to the advanced IC technology.  
4. You can add any new features by adding a digital system.
5. It can process digital data at high speed.
6. This device can work at room temperature. Its efficiency does not affect by changing the temperature.

Some Drawbacks of Digital Computer

1. Digital computers consume more power.
2. It is the most fragile.
3. You need to change the complete setup if a single piece of data is lost or misinterpreted.

Analogue Computer

The Analog computer is particularly invented for processing analog data. Analog data continuously change. In other words, it is used where it does not need the exact value. Speed, temperature, pressure, voltage, and electric current are common examples. The system takes data and changes it into numbers or codes. It is especially well suited for a simulating dynamic system.

Types of Analog Computers

There are further four types of analog computer. Some details are given below:

Differential analyzer

Differential analyses are used for taking the performance of differential calculations. It solves differential equation problems like wheel-disc mechanisms and performing integration.

Electronic analog computer

An Analog computer is a computer that is used to perform analog data. This analog computer passes electrical signals from resistors and capacitors to show the physical phenomena. Here, the voltage creates the display.

Castle clock

The Castle clock operates to save the programming instructions. Al-Jarazi invented it. It shows the zodiac and lunar orbits, and an innovative feature of the device is a crescent moon-shaped pointer.

Slide rules

The slide rule is a mechanical analog computer developed for mathematical calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also performs functions like exponents, roots, logarithms, and trigonometry.

Advantages of Analogue Computers:

1. Analog computers can do computation and operation at the same time.
2. Any programmer can solve the problem for the dynamic range. Analog computer highlights the problem and also helps in solving the errors.
3. In certain situations, it provides calculations without the need for transducers.

Disadvantages of the Analog Computer

1. An Analog computer is slower than a digital computer.
2. It is less reliable and accurate.
3. It takes much time for a simple task with unreliability.

Applications of Analog Computer

1. Its use in aircraft systems.
2. Its use in nuclear power plants.
3. It’s used in industrial chemical processing

Hybrid Computer

Hybrid computers contain the combined features of analog and digital computers. It is faster than an analog computer, but its accuracy and memory are like the digital computer. So, it has the power to process both continuous and discrete data. It is mostly used in specific applications requiring analog and digital data. The reason is that it takes the analog signal and converts them into digital form. An example is Auto Gasoline Pump.

Features of Hybrid Computers:

1. The hybrid computer has a high speed so that the digital computer can replace it.
2. It gives a 100% accurate result.
3. This device is used for online data processing.
4. It can handle and solve complex equations.
5. Due to its high speed, mostly used in big organizations.
6. Scientists use it for scientific research.
7. It uses in defense systems like radar.

Some Defects of Hybrid Computer

1. It is more expensive because having high functionality power.
2. You should properly plan before designing it because its software and hardware are more expensive.
3. Before designing a hybrid computer, must be proper planning for using software, hardware, and other configurations.

Some Interesting Facts about Computers

1. Google uses 500 computers in 0.1 seconds.
2. The weight of the first computer was 27 tons.
3. The first mouse was structured with wood.
4. The founder of computer science is Alan Turning.
5. The first microprocessor, ‘4004,’ was made for calculators.
6. Youtube started as a dating website.
7. The first modern computer was a giant calculator.
8. Computer work on special instructions called algorithms.
9. You should take a break after an hour while continuously using the computer.
10. When you are working on the laptop, it means your hands travel 20 km a day.

Learn more about the Types of Computers Based on Data Handling Abilities

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Conclusion

A computer is an electronic machine that helps in work. The computer is divided on the base of size and data handling capabilities. Digital, Analog, and Hybrid computers are the types of computers based on data handling abilities. A digital computer is accurate and contains large memory space. An Analog computer is a fast computer, but hybrid computers have the combined features of both (digital and analog).

FAQs About Types of Computers on the Base of Data Handling Ability

In this section, I give the answers of all questions about the printer types. Further, if you have any query then you can ask in the comment section. I will assist you.