Types of Computers

Digital and Analog
These two types of computers are very different; while the purpose of the digital computer is to count, the purpose of the analog computer is to measure. The digital computer is to count by utilizing series of digits to represents number by measuring succh things are electricity or temperature. The speedometer in a car work in much the same way as an analog computers works.

Compared to the analog computer, the digital computer is more accurate and veresatile. Unlike the digital computer, which has a very large number of applications in a variety of fields such as business and government, the analog computer is used mainly for scientific applications in laboratory environments.
Types of Digital Computer: Special Purpose and General Purpose
There are two types of digital computers – the special purpose and the general purpose computer. As its name implies, the special purpose computer is designed for a single and unique purpose. Examples of special computers are those in air traffic or military defense system. In contrast, the general purpose computer, as its name also implies, can have a variety of application in different areas. This is possible through the use of appropriate software, the same general purpose computer can be used for business, scientific, educational or even entertainment purposes.

Types of General Purposes Computers: Micros, Minis, and Mainframes
General purposes computers are also divided into diffferent types, depending upon the computer’s power, speed and size. There are three main types of general purposes computers – the small micro computer, the medium size mini computer, and the large mainframe. In spite of the fact that these computers are different, they all have the same basic components-a processor unit, input and output devices and secondary or auxiliary storage units. All computers also carry out the same basic functions.

The Micro Computers or the Personal Computer
The micro computer or personal computer is the smallest of all general purpose computers. The personal computer is designed to be used by only one person at a time. These computers are also “desk top” computers and are able to fit on top of a desk or a table. While personal computers may vary in size, most are fairy portable and can be carried from place to place. The micro computer is also designed to be “user friendly”, that is easily understood and operated by the average person. Micros are currently used for different purposes for many fields including business, the home and education. In business, personal computer can do many things, including computing payrolls, predicting a company’s future growth by carrying out complex analysis with financial planning programs, and producing colorful charts and graphs. In the home micros can be used for such things are balancing check books, typing letters, or playing games. Educational uses of micros include computer assisted instruction (CAI), which help artists draw pictures and musicians compose music.

Answer the following questions based on the text above!
1. What are the characteristics of digital computer?
2. Compare and contrast the analog and the digital computer!
3. What are the differences between special purpose and general purpose computer?
4. How are general purpose computers divided into?
5. What is meant by “user friendly”?
6. How is micro computer used in business. home and education? Give example?
7. What is the other name for micro computer?
8. How many types of computers are there?
9. What does CAI stand for?
10. What are the same basic components of general purpose computers?