The document classifies computers into three categories: by purpose (general or special purpose), by type of processing (analog, digital, or hybrid), and by capacity (microcomputer, minicomputer, mainframe, or supercomputer). It provides examples and descriptions of computers that fall into each category. General purpose computers can handle many tasks while special purpose computers are dedicated to specific tasks. Analog computers represent variables physically, digital computers use discrete numbers, and hybrid computers incorporate both. Capacity categories range from microcomputers for individual use to supercomputers for intensive tasks.

1. Lesson 1.4 of Introduction to
Information and Communication
Technology

2.  Computers may be classified into three
categories namely:
 (1) According to purpose – their goals
and aims for a variety of tasks
 (2) According to types of processing –
their special uses in different fields of work,
and
 (3) According to capacity – with their
ability to perform a task, as well as the
maximum number of programs they

3.  1. General Purpose - handle variety
of tasks, versatile, less efficient, examples
are personal computer, PDA
 2. Special Purpose - dedicated to a
specific task, more efficient because of
specialized programs, Faster processing,
examples are play station, word processor

4.  1. ANALOG
 2. DIGITAL
 3. HYBRID

5.  1. Analog - Machines that represent
variables or quantities using physical
analogies, examples are Speedometer,
Clock, and Thermometer

6. 

7.  2. Digital - Machines that specialize in
counting, Use discrete numbers, result
obtained is precise and repeatable,
examples are digital clock, digital
thermometer, and calculator

9.  3. Hybrid - Machines that incorporate
measuring capabilities of the analog
devices and the counting capability of the
digital devices, examples are Ana-Digi
watches (watches with both analog and
digital capabilities)

11.  MICROCOMPUTER
 MINI COMPUTER
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER
 SUPER COMPUTER

12.  also known as Personal computer
 used in homes, offices; for individual and corporate
uses
 single users, Usually stand-alone to other computers
but generally used to carry out processing for a single
user
 price ranges from 25,000.00 – 250,000.00
 speed of processor is 5 – 20 MIPS
 storage capacity is 32 Mb – 256 Mb of primary storage
 No unusual power required for environment
considerations; may fit on top of a table or desk
 examples are desktop, notebook, laptop, palmtop,
personal digital assistant (PDA), information
appliances, network computers, technical workstations

14.  midrange computer
 For use by companies needing storage and
processing requirements, for more computer power
 Multiple users, less than 100 users
 price ranges from 250,000 – 10 Million
 speed of processor is 25 – 100 MIPS
 storage capacity is 32 Mb – 512 Mb of primary
storage
 Requires controlled environment; Occupies own floor
space, like the size of a file cabinet
 examples are Network servers, web servers, multiple
use systems

16.  large scale computer
 for medium to large size business; Used by business and
government to provide centralized storage processing and
management of data of large amount
 Multiple users greater than or equal to 100 users
 price ranges from 10 Million – 50 Million
 speed of processor is 440 – 4,500 MIPS; May have several
processors
 storage capacity is 50 Mb – several gigabytes of primary
storage
 Requires controlled environment; Requires full time operators;
Housed in a cabinet where peripherals are in separate
cabinets
 examples are Enterprise systems, transaction processors,
super server

17. IBM EM360

18.  Used to compute intensive tasks
 Designed for large-scale complex and scientific applications
 Multiple users
 price ranges from 10 Million – 2.5 Billion
 speed of processor is 4 – 10 times faster than mainframes,
Several processors, 60 Billion – 3 Trillion MIPS, Fastest, most
processing power
 storage capacity is 8,000 Mb+ +
 Requires controlled environment; Space needed may be the
size of a car
 examples are Scalable servers, Cray Computer, IBM Deep
Blue Super Computer

19. IBM Blue Gene/P Supercomputer

20.  Desktop PCs
 Tower PCs
 Notebooks
 Netbooks
 Mobile Internet Devices

21.  are older
microcomputers
whose case or main
housing sits on a
desk, with keyboard
in front and monitor
(screen) often on top.

22.  are microcomputers
whose case sits as a
“tower,” often on the
floor beside a desk,
thus freeing up desk
surface space.

23.  also called laptop
computers , are
lightweight portable
computers with built-
in monitor, keyboard,
hard-disk drive,
CD/DVD drive,
battery, and AC
adapter that can be
plugged into an
electrical outlet; they
weigh anywhere from
1.8 to 9 pounds.

24.  are low-cost,
lightweight,
computers with tiny
dimensions and
functions designed for
basic tasks, such as
web searching, email,
and word processing.

25.  Smaller than
notebook computers
but larger and more
powerful than PDAs,
mobile internet
devices (MIDs) are for
consumers and
business
professionals.
Examples:
Smartphones and tablet
PCs

26.  Living in the Information Technology Era
by Caoili & Tayuan
 Using Information Technology
by Williams & Sawyer