The document discusses different types of computers and their components. It defines hardware as the physical parts of a computer like the CPU, keyboard, and hard drive. Software is defined as a set of instructions that allows computers to perform tasks and is divided into system software and application software. Computers are classified based on their capacity as mainframe, mini, super, or micro computers and based on the type of data they process as analog, digital, or hybrid computers. Each type is designed for specific uses.

2. TOPICS :
 Introduction To Hardware
 Software
 Types Of Software
 General Purpose Computer
 Special Purpose Computer
 Classification Of Computers
 Quick Review

3. Hardware
The term hardware refers to mechanical
device that makes up computer. Computer
hardware consists of interconnected
electronic devices that we can use to control
computer’s operation, input and output.
Examples of hardware are CPU, keyboard,
mouse, hard disk, etc.

5. Hardware Components
Computer hardware is a collection of several
components working together. Some parts
are essential and others are added
advantages. Computer hardware is made up
of CPU and peripherals as shown in image
below.

6. Software
A set of instructions that drives computer to
do stipulate tasks is called a program.
Software instructions are programmed in a
computer language, translated into machine
language, and executed by computer.
Software can be categorized into two types −
 System software
 Application software
System Software
System software operates directly on
hardware devices of computer. It provides a

7. platform to run an application. It provides and
supports user functionality. Examples of
system software include operating systems
such as Windows, Linux, UNIX, etc.
Application Software
Application software is designed for benefit of
users to perform one or more tasks.
Examples of application software include

8. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle,
etc.
General Purpose Computer
These computers are designed to handle a
variety of problems in different fields.
Examples: Inventory control, Budgeting etc.

9. Special Purpose Computer
These computers are designed to handle a
specific problems or specific task.
Examples: Satellite tracking, Air traffic and
industrial processing control, ATM.
Specification Of Computers :
 Based on Capacity
 Based on Data Handling

10. Based on Capacity
• Mainframe computers
• Mini computers
• Super computers
• Micro computer
Mainframe computers
Mainframe computers are the biggest and
the most protective general purpose
systems that are made to model large
dynamic computing needs of a big
organization that serves hundreds of

11. terminals all at the same time. A terminal
consists of a monitor and keyboard that
allow a person to enter information and
retrieve it form the computer.
Uses:
These computer are used in large
organization banks, airline reservation etc.
Examples: IBMS/390, HP9000 etc.
Mini computers
Minicomputers are referred to as mid level
computers. A mini computer is a

12. multiprocessing system having terminals
attached to it and is capable of supporting
4 to 200 users simultaneously.
Uses:
These computers are used in small
companies where capacity and speed of
operations is not highly critical.
Examples: DEC, VAX and IBM As/400 etc.
Super computers
Super computer are very sophisticated
machines designed to perform complex

13. calculation at fastest speed BIPS (Billions
of Instructions per Second). These
computers are based on the principle of
parallel processing in which several
processors connected in parallel. These
computers work on a single problem at a
time.
Uses:
These computers are used in satellite
tracking, nuclear weapons, weather for
casting etc.

14. Examples: Cray research, Cyber 205, Intel
etc. PARAM 8000, PARAM 8600,PARAM
9900/SS, PARAM Padma
Micro computer
A micro computer consists of a single chip
processor as it CPU, memory unit, I/O
devices and storage devices. These
computers are designed to be used by
individual.
Uses:
These computers are widely used in home

15. computing, education, media etc.
Example: Personal computers (PC), Laptop,
Palmtop computers etc.
Based on data handling
• Analog computer
• Digital computer
• Hybrid computer
Analog computer
Analog computers are designed to process
continuous data. They produce their results
very fast but results are approximately

16. correct. In general, they are measuring
devices used to measure continuously
variable quantities.
Uses:
These computers are used in chemical
industries, electric power plants etc
Examples: Thermometer, Speedometer,
Voltmeter, Barometer etc.
Digital computer
Digital computers are designed to process
discontinuous or digital data. They have

17. less speed then analog computers but
results are much accurate. It handles
values that are in discrete (0 and 1).
Uses:
These computers are used in government
offices, educational institutes, and business
organization etc.
Examples: Personal computer (PC), Digital
diary, Calculator etc.
Hybrid computer
Hybrid computers are designed by the
combination of analog and digital

18. computers. They have speed of analog
computers and have the accuracy of digital
computers. It uses analog to digital
conversation and digital to analog
conversion.
Uses:
These components are used in space
vehicle simulation, training of astronauts,
robotics etc.
Examples: Modern petrol pump, Electronic
weight balance, Digital speedometer.

19. QUICK REVIEW :
 Computer hardware consists of
interconnected electronic devices that we
can use to control computer’s operation,
input and output.
 Software are programmed in a computer
language, translated into machine
language, and executed by computer.
 Software can be categorized into two
types − System software & Application
software.

20.  General Purpose Computers are
designed to handle a variety of problems in
different fields.
 Special purpose computers are
designed to handle a specific problems or
specific task.
 Computers can be categorized in
different categories according to their
capacity and data handling.