Applications of computer continuously expanding. Modern computers are used in virtually all sectors of the economy.
The variety of uses and types of computers and generates a large number of grounds on which the classification of computers. These features include: the principle of action, the appointment of the mainframe, specifications, site installation, operating conditions and services; used element and constructive basis, economic factors and other possible impact of these factors must be taken into account when designing and manufacturing computers.
The most appropriate classification of consolidation on a limited number of grounds, because only such a classification allows the main features of various computer classes, groups, types and categories.
According to the principle of differentiated digital, analog, analog-digital computers. Digital computers operate with signals represented in digital, analog use analog signals, analog-digital - a combination of these principles. Naturally, the main hallmark of these computers is the type of components.
Upon designation divided mainframe general purpose, specialized, personal. Control and monitoring.
General-purpose computer (Universal) focused on the implementation of a wide range of tasks (mathematics, engineering and economic) performed on any algorithm. In connection with this general-purpose computers are typically architecture that allows connecting various peripheral devices. Changing the number and technical specifications, can provide variety of data-processing systems and modes of interaction with the user. Because of these circumstances such computer must have a high performance computing at low cost. Ensuring the minimum dimensions, weight and energy consumption in the design is especially critical.
Specialized computers are designed to address a narrow range of special task in the most effective way. Typically, these computers have fewer electronic equipment containing certain restrictions on information processing, which means that in most cases, easier and cheaper universal.
Personal computers are designed for users of its own, without the help of a professional programmer. They now include computer with a complete set of relevant features:
* Developed man-machine interface that provides easy management of unprofessional computer user;
* A large number of ready-software applications, reduce circuit costs by eliminating user from the need to develop programs alone;
* The availability of small storage of information large capacity removable media, ensuring interoperability and new software;
* Small dimensions and weight, allowing computers to install in any workplace, as well as low power consumption;
* Low cost and wide availability;
* Ergonomics design, attractive shape, color, etc.
Control computers are used to control various objects and technological processes. A characteristic feature of these computers is to obtain information about the actual state of the managed object from sensors installed directly on the site. It is important for managers computers have high reliability operation.
Control computers are used in the construction of test equipment.
By applying distinguished general technical, professional, household and other computers.
If computers are used for general technical solutions obschetehnicheskih, scientific, engineering and economic challenges, the professional computer-oriented to the use of specialists in specific areas and research staff. Professional computers usually are more computing power and equipped with a set of productive peripheral equipment.
Personal computers are used in people's daily lives, such as to control home appliances, for games, etc.
On aggregate technical characteristics (productivity, the amount of memory, a realization, the nature of use, cost, dimensions, etc.) distinguish between high-performance, sverhvysokoproizvoditelnye, medium, small (mini) and microcomputers.
High-performance computers designed to meet the challenges of integrated design and management systems senior. They are conventionally output of over 1 million op / s, have a volume of RAM and an expanded configuration I / O subsystem. Interaction with computer users is carried out, usually by means of personal communication man-machine (terminal). High performance computers are generally large dimensions up their equipment, which is why they are sometimes called high.
Sverhvysokoproizvoditelnye computer models have been abroad title supercomputer, which primarily means the opportunities provided by the user, as well as the system's ability to hold on the complexity of data processing. Such computers with high specifications (performance hundreds of millions or even billions of operations per second), used in determining the theoretical tasks that require substantial computing resources (for example, when a three-dimensional data processing of geophysical prospecting of oil, modeling of atomic and molecular physics, etc.) . The establishment of such computers is particularly quick element base (and custom LSI and VLSI matrix) and a sophisticated design.
The average computer performance are below 1 million op / s, advanced configuration of input-output and provide for the application of information processing systems of collective use, industrial computer-aided design and management systems.
Small (mini-computers) includes computer processor order of hundreds of thousands of transactions per second, the limited amount of RAM, a simplified organization input-output. Such computers are used to service a small number of subscribers, solutions information and computational challenges in systems design and management of lower-level managers, in particular for incorporation into the manager or the test compound.
Microcomputer - it is usually a small computer with a capacity of RAM, low bit and poznakovym input-output. They are used in the composition of a receiver or a measuring system (embedded microcomputers). These computers are relatively simple design (typical mnogoplatnye, single and less odnokristalnye microcomputers) and low cost. Based on microcomputers are sometimes sold and personal computers.
As the object install computers are divided into fixed and mobile (moved, transported, carried). Stationary computers are designed for a stationary indoor or outdoor, and mobile (mainly transported) - road, rail, crawler or other vehicle. The group of portable computers include computer normally mounted on the surface of the table (desktop computers), or sex and have small overall dimensions and weight. Portable computers have always worked in the indoor environment and are not intended to work during the carry from place to place. Carried computers can work and when you carry.
For the three global areas of operation at the site installation distinguish the following computer classes: surface (the use on land), marine (use water), side (use of air and space). Ground-based computers can operate both fixed and mobile (moving) objects. Marine (ship) computers operate on all types of ships and board - for all types of aircraft flying within the troposphere (up to 17 km above sea level) and the stratosphere (up to 85 km above sea level). A variety of airborne and space-based computer to be operated under conditions of the ionosphere on artificial earth satellites, space ships and stations.
On the basis of the element (or rather, its main part) of modern computers are divided into computers at IMS and the widespread use of BIS, the BIS matrix, the custom specialized BIS, the BIS microprocessor, etc.
The present classification is fairly conventional, but it makes communication and pay attention to those classifications that have a significant impact on the design and manufacture of computer technology. These signs should be noted first of all operating conditions, accommodation facilities, Elementary, as a result, a constructive basis.