Q#1 : Explain the classification of computers based on their capacity.

Ans : Classification Of Computer On The Basis Of Capacity :

Features

Processing
Power

Size

Super Computer
These are the
fastest machines of
today with speeds
up to 50 million
operations per
second.
They are very huge
machines with
multiple processors
and huge amount of
memory.

Use to model very

large dynamic
system such as
global and national
weather forecasting
Application
, medical and
engineering
research and
seismic data
analysis.
Governments ,
research
Users
organizations and
military.

Main Frame
Computer
They are faster
than a mini
computer and
perform many
tasks
simultaneously.
Their size is bulky
as compare to a
mini computer and
serves hundreds of
terminals all at the
same time.
Uses in large
organization to
process huge data
collectively and
generate desired
reports.

Large scale
enterprises, global
businesses and
educational
institutions.

Mini Computer

Micro Computer

They are very fast

machines as
compare to a micro
computers and
supports from 4 to
200 users
simultaneously.
They are much larger
than a micro
computer and serves
multiple terminals
altogether.

They have slow

processing power and
suitable for home or
office use.

These computers are

ideal for small
companies where
capacity and speed
of operations is not
highly critical.

They are designed to be

used by individuals for
performing many
general purpose tasks
like , writing documents
, listening music ,
making presentations ,
budgeting ,
communicating e.t.c.

Small and medium

scale businesses &
educational
institutes.

Professionals in
businesses, individuals
in home and academics.

They are small , handy

and easily portable
computers.

Q#2 : Draw a table and show the characteristic features of five generations of computer in detail.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER
FEATURES

First
Generation

Vacuum tubes
Internal
were used as
Components internal
component.

Size

The size of the

computer was
very large and
occupy the
whole
building.

Speed

Speed was
very low.

Main
Memory

Main memory
was in the
form of
magnetic
drum.

Storage
Device

Magnetic
tapes were
used.

Language

Machine
language was
used for
operating.

Second
Generation

Third Generation

Fourth
Generation

Fifth Generation

Transistors
were used as
internal
component.

They used
integrated circuits
(IC) and transistors
were miniaturized
and placed on a
single chip called
semiconductor.

Microprocessors
were used in
which thousands
of ICs were built
onto a single
silicon chip.

Improved
Microprocessors
using molecular
nano technology.

They were smaller

in size and called
as micro
computers.

They were very

small in size and
called as laptop
computers.

Much smaller
hardware eg.
Tablet and touch
screen smart
computers.

Much faster than

second generation
computers.

Faster computers
as compare to
previous
generations of
computer.

Fastest
computers than
all previous
generations.

Main memory was

increased in the
form of DRAM and
PROM.

Main memory
was increased in
the form of SRAM
and EPROM.

Main memory
was increased in
the form of
SIMM , DIMM
and EEPROM.

The size of the

computer was
smaller than
first
generation
computers.
10 times
faster than
the first
generation
computers.
Main memory
was in the
form of RAM
and ROM.

Magnetic hard
Magnetic core Floppy Disks were disks were
technology
developed as
developed as
was used.
secondary storage. secondary
storage.
Symbolic
Assembly
High level
Much easier High
language and
programming
Level Languages
high level
languages were
were developed
languages
used.
for programming.
were
developed.

CDs , DVDs and

Flash drives were
developed.

Artificial
Intelligence was
developed.

Q#3 : Draw a table and show the characteristic features of five generations of computer briefly.
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER
FEATURES

First
Generation

Internal
Vacuum tubes
Components

Second
Generation

Third
Generation

Transistors

Integrated
circuits (IC) ,
semiconductor.

smaller than
first generation

Much smaller
than 2nd
generation
computers

Size

Very large in
size

Speed

Speed was very

10 times faster
low

Main
Memory

magnetic drum RAM and ROM.

Storage
Device

Magnetic
tapes

Magnetic core
technology

Floppy Disks as
secondary
storage

Machine
language

Symbolic
Assembly
language and
high level
languages

High level
programming
languages

Language

Much faster
than 2nd
generation
DRAM and
PROM

Fourth
Generation
Microprocessors
with thousands of
ICs onto a single
silicon chip.
very small in size
(laptop )

Fifth Generation
Improved
Microprocessors
using molecular
nano technology
Much smaller
hardware e.g.
Tablet and touch
screen smart
computers.

Much Faster than

3rd generation

Fastest
computers

SRAM and
EPROM.
Magnetic hard
disks as
secondary
storage

SIMM , DIMM
and EEPROM.

Much easier High

Level Languages

Artificial
Intelligence

CDs , DVDs and

Flash drives

Q#4 : Explain the classification of computers based on type of data handeled.

Ans : Classification Of Computer On The Basis Of Data Handled :
ANALOG COMPUTERS :

DIGITAL COMPUTERS :
DEFINITION
1. Analog computers are
1. Digital computers handle the
measuring devices used to
values like numbers , letters or
measure continuously variable
other symbols into binary digits
quantities.
( 0 or 1 ).
2. These computers operate on
2. They perform operations at
numbers represented by directly
extremely fast rate , they have
measurable quantities which
memory and solve problems
vary continuously such as
using binary operations.
temperature, pressure , distance
, velocity e.t.c.

They are used in scientific

applications such as chemical
industries , electric power plants
and petroleum refineries.

Analog processor is used in petrol

pumps , thermometer ,
speedometer , blood pressure
measuring apparatus , voltmeter
and ammeter are examples of
analog computers.

USES :
They are commonly used in
business and scientific
applications as well as in homes.

EXAMPLES :
The IBM PC and all other personal
computers belong to digital
computers.

HYBRID COMPUTERS :
1. Hybrid computers are
combination of both analog and
digital computer systems.
2. They are equipped with special
conversion devices. They have
both speed and accuracy and
perform input and output
function in both analog and
digital.

They are used in various areas of

engineering such as space vehicle
simulations and training of
astronauts. They are also used in
robotics.

Petrol pumps use hybrid

computers because quantity of
fuel delivered by motors used
analog computer and price and
quantity displayed is calculated by
digital computer.