Computers can be differentiated based on their modes of functioning as well as their size and functionality. Generally, there are following types of computers:
- Analogue
These are old models of computers that work on the continuous analogue signals rather than discrete signals. They are not very accurate but extremely fast.
- Digital
Computers that use this binary system of counting using electrical pulses of ON and OFF are known as digital computers. They function on discrete values and are generally more accurate.
- Hybrid
Computers that have features of both digital and analogue computers are known as hybrid computers. The analogue part of a computer handles very complicated mathematical computations while digital components handle these numerical and logical systems.
- Mainframes
Mainframe computers are computers that are accessed simultaneously by several thousands of people at once. They are used in fields of banking and telecom where they have to handle millions of requests together in minimal time.
- Supercomputers
These massive computers are used in the fields of engineering and scientific computations. They usually perform over a million instructions per second.
- Servers
Servers are large repositories of information. They supply information to any computer that is on the same network as them. Many people access servers at the same time so servers need to handle large amounts of traffic.
- Workstation
This type of computer that scientists and engineers may be familiar with is called the workstation. It is generally used in scientific applications and has a faster microprocessor along with a spacious memory.
- Microcomputer
This last type of computer is a microcomputer which is nothing but a personal computer that you use at home. These computers are built for light use such as listening to music, or playing movies or accessing the internet.
This list concludes various types of computers that are available right now the world over.