What is a Digital Computer?
Digital Computer is a machine or a device that helps to process any kind of information.
These are the devices through which we provide some input and get the output within a fraction of seconds.
The operations that are conducted internally in the device happens using the binary number system since the computer understands only digits ie 0’s and 1’s.
All the content that is written in English will be converted to binary language and thus computers and humans communicate with each other.
Some of the basic examples of digital devices are Personal computers, Desktops, Laptops, Smartphones, and Mobiles.
There are mainly three parts in a digital computer and it consists of –
· Input: User normally provides the data to the device that is known as input.
· Processing: The input that is provided by the user is processed internally using some defined sequence.
· Output: Once the processing is completed, based on the input, the output is displayed to the user.
Different types of Digital Computer
Digital computers are a device that needs to be programmed in order to receive the desired output.
It uses electronic technology to generate, store and process different types of data.
Based on the size and type of the device, these digital computers are classified into four categories.
· Microcomputer
· Minicomputer
· Mainframe computer
· Supercomputer
Microcomputer
A Microcomputer is not really expensive and it comes with a microprocessor as its Central Processing Unit and input/output devices.
These computers are generally called personal computers and few of the examples are IBM pc, Apple, Dell.
Minicomputers
Minicomputers are known as mid-range computers that contain one or more processors.
They support multiprocessing which means these multiple processors share the same computer memory and other required peripheral devices to perform the given task.
Minicomputers are generally used for processing transactions, file handling, managing database.
Mainframe computers
Mainframe computers are generally large size computers mainly used for storing large amounts of data and processing. It is known for a high level of reliability.
These machines are used by an organization which requires crucial application such as census, customer statistics for large calculation which requires a high volume of data processing.
Super Computers
Supercomputers are very expensive and the world’s fastest computers available.
These computers have thousands of processors that perform trillions of calculations per second and hence the fastest known ever.
Supercomputers are used extensively in enterprises and organizations that require massive calculations.
Classification of computers
Computers can be categorized into Analog, Digital and Hybrid Computers. Each category is used for its own purpose and has its own significance.
Analog Computers
Analog computers are mainly based on voltages and current with continuous electrical signals and display the output continuously.
These computers store the data and perform calculations quite differently than digital computers which make use of symbolic representation.
These are generally slower in speed compared to digital computers. Some of the examples are thermometer.
Digital Computers
Digital computers are computers that process the data in binary form ie.0’s and 1’s.
The main benefit of digital computers is that they are quick and re-programmable.
Some of the examples are laptops, smartphones, and calculators.
Hybrid Computers
Hybrid computers are a special purpose computer that has a combination of both Analog and digital computers.
They are digital computer which accepts Analog signals and converts them to digital form.
These are generally used for scientific applications, airplanes, and hospitals.
Some of the examples include electrocardiogram machine, ultrasound machine, monitoring machine.
Advantages and disadvantages of
Digital/Analog computer
The main advantage of Digital computers is that they can store loads of data and it is very accurate.
Analog computer is quick and hence fastest. Digital computers are comparatively slower than Analog and this is the main disadvantage.
Analog computers stores fewer data and hence digital computers are great of memory is considered
· Good Memory – Digital computers can store a large number of data and can retrieve data in a fraction of second. The data can be stored for any duration and retrieved anytime.
· Very Flexible – These computers can perform multi-tasking without any human interference and hence they are very flexible and versatile.
· Automatic – These devices once started are automatic. They do not need any intervention until required by the task specifically.
· Good Speed – Digital computers are high in speed and carry out all the operations with very fast speed.
· Accurate – These devices help in storing all the information which helps in retrieving accurate data at any point in a given time.
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