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CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS
Nowadays, different types of computers are used that can be categorised on their type, size,
speed, processing power and price. Let us learn about these categories in detail.
TYPE
On the basis of their type, computers can be classified into three categories which are analog,
digital and hybrid computers. Let us learn about them.
Analog Computer
It refers to a computer that operates by measuring instead of counting.
It measures the continuously changeable physical quantities like voltage,
pressure, water flow, etc. This type of computer generally displays the
output in the form of a graph. Examples of analog computers are
mercury thermometers, speedometers in cars, old radios, etc.
Digital Computer
It refers to a computer that uses digits (binary numbers 0’s and 1’s) to generate,
process and display data. The results produced by digital computers are
more accurate than that of analog computers. All the modern computers
that we use like desktops, laptops and smartphones are examples of digital
computers. Some other examples of digital computers are digital watches,
digital thermometers, electricity meters, etc.
Hybrid Computer
It refers to a computer that provides the functionality of both an analog
and a digital computer while processing and displaying data. It uses the
speed of an analog computer and the accuracy of a digital computer. This
type of computer is generally used in scientific research and specialised
applications. The heartbeat measuring machine is a common example of
a hybrid computer.
SIZE, SPEED, PROCESSING AND COST
On the basis of size, speed, processing and cost, computers can be categorised as follows:
Microcomputers
Microcomputers were earlier termed personal computers. A personal computer consists of a
CPU, computer memory (primary and secondary), input and output devices. There are various
microcomputers available nowadays. Let us discuss about them.
Fundamentals of Computer 9

