Analog, Digital, Hybrid Classification of Computers

Generation of computer

Classification of Computers

Classification on working system

Digital computer – digital computer is the most commonly used type of computer and is used to process information with quantities using digits, usually using the binary number system. Ex – MacBook.

•  A digital computer as its name implies works with digits to represent numerals, letters or other special symbols 
• A digital computer process digital data Digital data is a discrete data and having only two possible values (0, 1)
• Digital computer provide accurate results but they are slower than analog computer 
• Analog computers lack memory whereas digital computers store information 

Analog Computer – a computer that operates with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities (as voltages or rotations) — compare digital computer, hybrid computer.

•  Analog computer is used to process analog data
• Analog data is a continuous and having an infinite variety of values Such type of data include temperature, pressure, speed, weight, voltage, depth etc. 
• Such type of data include temperature, pressure, speed, weight, voltage, depth etc. Examples of analog computer are Speedometer of car, Thermometer etc. 
• Analog computers are faster Analog computers are faster 

Hybrid Computer – a computer that combines the characteristics of a digital computer and an analog computer by its capacity to accept input and provide output in either digital or analog form and to process information digitally.

• A hybrid computer is a combination of digital and analog computers And it combines the best features of both types of computers
• For example a petrol pump contains a processor that converts fuel flow measurement into quantity and price 
• Hybrid computer is used in hospitals to measure the heartbeat of the patient
• Hybrid Computers are also used in scientific applications or in controlling industrial processes 

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