Class 8 | Chapter 4 | Types of Computer

Types of Computer 

Write very short answer of the following question questions:
a) Is analog computer based on binary digits?
Ans: No analog computer is not based on binary digits.
b) What does the word "digital" means?
Ans: Digital mean discrete on/off or discontinuous form of data.
c) Can we use super computer at our homes?
Ans: No, Super computer is not designed for personal use.
d) Give one example of handheld computer.
Ans: Personal Digital Assistance (PAD) is the example of handheld computer.
e) Which types of computers are in briefcase style?
Ans: Laptop computer are in briefcase style.
Write short answer of the following questions.
a) Distinguish between analog and digital computers.
Ans: Distinguish between analog computer and digital computer

General Purpose Computer	Digital Computer
1. Analog computer process continuous data.	1. Digital computer process discontinuous data.
2. They can only perform single task.	2. They can perform multiple task
3. They are used for special purpose.	3. Digital computer are used for general purpose.
4. E.g. Speedometer, Seismograph	4. E.g. IBM Pc, Notebook
5. Symbol :	5. Symbol:

b) List the types of digital computers.
Ans: Types of digital computers are:
i) Micro Computer                        ii) Mini Computer
iii) Mainframe Computer             iv) Super Computer
c) Write the application of super computers.
Ans: Super computers play an important role in the field of weather forecasting, automobile designing, flight management, ICU, ECG etc.
d) Discuss one simple example of hybrid computer.
Ans: A hybrid computer process both continuous and discontinuous data it means it can perform the task done by analog as well as digital computer. The computer that are used in jet plane are the example of hybrid computer.
e) What are laptop computers.
Ans: Laptop computer are small sized micro computer which are portable, handy and can be operate on a special rechargeable battery so that can be carried and operate anywhere.
f) Why are palmtop computers more popular these days?
Ans: Palmtop computers are small sized latest micro computers which can be easily hold on palm of one hand and operated by other hand so it is more popular these days.
Write long answer of the following questions:
a) Classify the types of digital computers with short description

Ans: The different types of digital computers classified by size:

Microcomputers are the smallest and most common type of computer. They are also known as personal computers (PCs) or home computers. Microcomputers are typically used for personal and business applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and gaming.

Minicomputers are larger than microcomputers but smaller than mainframe computers. They are typically used by businesses and organizations for applications such as data processing, networking, and scientific computing.

Mainframe computers are the largest and most powerful type of computer. They are typically used by large businesses and organizations for applications such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and artificial intelligence (AI).

Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. They are used by research institutions and government agencies for applications such as weather forecasting, climate modeling, and nuclear weapons design.

b) How are micro computers classified into different types? Discuss briefly.

Ans: Here are some of the most common types of microcomputers:

Desktop computers are the most common type of microcomputer. They are typically used for personal and business applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and gaming.

Laptop computers are portable microcomputers that can be used anywhere. They are typically used for personal and business applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email.

Handheld Computer A handheld computer is a portable computer that is small and can be held in one's hand. Tablet smartphones and pocket pc are common consumer computers are typically used for personal information manager (PIM). 

c) Differentiate between general purpose computer and special purpose computers with suitable examples.

General Purpose Computer	Special Purpose Computer
Designed to perform a wide variety of tasks	Designed to perform a specific task
Can be programmed to perform any task	Can only be programmed to perform the task it was designed for
Typically less expensive	Typically more expensive
Very versatile	Not as versatile
Personal computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones	Traffic lights, microwaves, calculators, gaming consoles