Classification of computers: the basic principles

Today, in connection with the rapid progress of almost all areas of human activity, the scope of application of electronic computers is extremely diverse and continues to expand continuously. Without modern computers, no branch of the national economy, scientific or technical discipline can manage now.

Such a grandiose variety of fields of use and types of computing equipment has generated a huge number of different characteristics, according to which the computer is classified. In the clear, consistent systematization of electronic computers there was an urgent need because of the too large variety of various parameters and the purpose of these technical means.

Such features are the principle of operation, technical characteristics; Purpose; Object of installation of equipment; Operating conditions and service rules; Applied system architecture and its design basis; Various economic factors, etc. The probable influence of all these circumstances must be taken into account when designing, manufacturing and installing a computer system.

The most rational and expedient is the generalized classification of computers with a limited number of basic features, since such a systematization principle allows us to distinguish the fundamental distinctive features of various groups, types, categories and classes. This approach is considered the most practical and reasonable.

Depending on the principle of operation, the classification of computers determines the following categories of computer systems: digital, analog-digital and analog types of computers. Digital computers process signals represented in the form of a binary digital code. The equipment of analog principle of operation, accordingly, works with analog signals. Well, the combined system combines both these principles. Of course, the main distinctive feature of these systems is their component configuration.

Classification of computers by designation is the most extensive. This includes specialized, control, monitoring, personal, training (various simulators), general purpose and many others. Universal computer systems are oriented mainly to the tasks of the widest range and direction: mathematical, astronomical, engineering, economic, statistical, etc. This classification of computers implies the presence in this category of machines capable of performing a variety of tasks for any algorithm.

A distinctive feature of computing technology of general purpose is the architecture that allows to connect the widest spectrum of various peripheral devices depending on the specificity of the task being performed. The change in their number and technical parameters allows not only instantly switching to tasks of completely different specifics and varying the principles of data processing, but also to ensure the maximum level of interaction between the system and the user.

In addition, in this context, the classification of computer software is extremely important. It is at the moment hundreds of thousands of various software products, designed sometimes to solve very specific problems. All software can be conditionally divided into the following main categories: basic software (here, as a rule, includes operating systems and software shells), translators, tools and applications.