Computer Fundamentals 简明教程

Classification of Computers

计算机可以根据其大小、容量和用途进行分类。下图根据计算机的大小、容量和用途说明了不同类型的计算机。

A computer can be classified based on its size, capacity, and purpose. The following diagram illustrates different types of computers as per their size, capacity, and purpose.

classification of computer

Computer’s classification based on Size

根据大小,计算机可以大致分类如下:

As per the size, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

  1. Micro Computer

  2. Mini Computer

  3. Mainframe Computer

  4. Super Computer

Micro Computer

微型计算机,也称为个人计算机 (PC),是一种专为个人使用而设计的计算机。它们的特点是尺寸紧凑、尺寸小、处理能力强、兼容性好、可连接互联网、便携性、价格低廉且用途广泛。在 20 世纪 70 年代和 80 年代,微型计算机普及并成为现代计算时代的流行趋势。

Microcomputers, also known as personal computers (PCs), are a type of computer designed for individual use. They are distinguished by their compact dimensions, small size, processing power, compatibility, internet connectivity, portability, low price, and versatility. In the 1970s and 1980s, microcomputers gained popularity and became more popular in the modern computing era.

micro computer

图:微型计算机

Fig: Micro Computer

  1. Size − Microcomputers are small in size. These are portable.

  2. Example − Some of the popular microcomputers are laptops and desktops, standard PCs, mobile phones, and notebooks.

  3. Why microcomputer ? Microcomputers have become an important part of modern life. They have had a big impact on society, companies, education, and related areas.

  4. Uses of Microcomputers − Microcomputers are most widely used in education and learning, entertainment and media, innovation and creativity, research and science, healthcare and medicine, home automation, remote work, and e-commerce and online shopping.

Minicomputer

小型计算机是一种比大型计算机体积更小的计算机。它拥有大型计算机的所有功能。因此,它是一个中型多处理系统,能够同时支持多达 250 个用户。

A minicomputer is a type of computer that is smaller in size than large computers. It possesses all the capabilities of a large computer. Hence, it is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.

mini computers

小图:小型计算机

Fig: Mini Computer

  1. Size − Its size falls between mainframes and microcomputers. It is larger than mainframe computers and smaller than microcomputers.

  2. Example − Some of the popular minicomputers are the PDP-11, IBM’s AS/400e, Honeywell 200, and TI-990.

  3. Why a Mini Computer? Mini computers are also known as mini PCs or small-form-factor (SFF) computers. These have impressive computing capabilities, high performance, connectivity options, portability, and versatility features.

  4. Uses of Minicomputers − Minicomputers are most widely used in scientific computations, engineering, business transaction processing, file handling, and database management.

Mainframe computer

大型机体积很大,是价格昂贵的计算机,能够同时支持数百甚至数千个用户。大型机同时执行许多程序并支持同时执行程序。

The mainframe is very large and is an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously. The mainframe executes many programmes concurrently and supports simultaneous execution of programmes.

main frame computer

小图:大型计算机

Fig: Mainframe Computer

  1. Size − Mainframe computers can vary in size; their size generally depends on their specifications and the specific model being considered.

  2. Example − Some of the popular mainframe computers are IBM zSeries mainframes (BM z14 and IBM z15), Unisys ClearPath, Fujitsu GS21 Series, and Hitachi VOS3.

  3. Why a mainframe computer? The processing capacity of mainframes is frequently measured in MIPS (million instructions per second) or other units. This enables them to process a large volume of transactions and perform extensive data processing.

  4. Uses of the Mainframe − Mainframe computers are most widely used in finance, government, healthcare, and more.

Supercomputer

超级计算机是一种特殊类型的计算机,它更强大,并且能够进行高性能计算。它专门设计用于计算普通计算机无法高效完成的复杂且密集的任务。

A supercomputer is a special type of computer that is more powerful and capable of high-performance computing. It is specifically designed to compute complex and intensive tasks that regular computers cannot do efficiently.

  1. Size − Supercomputers can vary in size, from small clusters of computers to massive installations. A supercomputer may contain 10, 100, 1000, or more computers that all work together.

super computer

小图:超级计算机

Fig: Super Computer

  1. Example − Some of the popular supercomputers are Fugaku, Google Sycamore, Baidu’s quantum supercomputer, and Sierra.

  2. Why Supercomputer? A supercomputer’s processing speed is exceptional and can perform billions of calculations per second. Multiple processors work in parallel mode to execute tasks, which makes processing powerful. Supercomputers are specially built using specialised hardware like GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) or TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), which are used in graphics rendering or machine learning tasks. Supercomputers represent the pinnacle of computing power, and these are very expensive and are employed for specialised applications.

  3. Uses of the Supercomputer − Supercomputers are most widely used in scientific research, data analysis, weather forecasting, scientific simulations, graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and the analysis of geological data.

Computer’s classification based on Capacity

根据容量,计算机可以大致分类如下 −

As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

  1. Analog Computer

  2. Digital computer

  3. Hybrid computer

Analog Computer

使用机械或液压组件等物理手段进行计算而不是使用电子电路的计算机称为模拟计算机。这些计算机使用连续数据,并且可以高效地管理物理量。它们特别擅长解决微分方程和模拟动态系统。

A computer that uses physical means like mechanical or hydraulic components to do the computation rather than electronic circuits is called an analogue computer. These computers work with continuous data and can manage physical quantities efficiently. They are particularly good at solving differential equations and simulating dynamic systems.

analog computer

图:模拟计算机

Fig: Analog computer

模拟计算机使用可测量量(例如,机械运动或齿轮旋转)来执行算术运算,而不是数字。在模拟计算机中,数据以连续信号进行处理以供执行操作,而在数字计算机中,数据以离散信号(或不连续信号)进行传输。

In lieu of numbers, an analogue computer performs arithmetic operations based on measurable quantities, such as mechanical movement or the rotation of gears. In analogue computers, data is processed as continuous signals for its operation, whereas in digital computers, data is transmitted as discrete signals (or discontinuous signals).

Digital Computer

数字计算机是一种计算机,它使用离散、不同的值表示和处理数据。

A digital computer is a type of computer that represents and processes data using discrete, distinct values.

digital computer

图:数字计算机

Fig: Digital computer

在数字计算机中,处理数据使用二进制数 0 和 1。这些计算机旨在执行算术计算和复杂数据处理以及操纵。数字计算机的主要组件是输入、处理和输出。

In digital computers, data is processed using binary numbers 0 and 1. These computers are designed to perform arithmetic calculations and complex data processing and manipulation. The main components of a digital computer are input, processing, and output.

Hybrid Computer

混合计算机是一种计算机系统,它集成了模拟和数字计算机的功能和能力。这种集成使混合计算机能够通过利用数字和模拟技术的优势来有效地执行各种任务。

A hybrid computer is a type of computer system that integrates the features and capabilities of both analogue and digital computers. This integration allows the hybrid computer to perform various tasks efficiently by leveraging the strengths of both digital and analogue technologies.

hybrid computer

图:混合计算机

Fig: Hybrid computer

混合计算机的主要组件是模拟和数字组件 −

The main components of a hybrid computer are the analogue and digital components −

  1. Analog Component − Analogue components in a hybrid computer can process real-world data like voltage, current, temperature, pressure, etc. using analogue circuits and components.

  2. Digital Component − Digital computers work with discrete data and are based on binary numbers (0s and 1s). Digital components in a hybrid computer provide the computational power to perform complex calculations and control the overall operation of the system.

Computer’s classification based on Purpose

根据容量,计算机可以大致分类如下 −

As per the capacity, a computer can be broadly classified as follows −

  1. Special Purpose

  2. General Purpose

Special Purpose Computer

针对特定任务或一组任务设计和优化的计算机称为专用计算机 (SPC)。SPC 旨在以高效率、高速度和高精度在单一或有限的功能集上表现出色。

A computer that is designed and optimised for a specific task or set of tasks is called a special purpose computer (SPC). SPCs are designed to excel at a single or limited set of functions, frequently with a high degree of efficiency, speed, and accuracy.

special purpose computer

图:专用计算机

Fig: Special Purpose Computer

以下是一些流行的 SPC:

Some of the following popular SPCs are:

  1. Embedded Systems − These systems are integrated with devices to control specific functions. For example, a car’s engine control unit and microwave ovens

  2. Digital Signal Processors − These are commonly used in applications like audio processing, image compression, and telecommunications.

  3. Automated Teller Machines − ATMs are special-purpose computers designed specifically for banking transactions and interactions with customers.

  4. Medical Equipment − Machines like MRI and CT scanners are specialised computers used for capturing and processing medical images.

  5. Spacecraft Computers − Computers used in spacecraft have to operate in extreme conditions and are optimised for the demands of space missions.

General Purpose Computer

设计用于执行各种任务和功能的计算机称为通用计算机 (GPC)。GPC 通用且可以通过运行不同的软件和应用程序用于各种用途。

A computer that is designed to perform a wide range of tasks and functions is called A General Purpose Computer (GPC). A GPC is versatile and can be used for various purposes by running different software and applications.

general purpose computer

图: 通用计算机

Fig: General Purpose Computer

一些流行的 GPC 如下所示:

Some of the following popular GPCs are as −

  1. Turing Completeness − A GPC can simulate any algorithm or computation that can be explored algorithmically.

  2. Programmability − GPCs can run different applications.

  3. General-Purpose Operating System − GPCs like Windows, macOS, or Linux that provide an interactive user interface and manage hardware resources, enabling the execution of various application programmes.

  4. Input and Output Capabilities − GPCs have input and output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.) that permit users to interact with the system and receive feedback.