Computer Fundamentals 简明教程

Types of Computers

计算机类型如下所示：

The types of computer are as follows −

  1. Analogue computer

  2. Digital computer

  3. Hybrid computer

types

Analogue computer

模拟计算机是一种处理模拟数据的计算机。它使用连续信号（例如电压、电流或物理尺寸）处理和表示数据。模拟计算机在 1950 年代至 1960 年代期间使用。模拟数据不是离散的；它是一个连续值。压力、温度、电压、速度和重量是此类数据的示例。模拟计算机最广泛用于飞机、船舶、潜艇和日常用具（如冰箱、速度计等）。

An analog or analogue computer is a computer which processes analogue data. It processes and represents data using continuous signals such as voltage, current, or physical dimensions. The analogue computers were used during 1950s–1960s. Analogue data is not discrete; it is continuous. Pressure, temperature, voltage, speed, and weight are examples of such data. Analogue computers are most widely used in aircraft, ships, submarines, and daily appliances like refrigerator, speedometer, etc.

Types of Analogue Computers

不同类型的模拟计算机如下：

Different types of analogue computers are as −

  1. Mechanical Analogue Computers − These computers were using physical mechanisms like gears, levers, and rotating disks to model and solve mathematical equations. Example - analyser.

  2. Electrical Analogue Computers − These computers were used electrical circuits to represent and solve mathematical equations. Example - Spectrometer, oscilloscope.

  3. Optical Analogue Computers − These computers were used light and optics for computation. Example - Norden bombsight.

  4. Analogue-Digital Hybrid Computers − These computers were the combination of analogue and digital computers so that they can process both continuous and discrete data to make them versatile for various applications like Petrol pumps, which contain a processor that converts fuel flow measurement into quantity and price.Example - Hycomp 250.

如今，数字计算机已经取代了模拟计算机。但是，在需要连续数据处理或模拟物理系统的情况下，模拟计算机仍然处于使用中。

Now a day, analogue computers have replaced by digital computers. However, analogue computers are still in use where continuous data processing or simulation of physical systems is required.

Digital Computer

数字计算机是一个使用离散数据执行计算的计算机类型。现代最常见的计算机类型是数字计算机。

The digital computers are the type of computers that uses discrete data to perform computations. The most common type of computers used today is digital computers.

个人电脑、智能手机、服务器和超级计算机是数字计算机的一些示例。

Personal computers, smartphones, servers and supercomputers are some of the examples of digital computers.

数字计算机还可以进一步分类如下：

Digital computers are further categorised as follows −

  1. Microcomputer − it is a type of computer which is smaller in size and less powerful than mainframe and minicomputer systems. Microcomputers are used in personal computing, office tasks, and small-scale computing applications.

  2. Minicomputer − minicomputer is a computer that falls between mainframe computers and microcomputers. It is smaller than mainframe computers but larger than microcomputers. These computers are used for personal use for computing, and data management.

  3. Mainframe Computer − Mainframe computers are powerful than minicomputer. These computers are used in E-business, banking, stock exchange, railway and airlines ticketing, and research centers.

  4. Super computer − A supercomputer is a highly powerful computer. These computers are specially designed to solve complex computational problems. A supercomputer may use for space investigation, Atomic weapons, Genetic engineering, Military, Weather forecasting, simulations, data analysis.

Hybrid Computer

混合计算机是一种结合了数字计算机和模拟计算机功能的计算机类型。混合计算机设计的首要目的是进行高度复杂的计算。混合计算机能够通过有效地解决逻辑和技术计算来满足大型组织的计算需求，并且还提供微分方程的高效处理。

The hybrid computer is a type of computer that combines the functionalities of both digital and analogue computers. The primary aim of hybrid computer’s design is to do highly intricate computations. A hybrid computer has the capability to address the computational needs of large-scale organisations by effectively solving logical and technical computations, and also provides efficient processing of differential equations.

以下是混合计算机的主要功能−

Followings are the key features of hybrid computers −

  1. Analogue and Digital Components − Hybrid computers integrate the functionalities of both digital and analogue computers. This allows to process continuous signals from the physical world and performs digital computations.

  2. Fast Data Conversion − Hybrid computers can convert analogue data into digital format efficiently. This process enables to process real-world data and make fruitful decisions based on processed outcomes.

  3. High-Speed Processing − Hybrid computers are highly computational devices which do numerical calculations, making them suitable for tasks requiring complex mathematical operations and simulations.

  4. Real-time Analysis − The hybrid computers excel in real-time analysis of continuous data.

  5. Complex Simulations − Hybrid computers are used in scientific research and engineering simulations that necessitate the combination of mathematical modelling with integration of real-world data.

  6. Accuracy and Precision − The hybrid computer gives accuracy and precision in calculations, ensuring reliable results for different applications.

  7. Customization − Adjusting the proportion of analogue to digital components in hybrid computers allows them to be specialised for use in a variety of different applications.

  8. Control Systems − Control systems in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, which require real-time data processing and precise control, frequently make use of hybrid computers because to their versatility and low power consumption.

  9. Scientific Research − They are useful tools in scientific study, particularly in subjects like as physics, chemistry, and biology, where simulations using both continuous and discrete data are required. This is especially true of the domains of physics, chemistry, and biology.

  10. Medical Imaging − In medical imaging procedures, such as the processing of data from devices like MRI and CT scanners, which involve both continuous and discrete data, hybrid computers play an important role. One example of this is the processing of MRI and CT scan data.

  11. Weather Prediction − For the purpose of modelling the weather, hybrid computers are used in the field of meteorology. This is due to the fact that weather patterns require both on-going physical processes and intricate numerical models.

  12. Complex Calculations − Hybrid computers can be useful in different kinds of work, including simulations of nuclear reactors and studies of fluid dynamics, which both combine real-time analysis and numerical computations.

  13. Optimization Problems − Hybrid computers are used for solving optimization problems that require both continuous adjustments and discrete decisions.

  14. Energy Efficiency − Hybrid computers may be more energy-efficient than digital computers because they can outsource some computations to analogue components, which may be more power-efficient for specific duties.