Klasifikasi komputer terbagi atas enam, yaitu:

. Microcontroller

Microcontroller memiliki semua peralatan pokoknya sebagai sebuah komputer dalam satu chip. Peralatan tersebut diantaranya adalah: * pemroses (processing) * Memori, * Input dan output Kadangkala pada microcontroller ini beberapa chip digabungkan dalam satu papan rangkaian. Perangkat ini sangat ideal untuk mengerjakan sesuatu yang bersifat khusus, sehingga aplikasi yang diisikan ke dalam komputer ini adalah aplikasi yang bersifat dedicated. Jika dilihat dari harga, microcontroller ini harga umumnya lebih murah dibandingkan dengan komputer lainnya, karena perangkatnya relatif sederhana. Contoh alat ini diantaranya adalah komputer yang digunakan pada mobil untuk mengatur kestabilan mesin, alat untuk pengatur lampu lalu lintas. 2. Microcomputer Komputer ini khususnya digunakan untuk single-user, biasa disebut juga dengan komputer desktop atau komputer pribadi (personal computer). Komputer ini sudah dirancang sedemikian rupa untuk mampu berinteraksi dengan penggunanya. Penggunaanya sangat populer pada penggunaan di rumah, atau untuk menjalankan aplikasi bisnis. 3. Engineering Workstation Komputer ini lebih powerfull apabila dibandingkan dengan komputer pribadi, umumnya komputer ini digunakan untuk menjalankan aplikasi yang dipakai oleh para ahli teknik dalam melakukan perhitungan dan penyelesaian pekerjaannya. Aplikasi yang digunakan lebih cenderung kepada software yang banyak melakukan berbagai perhitungan, baik secara tiga dimensi, maupun secara matematika lainnya. Contoh aplikasi yang digunakan untuk komputer golongan ini adalah CAD (computer aided design) yang digunakan untuk melakukan perancangan gambar teknik. 4. Minicomputer Komputer ini umumnya digunakan untuk banyak pemakai (multiuser) pada saat yang bersamaan, dan time shared. Time shared ini artinya memungkinkan komputer tersebut untuk digunakan oleh beberapa pemakai sekaligus secara bersama-sama, dan komputer akan membagi-bagi waktunya bergantian untuk masing-masing pemakai. Tentunya penggantian waktu layanan ini tidak terlalu terasa bagi pemakai, mengingat pembagian waktunya dihitung

dalam waktu yang sangat sempit, atau dalam satuan perseribu detik, tergantung sistem yang digunakan. Pelayanan pada penggunanya lebih dititikberatkan kepada proses, bukan terhadap interaksi pengguna komputer tersebut. Contoh komputer yang termasuk ke dalam golongan ini adalah IBM AS/400. Komputer ini lebih cenderung digunakan pada untuk suatu kelompok pengguna atau per departemen pada perusahaan besar. 5. Mainframe Pada tahap awal mulainya era komputerisasi, mainframe merupakan satu-satunya komputer yang ada pada waktu itu. Mainframe ini dapat melayani ratusan penggunanya pada saat yang bersamaan. Komputer ini mirip dengan minicomputer namun lebih besar dan lebih mahal. Penggunaannya umumnya untuk pengolahan data dari suatu divisi atau perusahaan besar, yang membutuhkan pengolahan yang cukup berat. 6. Supercomputer Komputer ini merupakan komputer yang powerfull yang ada. Aplikasi yang digunakan biasanya lebih cenderung untuk penelitian ilmiah. Komputer ini biasanya memiliki beberapa prosesor sekaligus untuk menjalankan tugasnya.

EDP is Use of computers in recording, classifying, manipulating, and summarizing data. Also called Automatic data processing, data processing, or information processing.

Differences between data and information

The interchange of the words data and information is widespread, but M150 should help you to develop a clearer understanding of the differences between the two. Data
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Facts, statistics used for reference or analysis. Numbers, characters, symbols, images etc., which can be processed by a computer. Data must be interpreted, by a human or machine, to derive meaning "Data is a representation of information" *

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Latin 'datum' meaning "that which is given" Data plural, datum singular (M150 adopts the general use of data as singular. Not everyone agrees.) Information

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Knowledge derived from study, experience (by the senses), or instruction. Communication of intelligence. "Information is any kind of knowledge that is exchangeable amongst people, about things, facts, concepts, etc., in some context." * "Information is interpreted data" *
A computer is a machine for manipulating data according to a list of instructions

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Classification of computer:
Computers are the unique machines to assist human to solve several types of calculating problems. There are several types of computer, which can be classified under different factors. The general classification of computers are listed below:
1. First generation computer: Computers of this generation were very big in size and slower in processing. They usedvacuum tubes as their main hardware components. They consumed huge amount of energy. Mark-I is an example of such computer. This generation computer has very small memory (Approx. 1 to 4 kb) 2. Second-generation computer: In 1948-49, a semiconductor device named after transistor was developed by a group of three scientists (John Burdeen, Walter H. Brattain and William B. Shockley) in the Bel Laboratories. It was a great invention of science in the field of computer because single transistor was able to replace 1000 vacuum tubes and consumes less power. This device was faster then vacuum tubes. This device made the computer faster, smaller than first generation. Second generations computer use transistor as their main hardware device. 3. Third generation computer: This generation of computer uses the IC (Integrated circuit) as their main hardware. The approximate time of this generation is supposed to be started from 1966. Form this generation computers began to be connected with Visual Display Unit (VDU), high-speed printer and magnetic tape as storage. Third generation computers ware faster, smaller and more reliable thansecond generation. 4. Fourth generation computer: When Intel designed a complicated integrated circuit in 1971and started to called as VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) or

Classification according to the developmental stages (Generation)

processor, the history of fourth generation started. These computers are the todays computers. They are smaller, faster, reliable and versatile. They are user friendly and easier to use. Huge storage capacity and accuracy are the main features of this generation. Our computers are the computers of this generation. 5. Fifth generation computers: Technology never stops. After Microprocessor, Scientists are trying to create more faster, more smaller and more reliable device known as Bio-chip by Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) after the use of which computer will have artificial intelligence (AI) to make computer able to think like human.

Classification of computer according to the function : Computers are the versatile machines and they are capable to perform different types of tasks. Computers can be classifiedinto three groups according to their functions. They are:
1. Analog computer: Analog computers are the job-oriented computer and can do the single task with pressure or force of any object. Speedometers, Seismograph are some examples of analog computer. 2. Digital computer: Digital computer works by calculating the binary digits. Such computers are multitasking computers and can do several jobs. Our PC is an example of digital computer. 3. Hybrid computer: Hybrid computer can do the task of digital as well as analog computer. Hybrid computer is the combination of analog and digital. Hybrid computers are use in industries, hospitals and in scientific research institutions.

Classification of computer according to the size: Computers are available in different size according to their function and purposes. Size of computer refers to the area occupied by the computer and their shape. Common types of computer according to size are listed below:
1. Super computer: Super computers are complex and big in size. They are used in the scientific research purpose. Such computer are faster and more expensive then others. 2. Mainframe computers: These computers are larger and faster then mini computers. They use great storage and required about 100-sq. ft. area to be connected with all peripherals. Nearly 100 people can work at a time in such computers. 3. Mini computers: Mini computers are medium size computers, which means smaller then mainframe but bigger then microcomputers. 4. Microcomputers: Microcomputers are the personal computers. They are based on the microchips. They are versatile. Personal desktop PC, Laptop and Notebook are the example of microcomputers.

 Classification of computer according to the brand: There are several brands of computer. More then 100 companies are involved in computer manufacturing and they have their ownbrand name.
1. IBM PC (International Business Machine) :IBM corporation was established in 1924 in USA. The products of this company are called the IBM. IBM is the leading company in the field of computers. 2. IBM Compatible: A computer, which uses the most common peripherals of IBM and work under the same principle, is called the IBM compatible PC. Generally, our PCs are the IBM compatible PCs. IBM compatible computers looks like the IBM. The compatible computers are also of two types; local assemblled and branded. 3. Apple/Macintosh: In late 1970s, Apple Company was established in the USA with the determination to develop different types of computers than IBM. Macintosh is the new model of Apple computer. This computer uses different software and it has different look.

Some of the widely used brands are:

Classification of computer according to the model: Generally, when we talk about computer, we talk about IBM or IBM compatible. More then 80 percent computers of this world fall under these categories. So, Classification of computer according to the model refers to the classification of IBM or IMB compatible computers. These computers
1. XT computers : XT (eXtended Technology) computers are the old days computers. Originally they had a processing speed of 4.77 MHz. These computers were based on the processor called 8086. The computer with 8086, 8087 and 8088 processor are called the XT computers. These computers were capable to run the DOS and DOS based programs. 2. AT computers : AT (Advanced Technology) computers are faster and smaller then XTs. These computers are capable to run the GUI based programs (WINDOWS). The computer with 80286, 80386, 80486 and Pentium processor are the AT computers. 3. PS/2 computers : PS/2 computers are the advanced computer made by Apple and IBM. They use the same processor made by Motorola Corporation.

can be classified into three groups, they are: