Analog Computer

A computer that represents data in terms of physical measures or quantities and proceeds along a continuum constituted by its components. Analog computers are especially suited for the solution of complex non-linear equations and for the simulation of multi-dimensional, parallel and continuous processes. There is no restriction on the physical processes analog computers may utilize. Most common media are fluids and gases which can be made to vary in numerous DIMENSIONs. Compared with digital COMPUTERs, the program ming of analog computers is time consuming and limited in scope. (Krippendorff )