Classification of Computers
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a microcomputer?

  • Compact dimensions
  • Designed for multiple users simultaneously (correct)
  • Designed for individual use
  • High processing power compared to mainframes

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes a minicomputer from a microcomputer?

  • Minicomputers are designed for individual use.
  • Minicomputers are larger in size.
  • Minicomputers have lower processing power.
  • Minicomputers can support multiple users simultaneously. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an example of a microcomputer?

  • Notebook
  • Laptop
  • Mainframe (correct)
  • Desktop PC

What makes mini computers ideal for businesses?

<p>They can support multiple users simultaneously. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common use for microcomputers?

<p>Controlling an entire country's air traffic system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, what does the term 'compatibility' refer to in relation to microcomputers?

<p>The ability to run various software and hardware (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of these statements about minicomputers is TRUE?

<p>They are significantly cheaper than mainframes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a microcomputer and a supercomputer?

<p>Microcomputers are smaller and less powerful. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applications is commonly associated with supercomputers?

<p>Weather forecasting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of an analog computer?

<p>Uses mechanical or hydraulic components (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does a digital computer represent data?

<p>Using binary numbers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What allows a hybrid computer to perform efficiently?

<p>Combination of analog and digital features (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks could be best performed by an analog computer?

<p>Solving differential equations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do digital computers process data compared to analog computers?

<p>Through discrete binary values (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes supercomputers?

<p>They are powerful machines used for specialized scientific tasks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which classification does NOT fit into the main categories of computers based on capacity?

<p>Quantum computer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of a hybrid computer?

<p>Analog and digital components (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics best defines a special purpose computer?

<p>Optimized for a specific task or set of tasks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which device is an example of a special purpose computer?

<p>Automated Teller Machine (ATM) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of capacity, which type of computer can perform a variety of tasks?

<p>General purpose computer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of data do analog components in a hybrid computer process?

<p>Real-world data such as voltage and temperature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a popular type of special purpose computer?

<p>Web servers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a general purpose computer (GPC)?

<p>Capable of running various software applications (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following computer types typically utilizes Turing completeness?

<p>General purpose computers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between mainframe computers and supercomputers?

<p>Mainframe computers can handle large volumes of data, while supercomputers specialize in complex computations and intensive tasks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical use case for mainframe computers?

<p>Gaming (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic shared by mainframe computers and supercomputers?

<p>Both have a high level of processing power. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer utilizes parallel processing to achieve its high performance?

<p>Supercomputers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a popular mainframe computer?

<p>IBM z14 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique hardware components are often employed in supercomputers to enhance their performance?

<p>GPUs and TPUs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason supercomputers are used in research and scientific fields?

<p>They have the immense processing power needed to handle complex simulations and computations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When considering the size of a supercomputer, which of these factors is most relevant?

<p>The number of individual computers working together (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Microcomputer

A type of computer designed for individual use. They are known for their compact size, processing power, compatibility, internet connectivity, portability, low price, and versatility.

Minicomputer

A midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.

Mainframe Computer

A large, powerful computer used by businesses and organizations to process large amounts of data.

Supercomputer

The most powerful type of computer, designed for high-performance computing tasks.

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Computer Classification

The classification of computers based on their size, capacity, and purpose.

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How are computers classified?

Computers are classified by their size, such as microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

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Portable Computer

A computer that can be easily carried around due to its small size.

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Computer classification based on capacity

Computers are classified by their processing power and the amount of data they can handle.

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MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second)

A measurement of a computer's processing power, indicating the number of instructions it can execute per second.

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GPUs and TPUs (Graphics Processing Units and Tensor Processing Units)

Specialized hardware components often found in supercomputers, designed for efficient handling of graphics or machine learning tasks.

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Computer Clusters

A group of interconnected computers working together to increase processing power, often used in supercomputers.

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Concurrent Execution of Programs

The ability of a computer to execute multiple programs simultaneously, allowing for efficient task management.

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Computer Size

The physical size of a computer, which can vary depending on its purpose and specifications.

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Analog Computer?

A computer that uses physical components like gears or hydraulics to carry out calculations.

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Digital Computer?

A computer that uses numbers represented by 0s and 1s to process information.

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Analog Computer: Data Representation

These computers work with continuous data, representing data on a scale rather than discrete values.

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Digital Computer: Data Representation

These computers represent data with specific, separate values, like binary digits.

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Analog Computer: Strengths

Analog computers are good at simulating dynamic systems and solving differential equations.

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Digital Computer: Strengths

Digital computers excel at performing complex calculations and processing large amounts of data.

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Hybrid Computer

A computer that combines the features of both analog and digital computers.

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Hybrid Computer: Advantages

Hybrid computers leverage the strengths of analog and digital technologies to perform tasks more efficiently.

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What is a hybrid computer?

A type of computer that combines both analog and digital components for processing information. It leverages the strengths of both analog and digital technologies to handle real-world scenarios.

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What does a special purpose computer (SPC) do?

A computer designed to excel at a specific task or set of tasks. It functions with high efficiency, speed, and accuracy in its specialized area.

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What is an embedded system?

A computer system integrated into a device to control functions. For example, an engine control unit in a car or a microwave oven.

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What are Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) good for?

Computers used in applications like audio processing, image compression, and telecommunications. These computers thrive on handling complex data and signals.

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What is a General Purpose Computer (GPC)?

A computer optimized for performing a wide range of tasks. It's versatile and can handle various jobs by running different applications and software

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What is Turing Completeness?

The ability of a General Purpose Computer (GPC) to simulate any algorithm or computation that can be explored through steps. Think of a computer that can theoretically do anything.

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Study Notes

Classification of Computers

  • Computers can be classified based on size, capacity, and purpose.
  • A computer's size can be categorized as micro, mini, mainframe, and supercomputers.
  • Microcomputers are small, personal computers (PCs), often laptops, desktops, mobile phones, and notebooks. They are characterized by compact dimensions, low price and versatility.
  • Minicomputers are between mainframes and microcomputers, possessing a wide range of capabilities and supporting up to 250 users simultaneously. Examples are PDP-11, AS/400e, Honeywell 200, and TI-990.
  • Mainframes are large, expensive computers supporting hundreds to thousands of users simultaneously. They can run many programs concurrently and support simultaneous program execution. Mainframe examples include IBM zSeries mainframes (like z14 and z15), Unisys ClearPath, Fujitsu GS21 Series, and Hitachi VOS3. Processing capacity is frequently measured in MIPS (million instructions per second). Mainframes are widely used in finance, government, and healthcare.
  • Supercomputers are the most powerful, designed for high-performance computing, complex and intensive tasks not easily handled by other computers. Supercomputers can vary in size from small clusters to massive installations. Examples include Fugaku, Google Sycamore, Baidu's quantum supercomputer, and Sierra. These machines employ specialized hardware like GPUs or TPUs for tasks such as graphics rendering and machine learning.

Computer Classification Based on Capacity

  • Computers are categorized based on capacity into analog, digital, and hybrid computers.
  • Analog computers use physical means like mechanical or hydraulic components for computations with continuous data. They excel at solving differential equations and simulating dynamic systems.
  • Digital computers use binary numbers (0 and 1) to represent data and perform arithmetic calculations and complex data processing. They have input, processing, and output components.
  • Hybrid computers combine the features and capabilities of analog and digital computers to perform various tasks efficiently by leveraging both technologies. They include both analog and digital components, facilitating the processing of real-world data alongside complex calculations.

Computer Classification Based on Purpose

  • Computers can also be categorized into special-purpose and general-purpose computers according to their function.
  • Special-purpose computers (SPCs) are optimized for specific tasks, performing those tasks with high efficiency, speed and accuracy. Examples include embedded systems, digital signal processors, automated teller machines (ATMs), medical equipment, and spacecraft computers. Embedded systems control specific functions within devices.
  • General-purpose computers (GPCs) perform a wide range of tasks and functions. They are versatile and can be used for various purposes with different software and applications. Key features include Turing completeness, programmability, general-purpose operating systems, and input/output capabilities.

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Classification of Computers Week 2 PDF

Description

This quiz explores the different classifications of computers based on their size, capacity, and purpose. Learn about microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes, including their characteristics and uses. Perfect for understanding the computer hierarchy and their applications.

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