Computers: Supercomputers, Mainframes, and Minis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a storage device in a computer?

To increase the processing speed of the CPU

To manage the computer's power supply

To enhance the display quality of the monitor

To store information and data for processing (correct)

Which type of RAM maintains data only while the power supply is on?

SRAM (correct)

PROM

DRAM

ROM

What is the main characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

It is used exclusively for temporary storage of programs

It is volatile and can be modified easily

Data can be read and written repeatedly

Data is stored permanently and cannot be modified (correct)

Which type of RAM is considered faster than standard DRAM and is widely used in computers?

SDRAM Signup and view all the answers

Which type of storage device is primarily used for long-term data storage and often features non-volatile memory?

Flash memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between SRAM and DRAM?

SRAM has a lower access time compared to DRAM Signup and view all the answers

What does PROM stand for and how does it function?

Programmable Read-Only Memory; it can be programmed once Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is used to boot up a computer?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of supercomputers?

Processing trillions of instructions or data for scientific and engineering applications Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT true for mainframe computers?

They are primarily used for single-user tasks Signup and view all the answers

How does a minicomputer differ from a mainframe computer?

Minicomputers support fewer users than mainframe computers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for workstations?

Performing specific tasks requiring high accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features best describes a supercomputer's capabilities?

Calculates up to ten trillion individual calculations per second Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable disadvantage of mainframe computers?

They tend to be very expensive compared to other computer types Signup and view all the answers

What defines the purpose of a minicomputer?

To support a limited number of users with medium processing needs Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is a distinguishing factor of workstations compared to other computer types?

They incorporate high-speed graphic adapters Signup and view all the answers

What happens to data stored in volatile memory when a device is turned off?

Data is automatically destroyed Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is primarily used for booting up a computer?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

How does D RAM store data compared to S RAM?

D RAM uses only capacitors while S RAM uses only transistors Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines ROM?

Data is permanently stored and can only be read Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is referred to as permanent memory?

ROM Signup and view all the answers

What type of transistor technology is predominantly used in semiconductor memory?

Metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of D RAM compared to S RAM?

D RAM is slower and requires refreshing Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary memory from secondary memory?

Primary memory is volatile, while secondary memory is not Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a segment table in memory management?

To keep track of the status of each memory segment. Signup and view all the answers

Which output does an AND gate produce when both inputs are 0?

0 Signup and view all the answers

What type of logic gate gives an output of 1 only when both inputs are 0?

NOR Gate Signup and view all the answers

When is the output of an XNOR gate equal to 1?

When both inputs are identical. Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical operation does the OR gate closely resemble?

Addition Signup and view all the answers

What does a NOT gate do to an input of 1?

It outputs 0. Signup and view all the answers

Which gate is considered the negation of the AND gate?

NAND Gate Signup and view all the answers

How are the inputs and outputs of a logic gate represented in a truth table?

As all possible combinations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of EPROM compared to PROM?

Its contents can be erased and rewritten. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ROM can be programmed by the user but cannot be erased once written?

PROM Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of secondary memory?

It stores data permanently even when the power is off. Signup and view all the answers

In which way does Cache Memory improve CPU performance?

By keeping frequently used data and programs close to the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of Cache Memory?

It has a limited storage capacity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes MROM?

It is a hard-wired device with pre-programmed instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What capability does EEPROM have compared to EPROM?

It can be erased and reprogrammed with electrical signals. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a characteristic of secondary memory compared to primary memory?

It has a slower access speed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Supercomputers

Capable of processing trillions of instructions per second due to thousands of interconnected processors.
Primarily used in scientific and engineering applications like weather forecasting, simulations, and nuclear research.
Can perform up to ten trillion calculations per second, making them extremely fast.
Vital in financial sectors for stock market analysis and managing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Employed in scientific research for data analysis from space exploration and satellite information.

Mainframe Computers

Designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously and execute multiple programs at once.
Ideal for large organizations such as banks and telecom companies that handle significant data volumes.
High storage capacity, great performance, and long operational life.
Expensive compared to other types of computers.

Minicomputers

Medium-sized multiprocessing computers that support 4 to 200 users at a time.
Typically used in departments and institutions for tasks like billing and inventory management.
Smaller than mainframe computers but larger than microcomputers.
Lightweight, portable, and less expensive than mainframes while still being fast.

Workstation Computers

Tailored for technical or scientific applications with fast microprocessors and substantial RAM.
Generally a single-user system aimed at specific tasks requiring high accuracy.
High-speed graphic adapters are common, enhancing performance for graphic-intensive tasks.

Computer Storage Devices

Storage devices are crucial for data retention in computers, allowing for temporary and permanent information storage.

Primary Storage Devices

RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for immediate use; data is lost when powered off.
- Types of RAM:
  - SRAM: Static RAM, faster and more expensive, used for cache memory.
  - DRAM: Dynamic RAM, slower but cheaper, requires refreshing.
  - SDRAM: Synchronous DRAM, faster than regular DRAM.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile storage for permanent system instructions.
- Types include MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, varying in programmability and erasure capabilities.

Secondary Memory

Also known as auxiliary memory; non-volatile and used for long-term data storage.
Slower than primary memory but affordable and offers a higher storage capacity.
The data must first be moved to primary memory before being accessed by the CPU.

Cache Memory

High-speed memory acting as a buffer between CPU and main memory.
Stores frequently used data, enabling faster access.
Advantages include speed and efficiency; disadvantages include high costs and limited size.

Virtual Memory

Allows larger memory usage by combining physical memory with disk space.
Uses paging and segmentation to manage and optimize memory use for applications.

Logic Gates

Digital circuits that control the flow of electrical signals based on logical conditions.
Truth Table: Displays input-output combinations for logic gates.
AND Gate: Outputs 1 if both inputs are 1.
OR Gate: Outputs 1 if at least one input is 1.
NOT Gate: Outputs the inverse of the input.
NAND Gate: Outputs 1 unless both inputs are 1.
NOR Gate: Outputs 1 only when both inputs are 0.
XNOR Gate: Outputs 1 when inputs are the same, 0 otherwise.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of computers, including supercomputers that handle trillions of calculations per second, mainframe computers that support large organizations with massive data handling, and minicomputers catering to medium-sized systems. This quiz covers the architecture, uses, and significance of these powerful machines in various sectors.