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Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of a minicomputer compared to a personal computer (PC)?
What is a characteristic of a minicomputer compared to a personal computer (PC)?
Which of the following is a common use of minicomputers?
Which of the following is a common use of minicomputers?
What is a disadvantage of a minicomputer compared to a mainframe computer?
What is a disadvantage of a minicomputer compared to a mainframe computer?
Why are mainframe computers also known as enterprise servers?
Why are mainframe computers also known as enterprise servers?
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What distinguishes mainframe computers from other types in terms of cost?
What distinguishes mainframe computers from other types in terms of cost?
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Which type of computer is known for being large and bulky?
Which type of computer is known for being large and bulky?
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What is the primary purpose of CAD programs in product design?
What is the primary purpose of CAD programs in product design?
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In which industry is automation becoming increasingly common?
In which industry is automation becoming increasingly common?
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What is the main benefit of using computer systems for accounts?
What is the main benefit of using computer systems for accounts?
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What is another term for a counting frame that was used in China, Europe, and Russia?
What is another term for a counting frame that was used in China, Europe, and Russia?
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Which type of computer is characterized by its high processing speed and complex calculations?
Which type of computer is characterized by its high processing speed and complex calculations?
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What is a common characteristic of mainframe computers?
What is a common characteristic of mainframe computers?
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What distinguishes supercomputers from other types of computers?
What distinguishes supercomputers from other types of computers?
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In which fields are supercomputers commonly used?
In which fields are supercomputers commonly used?
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What is a disadvantage of mainframe computers?
What is a disadvantage of mainframe computers?
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Which unit of a computer system processes data by performing comparisons and calculations?
Which unit of a computer system processes data by performing comparisons and calculations?
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What type of organizations commonly use mainframe computers?
What type of organizations commonly use mainframe computers?
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What type of computer output device displays information such as text, numbers, and pictures?
What type of computer output device displays information such as text, numbers, and pictures?
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What is the main circuit board of a microcomputer called?
What is the main circuit board of a microcomputer called?
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Which type of disk can store 650MB to 800MB of information and data?
Which type of disk can store 650MB to 800MB of information and data?
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What type of disk can store 4.8GB to 8.0GB of information and data?
What type of disk can store 4.8GB to 8.0GB of information and data?
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Which optical disc technology uses laser to read and write data on silver platters?
Which optical disc technology uses laser to read and write data on silver platters?
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What type of computer hardware consists of electronic devices that are visible and touchable?
What type of computer hardware consists of electronic devices that are visible and touchable?
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What is the primary function of the Arithmetic/logic unit in a CPU?
What is the primary function of the Arithmetic/logic unit in a CPU?
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Where are data stored in a computer's processor unit?
Where are data stored in a computer's processor unit?
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What is the function of the Control Unit in a CPU?
What is the function of the Control Unit in a CPU?
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Which component of a computer is referred to as the 'brains'?
Which component of a computer is referred to as the 'brains'?
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What is the primary reason why computer programs (software) are crucial for the CPU's operation?
What is the primary reason why computer programs (software) are crucial for the CPU's operation?
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In computing, what does ALU stand for?
In computing, what does ALU stand for?
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Study Notes
Computer Applications
- Computer systems are ideal for repetitive tasks, guaranteeing accuracy.
- Automated production systems are used in car factories, where computer-controlled robots assemble cars.
- CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs are used to produce exact specifications and detailed drawings of new products.
Types of Computers
- Microcomputer: classified into desktop PCs, smaller than minicomputers, and sits on desks.
- Minicomputer: bigger than PCs, expensive, multi-user, difficult to use, more computing power than PCs, used by medium-sized business organizations.
- Mainframe: known as enterprise servers, occupies entire rooms or floors, serves distributed users and small servers in a computing network, used in big business organizations and government departments.
- Supercomputer: fastest and most expensive, used for space launching, molecular chemistry, nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics.
Computer System Components
- Input units: accept data, examples include keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen, scanner, camera, and other devices.
- Processor unit: processes data by performing comparisons and calculations, has two main parts: CPU (Central Processing Unit) and main memory.
- Output units: present results, examples include monitor, speakers, and printer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Housed on a tiny silicon chip, contains millions of switches and pathways.
- CPU knows which switches to turn on and which to turn off based on instructions from computer programs (software).
- Two primary sections: Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) and Control unit.
- ALU performs arithmetic computations and logical operations.
- Control unit coordinates all CPU activities.
Output Devices
- Monitor: displays information such as text, numbers, and pictures.
- Speakers: allow users to hear voice, music, and other sounds.
- Printer: gives a hardcopy of computer information.
Parts of a Computer System
- Hardware: electronic devices that make up a computer system.
- Software: programs and operating systems that run on a computer.
- Firmware: permanently stored in a computer's read-only memory (ROM).
- User: the person interacting with the computer system.
Storage Devices
- Optical Discs: use laser technology to read and write data on silver platters.
- Compact Disk (CD): can store 650MB to 800MB of information and data.
- CD-ROM (Read Only Memory): can only read data from a CD-ROM.
- DVD (Digital Versatile Disk): can store 4.8GB to 8.0GB of information and data.
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Description
Explore the key characteristics and common uses of mainframe computers such as IBM3091 and ICL39. Learn about their size, cost, user support, computing power, and specialized room requirements. Discover the typical sectors like airline reservation, banking, and education where mainframes are commonly utilized.
