ITteoric13.pdf

Week 13: The Categories of Computers The classification of computers according to size, capacity, purpose, and functionality. On the Basis of Size and Capacity: 1. Supercomputers 2. Mainframes (Server) 3. Minicomputers (Server) 4. Microcomputers (client)...

Week 13: The Categories of Computers The classification of computers according to size, capacity, purpose, and functionality. On the Basis of Size and Capacity: 1. Supercomputers 2. Mainframes (Server) 3. Minicomputers (Server) 4. Microcomputers (client) 1 Supercomputers  The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the Supercomputers. These are specialized and task specific computers used by large organizations. 2 Supercomputers The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to:  In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft, airplanes, and flight simulators.  Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.  Spaceship and Satellite Launching.  Used in scientific research laboratories.  Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks. 3  Mainframes/servers  Many large firms & government organizations uses Mainframes to run their business operations. The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air- conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process & store large amount of data. VP2400 mainframe 4  Mainframes/servers  Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like railways. These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on these computations simultaneously.  The tasks, such as keeping details of payments, research centres, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking, maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc. VP2400 mainframe 5  Minicomputers/servers  Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than one CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers simultaneously instead of a single person. Also, it can process with other accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.  Minicomputers are the medium type of computers that have more functionality power and are expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand, the size, storage, and speed of minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and supercomputers. 6 Microcomputers  Desktop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablets & smartphones, Calculators , Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system of a car, laptops, are all types of microcomputers. The micro-computers are widely used & the fastest growing computers.  The Micro-computers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment, education and work purposes. Well known manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony & Toshiba. 7  Microcomputers: Mini PC’s  These computers are designed for a single user at a time. Individual departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-computers for specific purposes. For example, a production department can use Mini- computers for monitoring certain production process.  They are confused with minicomputers. Minicomputers are more powerfull than mini PC’s computers. 8 The Categories of Computers Category Super Mainframe Mini Micro Size, Large Large Middle Small capacity Server No Yes Yes Not preferred Tasks, Specific Multi Multi General users Cost High High Middle Low 9