Types of Computer1

8/3/2019 Types of Computer1

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Lesson 2


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The Evolution of Information Systems Technology

First Second Third Fourth Today

1946~57 1957~65 1965~72 1972~85 1985+

Vacuum Tube TransistorsIntegratedCircuit (IC)

VLSI

Dramaticdecrease in

Price/performanc

e ratio

Hours Days Months Moths/Years Years+

BK1 pg 88~91


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The Categories of

Computers Today


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This lesson includes the following sections:

Supercomputers

Mainframe Computers

Minicomputers

Workstations

Microcomputers, or Personal Computers

BK3 pg 15~17


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The Shapes of Computers Today - 1

Supercomputers are the most powerful computers. They are used for problems

requiring complex calculations. They are use for scientific& defenseresearchpurposes, e.g. forecasting global weather pattern, simulation & analyzing nuclearfission & fusion reaction, Human Genome project.

Because of their size and expense, supercomputers are relatively rare. They cancost tens of million of dollarsand can consume enough electricity to power

dozens of homes

Supercomputers are used by universities, government agencies, and largebusinesses.

supercomputers can perform more than 1 trillion (1012) calculation perseconds. Some supercomputers such as CrayT90 or T3E can house thousands

of processors.

Makers of Supercomputers include Cray, Fujitsu, Intel Supercomputers, NEC.

SUPERCOMPUTERS


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MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

The largest & oldest type of computer system in common use is the Mainframe. AMainframe system can house an enormous volume of data, containing literallybillions of records.

Mainframe computers can support hundreds or thousands of users, handlingmassive amounts of input, output, and storage. The largest IBM S/390can support

50,000 users simultaneouslywhile executing 1.6 Giga (1.6 x 108) instructionsper second.

Mainframe computers are used in large organizations where many users needaccess to shared data and programs. Mainframe can cost from $30,000 to severalmillions. Mainframes are used in large organizations like insurance companies,banks, Airlines, specialized server in World Wide Web & as e-commerce

server.

In traditional mainframe environment, each user works at a computer terminal. Aterminal can be dumb terminalor intelligent terminal.

The principal makers of Mainframes have been IBM (60%), Fujitsu, Unisys, AT&T.



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MINICOMPUTERS

First released by Digital Corporation Corp (DEC) in 1959. The capabilities ofMini are somewhere between Mainframe & PC, hence they are also referredas Midrange Computers.

Most powerful Minicomputer can handle I/O needs of hundreds of usersat atime.

Mini usually serves the data sharing needs of user computers in a network.Minicomputers cost anywhere from $18,000to $500,000.

HP 3000 is a midrange computer used by medium and large size businesses.Other makers of Minicomputers are Tandem, AT&T, IBM.

Minicomputers find their usage as network servers (Client/Server), Internetservers, in manufacturing industries (CAD/CAM)



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WORKSTATIONS

Workstations are specialized, single-user computers with many features of apersonalcomputer but with processing power of a minicomputer.

Workstations are used for tasks that require a great deal of number-crunchingpower, such as product designand computer animation. These powerfulsystems are popular among scientists, graphic artists, animators,

engineers and programmers.

Workstation usually use advanced processorsand feature more memory&storagecapacity than PC. Workstations have large, highresolutionmonitorand acceleratedgraphics-handlingcapabilities. Sun Blade 100 is anexample of a Workstation

Workstations cost around $10,000- $150,000. Well-known makers ofWorkstations have been Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SiliconGraphic.



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MICROCOMPUTERS, OR PERSONAL COMPUTERS

In 1981 IBMcalled its first computer IBM PC. With in few years, many

companies were copying the IBM design, creating clones & compatiblesthat were meant to function like the original. Apple Computers make anotherline of computers which are not compatible to IBM, however because theresimilarity in function and usage we also refer Apple Computer as PC

Microcomputers include the following types:

1. Desktop

2. Notebook & LaptopComputer(docking station)

3. Network Computer(mid 1990s) is a less powerful version of a PC, withminimal or no processing power, memory and storage. NC is designedto connect to network, a corporate intranet or to the Internet.. In

corporate setting NCs offer several advantages:

o Enhanced Data Securityo Reduced Threat of Viruseso Centralized Softwareo Limited Upgrades


Cont..


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4. Handheld personal computers (H/PCs) sometime calledpalmtop computers are of

several types such as

i. Personal Digital Assistance (PDA) / Pen-based organizers

ii. Cellular phone with Internet, e-mail & fax capabilities

iii. H/PC Pro device


MICROCOMPUTERS, OR PERSONAL COMPUTERS


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lesson 2 Review

List the five most common types of computer systems.

Identify two unique features of supercomputers.

Describe a typical use for mainframe computers

Differentiate workstations from personal computers.

Identify four types of personal computers.

Types of Computer1

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