The Purpose of the Main Components of a Computer System Types Of Computers Danielle Muir Loressa Shackleford Chantel White

Types of computer What is a computer? A computer is an electronic devise used to input, process and output information. What are the different types of computer? Supercomputer Mainframe Minicomputer Microcomputer Laptops Servers Workstation

Supercomputer Why is it used? What is a supercomputer? A supercomputer is like a notebook or laptop but way more powerful in other words, it is a computer which can perform at a rate of speed which is far above that of other computers. Why is it used? The primary use for supercomputers is in scientific computing, which requires high-powered computers to perform complex calculations.

Supercomputers Who uses supercomputers? Scientific organizations like NASA boast supercomputers the size of rooms for the purpose of : performing calculations rendering complex formulas performing other tasks which require intense amount of computer power. Some supercomputers have also been designed for very specific functions like : cracking codes and playing chess E.g. Deep Blue is a famous chess-playing supercomputer.

Supercomputer Examples of the use of supercomputers For example, supercomputers make it possible to: Accurately forecast global and local weather. Plan a city’s emergency response to flooding Design and test many forms of transportation, including cars, busses, trains, and airplanes. Formulate medication and look inside the human body (MRI, PET, CT). Create imaginative and realistic animation.(for e.g. Shrek and Cars). Manufacture and package consumer goods like diapers, detergent, and even potato chips!

Supercomputer

Mainframe What is a mainframe? Who uses a mainframe? a mainframe is a large, expensive, multi-user computer capable of simultaneously processing for hundreds or thousands of users. Who uses a mainframe? almost everyone uses a mainframe, if you have used an automated teller machine (ATM) you have used a mainframe. Mainframe computers plays a central role in banking, finance, health care and other private enterprises.

Mainframe Why use a mainframe? Mainframes are used to : Perform large scale transaction processing Handle large-bandwidth communication(high frequency) Manage large storage of information in a database Support thousands of users and application programs who are accessing numerous resources concurrently.

Mainframe Figure 1: mainframe system used by large amount of people concurrently

Minicomputer What is a minicomputer? Who uses a minicomputer? A minicomputer is a mid size computer that is less powerful and cheaper than a mainframe. It is a multi-user computer capable of supporting up to 200 users simultaneously. They are now referred to as mid range servers. Who uses a minicomputer? Minicomputers are used: in factories for process control, inventory and manufacturing control.

Minicomputers Who uses minicomputers? cont’d in supermarkets to perform mathematical calculations. Used in large offices where many people need to work on the computer. Acting as a peripheral device

Microcomputers What are microcomputers? Microcomputer is a computer that has a microprocessor chip as its central processing unit (CPU). Often called personal computer (PC) Used by one person at a time It is used in the home, school, etc. It provide access to a wide variety of computing applications such as word processing, surfing the web, sending and receiving e-mail, spreadsheet calculations, database management, editing photographs, creating graphics, etc.

Microcomputer Personal computers come in two major varieties, desktop computers and laptop computers Desktop computer Laptop computer

Laptop What is a laptop? A laptop computer, usually called a notebook computer it is a battery- or AC-powered personal computer generally smaller than a briefcase that can easily be transported and conveniently used in temporary spaces such as on airplanes, in libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings.

Laptop

Server What is a server? A server is a computer or a computer program that runs on a machine, providing access to a centralized resource or specific service in a network to other machines connected to the machine on which it is found.

Workstation What is a workstation? A workstation is a computer intended for individual use that is faster and more capable than a personal computer. Why is it used? It's intended for business or professional use (rather than home or recreational use).

Workstation Who uses it? Workstations and applications designed for them are used by small engineering companies, architects, graphic designers, and any organization, department, or individual that requires a faster microprocessor, a large amount of random access memory (RAM), and special features such as high-speed graphics adapters.

Activity Questions State three types of computer. Describe the features of a mainframe. Compare the features of a supercomputer and a mainframe. What is a workstation? Give two examples of entities that use a minicomputer.

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