8/4/2019 Types of Computer System

1/4

Different Types of Computer System

Lecture-2

Supercomputers

Most powerful computers and physically they are some of the largest.

Used for problems requiring complex calculations, some of them can

perform more than 1 trillion calculations / sec.

Some of them can house thousands of processors for e.g. Cray T90 system.

Because of their size and expense, supercomputers are relatively rare and

are used by universities, government agencies, and large businesses. They can be use for:

Simulating the models of complex processes.

To help analyze and forecast global weather patterns

To create and analyze models of nuclear fission and fusion and

predicting the actions and reactions of millions of atoms as they

interact.

Mapping the human genome or DNA structure.

8/4/2019 Types of Computer System

2/4

Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers are used in large organizations where many users

need access to shared data and programs, usually stored in huge databases.

Mainframe Environment:

Terminal:

A terminal is a monitor, keyboard and a pointing device (mouse) wired to a

mainframe.

Two types of terminals:

Dumb:

Does not have its own CPU and storage devices; these are housed in the

mainframe system unit and is shared by all users. It is simply an

input/output (I/O) device.

Intelligent: It has its own processor and can perform some processing functions. They

however, do not provide storage.

Mainframe computers can support hundreds or thousands of users,

handling massive amounts of input, output, and storage.

They commonly occupy entire room or even an entire floor and are placed

inside glass offices with special air conditioning to keep them cool.

They are used

As e-commerce servers, handling transactions over the Internet.

In airlines for flight scheduling, reservations and ticketing.

In insurance companies and banks where many people need frequent

access to same data.

8/4/2019 Types of Computer System

3/4

Minicomputers

Minicomputers are smaller than mainframes but larger than

microcomputers.

Capabilities are in between mainframe and personal computer thats

why called midrange computers.

Minicomputers usually have multiple terminals and like mainframe

can handle more input / output then personal computers.

Minicomputers may be used as network servers and Internet servers.

Personal computers can be connected to a network with a

minicomputer acting as a server.

Workstations

Workstations are specialized, powerful single-user computers with

many features of a personal computer and but with processing

power of a minicomputer.

Workstations are used for tasks that require a great deal of number-crunching power, such as product design and computer animation.

Typically use advanced processors and features more RAM and

storage capacity as compared to personal computers.

Workstations are often used as network and Internet servers.

8/4/2019 Types of Computer System

4/4

Microcomputer

(Personal Computers)

Microcomputers are more commonly known as personal computers. The

term "PC" is applied to IBM-PCs or compatible computers.

Full-size desktop computers are the most common type of PC.

Notebook (laptop) computers are used by people who need the power of a

desktop system, but also portability.

Handheld PCs (such as PDAs) lack the power of a desktop or notebook PC,

but offer features for users who need limited functions and small size.