Introduction
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In this lecture you will learn about the different types of computers and practice how to
use of some of these computers. We shall also see how the various computers look like
and the functions they perform in various organizations. Latest computers such as cloud
computers will also be discussed.
Objectives
1. Recognize super computers
2. Use Mini computers
3. Describe how Main frame computers are used by large
organizations
4. Recognize and use Cloud computing
5. Identify and name any other type of computers
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We are going to learn about the following types of computers. Carry up your hand if you
know any of these computers.
1.Supercomputers
2.Minicomputers
3.Microcomputers
4.Laptops/notebooks
5.Mainframe computer
6.Embedded computers
7.Terminals
8.Cloud computing.
This is how some of the computers look like
Microcomputers
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Minicomputers
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A mainframe computer
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A super computer
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Super Computers
Supercomputers
Unlike mainframes and minicomputers, supercomputers are used for the heavy stuff like
weather maps, construction of atom bombs, finding oil, earthquake prediction, and
sciences where a lot of calculations must be done.
They are also used to help governments eavesdrop on anything passing through
telephone, data lines, e-mail, or radio waves; and anything that is written, etc.
Historically, a supercomputer is associated with the fastest computer available or the
largest in size.
Supercomputing means "mass computing at ultra high speed."
Though all contemporary personal computers perform in the tens or hundreds of
megaflops (millions of calculations per second), they still cannot solve certain problems
fast enough.
Construction of supercomputers is an awesome and very expensive task.
To get a machine from the laboratory to the market may take several years.
Using a supercomputer is expensive as well.
As a user, you are charged according to the time you use the system what is expressed in
the number of processor (CPU) seconds your program runs.
Why do we need a supercomputer? Well, as a normal person on the street, you don't.
Your cell phone or PDA has more computing power than the first mainframes.
Who really needs supercomputing today are mostly scientists performing mass
computing at ultra high speed. They use such computers in all imaginable disciplines:
space exploration and related imagery (picturing galaxies and intergalactic matter),
environmental simulations (global warming effects) mathematics, physics (the search for
the really smallest part of matter), gene technology (what gene it is that makes us old),
and many others.
As you can see in the table below, the ranking of a supercomputer is near the top of the
computer spectrum.
2.4 Minicomputers
Introduced in the early 1960s and announced a new era in computing. They are relatively
low cost and small. Historically, a mini is associated with de-centralized computing.
Meaning most computing takes (physically) place on the mini itself
2.5 Microcomputers
A microcomputer
is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit.
Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small
amounts of space when compared to mainframe and minicomputers.
Many microcomputers (when equipped with a keyboard and screen for input and output)
are also personal computers
Monitors, keyboards and other devices for input and output may be integrated or
separate.
Computer memory in the form of RAM, and at least one other less volatile, memory
storage device are usually combined with the CPU on a system bus in a single unit.
Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include, batteries, a power
supply unit, a keyboard and various input/output devices used to convey information to
and from a human operator (printers, monitors, human interface devices)
Microcomputers are designed to serve only a single user at a time, although they can
often be modified with software or hardware to concurrently serve more than one user.
Microcomputers fit well on or under desks or tables, so that they are within easy access
of the user.
Bigger computers like minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers take up large
cabinets or even a dedicated room.
A microcomputer comes equipped with at least one type of data storage, usually RAM.
Although some microcomputers (particularly early 8-bit home micros) perform tasks
using RAM alone, some form of secondary storage is normally desirable. In the early
days of home micros, this was often a data cassette deck (in many cases as an external
unit). Later, secondary storage (particularly in the form of floppy disk and hard disk
drives) were built in to the microcomputer case itself.
Microcomputers, or PC's as they are often called, are abundant on our desks, tables,
offices, suitcases, everywhere.
This is the most visible form of computers in the present world and comes in all forms
and breeds.
There are many generations of particular design and technical specifications from the start of this particular design.
Historically, a micro is associated with stand alone computing.