Computer Systems: Types of Computers - BTEC HND Semester 1, Lecture notes of Architecture

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COMPUTERS

Computer Systems BTEC HND Semester 1

THIS WEEK WE WILL COVER

• (^) What is the Computer
• (^) Types of computers
• (^) Digital computers
• (^) Digital computer categories
• (^) Analog computers
• (^) Environments where different types of computers use

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

• (^) A class of devices capable of solving problems by processing information in discrete form
• (^) It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and symbols, that are expressed in binary form - using only 0 and 1 digits

DIGITAL COMPUTERS

PURPOSE WISE

• (^) Digital computers are classified into following categories according to their purposes,
• (^) Special purpose computer - Designed to perform one specific task
• (^) General purpose computer - Store any programs and can be used in numerous applications

SIZE & PERFORMANCE WISE

• (^) Digital computers are classified into following categories according to their size and performance,
• Micro computers
• (^) Mini computers
• (^) Mainframe computers
• (^) Super computers.

MICRO COMPUTER(CONT.)

Key Features

• (^) Smaller than mini computer
• (^) High speed computer but less than Mini computer
• (^) Portable Disadvantages
• (^) Experts are required to operate.
• (^) Limited hardware devices are connected.

MICRO COMPUTER(CONT.)

ECD Micro mind Data point 2200

MID-RANGE COMPUTERS

• (^) Used for medium sized companies for specific purposes
• (^) May be used for certain assembly line operations or manufacturing stages in big companies. The size of mini computers may be as a washing machine.
• (^) May be a stand alone system for specialized applications including network servers.
• (^) Also called minicomputers.

MINI COMPUTERS(CONT.)

Key features

• (^) Higher processing speed
• (^) Smaller size
• (^) Cheaper Disadvantages
• (^) Cannot connect all hardware
• (^) Cannot execute all languages

MAINFRAME COMPUTER

• (^) Large cabinets that housed the central processing unit (CPU) and main memory of early computers
• (^) Modern mainframes can run multiple different instances of operating systems at the same time

MAINFRAME COMPUTER(CONT.)

Key Features

• (^) Lager in size
• (^) Large memory capacity
• (^) Allowing networking of up to 100 terminals
• (^) Expensive (5-20 lacs) Disadvantages
• (^) Experts and highly professionals are required to operate it.
• (^) Sophisticated technology.

SUPER COMPUTER

• (^) Fastest type of computer
• (^) Very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations Application
• (^) Weather forecasting, aerodynamic research
• (^) 3D nuclear test simulations
• (^) Radiation shielding modeling
• (^) Molecular Dynamics Simulation etc.

SUPER COMPUTER(CONT.)

• (^) Titan The fastest supercomputer in the world is used to study alternative energy resources and climate change simulations in a global level