On the basis of size there are four types of computer. They are minicomputer, micro computer, mainframe computer and super computer.
1.Super Computer:
These are arguably the most powerful in terms of speed and accuracy. They are types of computers used in solving complex mathematical computations. They are capable of executing trillions of instructions per second, which is calculated in floating point operations per second (FLOPS).
The typical personal computer used at home and the office is only capable of calculating millions of instructions per second (MIPS). Supercomputers can go even faster with the rate of petaFLOPS (or PFLOPS). This could bring up their processing numbers up to the quadrillion.
Supercomputers were made popular in the 1960s by Seymore Cray. They soon became the choice for complex projects. They have evolved from the grid to cluster systems of massively parallel computing. Cluster system computing means that machines use multiple processors in one system, rather than arrays of separate computers in a grid. The operating systems that run in supercomputers vary depending on the manufacturer but are generally based on the Linux Kernel.
These computers are the largest in terms of size. They can occupy anything from a few feet to hundreds of feet. They also don’t come cheap as they can be priced between $200,000 to over $100 million.
Img:sSuper Computer
2.Mainframe Computer:
Mainframe computers are large sized computer types. They are equally powerful but fall short in terms of the computation ability in supercomputers. They are like big file servers, enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to access resources at the same time. Also known as big iron, these systems can handle massive amounts of data going in and out simultaneously. This makes them popular with businesses.
They are also resilient as they are capable of operating for over 10 years without failing.
Users access the mainframe using terminals or personal computers. This can happen within the same building or via wide area network (WAN).
Most of these systems run the z/OS (operating system) on 64bit architecture.
Img:Mainframe Computer
3.Minicomputer:
Minicomputers are general purpose devices without the monumental expenses associated with a larger system. Their processing power is below that of mainframe systems but above the capabilities of personal computers.
Also known as mid-range computers, these became popular in the late 1960s but have become almost extinct because of the popularity of personal computers. The latter can now perform most of the tasks reserved for minis.
The first minicomputer was unveiled in 1967 by Digital Equipment Corporation and was followed later by designs from IBM and other companies.
They became popular for control related functions as opposed to computing prowess. Over the years, their usage was limited to dedicated control assignments in mid-range organizations.
Img:Minicomputer
4.Micro Computer:
Microcomputers are the smallest, least expensive and the most used types of computers. They have a small memory, less processing power, are physically smaller, and permit fewer peripherals compared to super and mainframe computers. They are more commonly known as personal computers or simply PCs. The term was initially used to refer to IBM compatible computers.
They became popular in the 70s and 80s, at the dawn of the microprocessor chips. These chips meant that a machine used by one individual was now feasible.
The advent of PCs meant cheaper alternatives to more expensive and centralized systems. They were more affordable for office use and created cheaper networking environments. By the mid-1990s, they became the de facto computer of choice for offices and homes. The last 20 years have seen the proliferation of even smaller systems.
This signaled the start of the mobile age, which continued to go with the trend of smaller devices as the new century progressed. This ultimately gave birth to wearable computers and gadgets.
Img:Micro Computer
Comments
Post a Comment