CP1300 Types of Computers

• What are the different kinds of computer systems (smallest to biggest)?
  • Micro-controlled, specialised equipment
  • Personal computers
  • Small multi-user systems
  • Mainframes
  • Supercomputers
  • Parallel and distributed systems

• Specialised Equipment
  • Eg. microwaves, clocks, radios... these are handled by micro-controllers
  • Operate like simplified computer systems
    • A CPU connected to a single device
    • Dedicated to the device
    • No need to share/coordinate many components
  • Have to operate under different conditions (extreme heat, radiation, pressure... depends on the device)
  • Can be mass-produced; made in-expensive

• Personal Computers
  • Constitute the biggest portion of computing power worldwide
  • Apples/MacIntosh, IBM, IBM-compatibles...
  • Very flexible, can be configured with a large variety of devices (scanners, CDROMs, DVDs, Printers, etc.)
  • Relatively in-expensive

• Workstations
  • UNIX based, used either as PCs or small multi-user systems

• Small Multi-user Systems
  • Allow small number of people (LAN, in an office) to share data and resources
  • Added complexity of coordinating system requests and protecting resources
  • Requires a powerful OS (NT, UNIX...)
  • Somewhat more expensive than simple PCs

• Mainframes
  • Large multi-user systems (support 100s of users at a time)
  • Commonly used by large organisations (universities, corporations, governments...)
  • Typically consist of hardware with many CPUs (perhaps 8)
  • Designed to transfer large amounts of data between many different devices
  • Mainframes are produced by companies like IBM
  • Expensive to setup and maintain

• Supercomputers
  • The most powerful computers
  • Designed to be very very fast!
  • Contain thousands of CPUs for parallel computations
  • Can handle very large amounts of data
  • Applications
    • Weather forecasting and analysis
    • Complex graphics and animations (like those for special effects in movies)
    • Molecular chemistry and physics
  • Unfortunately, are very very expensive!

• Parallel and Distributed Systems
  • Many different computers, connected via a network
  • To solve problems the computers can:
    • Work in close association, dedicated to the task (a parallel system), or
    • Work independently, act upon request when they can (a distributed system)

• Operating Systems
  • The various types of operating systems are often aligned with different types of computers.

Self assessments

• Micros to Mainframes

Tutorial Questions

• Micros to Mainframes (Answers)
• Types of Computers

Exam style questions

1. State the features of a micro-controlled device.
2. Before PCs, where was the bulk of computing power?
3. When are multi-user systems necessary?
4. Can an OS for a PC be used over a multi-user system? What problems might arise.
5. What are some distinguishing features of mainframes and supercomputers as compared to PCs?
6. How does the use of supercomputers differ from mainframes?
7. How do parallel systems differ from distributed systems?