Q1)
What is various type of computer? Explain the working of mainframe and
supercomputer.
Various type of computers are
·
Super Computer
·
Mini Computer
·
Workstation
Computer
·
Personal
Computer (PC)
·
Server Computer
·
Analog Computer
·
Digital Computer
·
Hybrid Computer
·
Tablets and
Smartphone
Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.
Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes
to mind when thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and
fastest computers (in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are
designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing
trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the
thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used
in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by
Roger Cray in 1976.
Mainframe
computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support
hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple
programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes
simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big
organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume
of data in general.
Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this
type of computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200
users at one time. Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller. Minicomputers
are used in places like institutes or departments for different work like
billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe
computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
.
Workstation
Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or
scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large
amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer.
It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Personal
Computer (PC)
Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is
basically a general-purpose computer designed for individual use. It consists
of a microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and
output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making
an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For
example, Laptops and desktop computers.
Server Computer
Server Computers are computers that are combined data and
programs. Electronic data and applications are stored and shared in the server
computer. The working of a server computer is that it does not solve a bigger
problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones. Examples
of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for any
page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.
Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process
analog data. Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete
values are called analog data. So, an analog computer is used where we don’t
need exact values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature,
pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device
without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous
changes in physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale.
For example speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.
Digital Computer
Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily
perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as
input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final
output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is
converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer
to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops,
desktops including smartphones are digital computers.
Hybrid Computer
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining
two different things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both
analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers
and have memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it has the ability to
process both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog
signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the
input data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog
and digital data are required to be processed. A processor which is used in
petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and
price is an example of a hybrid computer.
Tablet and Smartphones
Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that
are pocket friendly and easy to carry is these are handy. This is one of the
best use of modern technology. These devices have better hardware capabilities,
extensive operating systems, and better multimedia functionality. smartphones
and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless
communication protocols.
A
mainframe is defined as a large, powerful computer typically used for complex
calculations and data processing tasks. It can connect to multiple end clients
simultaneously so that several users can access different applications and
processes running on the mainframe concurrently without impacting performance
or security.
A mainframe computer, often colloquially known as a big iron or
mainframe, is typically used by large enterprises for mission-critical
applications. This involves processing massive amounts of data for activities
like censuses, industry and consumer analytics, enterprise resource planning,
or large transaction processing. Today’s mainframes are far smaller than the
“Big Iron” giants of the past. The most recent mainframe might cohabit with
various systems in the data center using a 19-inch rack.
Modern mainframes are also referred to as data servers (even
though servers are not identical to mainframes). This is because they are meant
to execute up to 1 trillion daily online transactions with the highest degrees
of safety and dependability. In practice, mainframes have a high degree of availability,
as they are frequently used for applications in which downtimes would be
expensive and, at times, challenging for an organization.
Reliability, availability, and serviceability or RAS, is the
distinguishing feature of mainframe computers. Other primary features include:
·
Mainframes may boost or modify
system capacity on the go without interrupting system operations. Its precision
and granularity offer expertise and sophistication uncommon amongst server
solutions.
·
Modern mainframes, such as the
IBM zSeries, provide two virtualization levels:
logical partitions and virtual machines. Many mainframe users maintain two
machines: one at their primary data center and the other in their backup data
center, which may be fully active, partly active, or in standby mode in the
event of a disaster affecting the primary data center.
·
Testing, developing, training
and production workloads for applications and databases may work on a single
system unless the demand is exceedingly high and the machine’s capacity is
exhausted. This configuration of two mainframes may enable continuous business
service, preventing both planned and unscheduled interruptions.
·
Mainframes are intended to
manage very large input and output (I/O) volumes and prioritize throughput.
Ever since the 1950s, mainframe architectures have included auxiliary hardware
to control I/O devices, freeing the CPU to focus solely on high-speed memory.
·
It is typical for mainframes to
administer enormous databases and files. Records of gigabyte to terabyte-size
capacity are quite common. Mainframes often contain enormous volumes of online
data repositories compared to a regular PC and can also be accessed rapidly.
Supercomputing technology comprises supercomputers, the fastest computers in the world. Supercomputers are made up of interconnects, I/O systems, memory and processor cores.
Unlike traditional computers, supercomputers use more than one central processing unit (CPU). These CPUs are grouped into compute nodes, comprising a processor or a group of processors—symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)—and a memory block. At scale, a supercomputer can contain tens of thousands of nodes. With interconnect communication capabilities, these nodes can collaborate on solving a specific problem. Nodes also use interconnects to communicate with I/O systems, like data storage and networking.
A matter to note, because of modern supercomputers' power consumption, data centers require cooling systems and suitable facilities to house it all.
Because supercomputers are often used to run artificial intelligence programs, supercomputing has become synonymous with AI. This regular use is because AI programs require high-performance computing that supercomputers offer. In other words, supercomputers can handle the types of workloads typically needed for AI applications.
For example, IBM built Summit and Sierra supercomputers with big data and AI workloads in mind. They're helping model supernovas, pioneer new materials, and explore cancer, genetics and the environment, using technologies available to all businesses.
Q2)
What is the difference between application and system software? Why are they
required? Write the use of any one type of software with some examples.
One may consider the difference between the system software and the application software to be minor. But these two types of software are completely different from each other. Their functioning, purpose and design are all dissimilar with regard to each other.
A System Software acts as an interface between the system and the application software. The various Operating systems are the best example as it allows the user to download and work with various applications on their device.
On the other hand, Application Software is designed for users. The applications can be added to system software. For example, Notepad is an application of MS Windows, which is system software.
Computer Software is a sort of program that allows clients to
work on different assignments or use them to work on their System. It tells the
working and responsibilities of the System. Basically, Software is a set of
instructions or commands that tells a user how to do and what to do.
System
Software is the
type of software that is the interface between application software and the
system. Low-level languages are used to write the system software. System
Software maintains the system resources and gives the path for application
software to run. An important thing is that without system software, the system
can not run. It is general-purpose software.
Functions of System Software
·
Memory
Management
·
Processor
Management
·
File Management
·
Security
·
Error-detecting
Aids
·
Scheduling
Features of System Software
·
System software
is written in a low-level language.
·
The size of the
system Software is smaller.
·
System software
is complex to understand.
·
System software
is present near hardware components.
Application Software is the type of software that
runs as per user request. It runs on the platform which is provided by system
software. High-level languages are used to write the application software. It’s
a specific purpose software. The main difference between System Software and
Application Software is that without system software, the system can not run on
the other hand without application software, the Low-level maintenance system
always runs.
|
Difference
Between System Software and Application Software |
|
|
System
Software |
Application
Software |
|
This acts as an interface between the system and the
applications |
This is designed directly from the user perspective |
|
It is the platform that allows the various application software
to run on the system |
These are independent applications which can be download
and installed in the system |
|
System Software is generally developed in low-level
languages. This is so that the interaction between the software and hardware
can be simplified and made more compatible |
Each application has a specific purpose and thus is
developed with high-level languages so that the purpose can be fulfilled |
|
Is working is more automated. Once a system is turned on,
the system software starts working |
User action is required to start application software.
These applications can only be work when the user commands the system to do
so |
|
These are responsible for the working of the system |
They have minimum involvement in the processing and
functioning of the computer device |
|
The system software are installed at the time of
installing the operating system. A computer device cannot work without its
presence |
The application software can be installed as and when the
user requires them |
|
It is an independent software. Once this is installed the
computer will work |
This is a dependent software. Applications can only be
downloaded when the operating system is installed |
|
Since a device cannot work without a system software, the
user has to have it installed in their devices |
These are designed to be user interactive, thus the
application software can be removed as and when required by the user |
|
Example for System Software includes Android, Mac
Operating system, MS Windows, etc. |
Examples of Application Software includes Word Processor,
games, media player, etc. |
Operating
System: Operating System is the main part of the Computer System. It has the
responsibility of managing all the resources such as CPU, Printer, Hard Disk,
etc. It also provides services to many other Computers Softwares. Examples of
Operating Systems are Linux, Apple, macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.
General
Purpose Software: This Application
Software is used to perform tasks that are used for a variety of tasks, just
not limited to a specific task only. For Example, MS Word, MS Excel, etc.
Customized
Software: It is used
to perform tasks that are designed for specific organizations. For Example,
Railway Reservation System, Airline Reservation System, etc.
Utility
Software: It is used to
support the architecture of the Computer. It is designed for optimizing and
maintaining the system and also taking care of its requirements.
Q3)
What is the difference between Mainframe and Supercomputer? Explain the working
of PC.
Both of these are the most powerful types of computers developed to date. There is a fundamental difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe Computer based on their size, performance, operations, and many more. In this article, we will discuss the same. But let us first understand a bit about both of these as well.
Both types of computers perform different tasks. Supercomputers basically focus on faster computing for the mathematical operations that might be complex in nature. The mainframe computer, on the other hand, acts like a server. It offers multiprogramming, many I/O devices, and provides support for large DB (databases).
These types of computers are the largest when it comes to computer sizes. Thus, they are the most expensive ones in the market. Seymour Cray basically invented the supercomputer. These assist in various complex and large computations of mathematics. As compared to the mainframe computers, their speed is also pretty high. It means that a supercomputer can feasibly perform the execution of billions of instructions in just a second (or floating-point instructions).
These types of computers are also pretty advanced, but they are comparatively smaller in size than the supercomputers. Also, the mainframe computers are slower in speed and help in storing large amounts of databases in them. These computers are pretty economic and serve basic purposes effectively. IBM invented the first-ever mainframe computer. It performs a simultaneous execution of millions of instructions together, and yet, it offers a slower speed than the supercomputers. Still, these are pretty fast.
Difference Between
Supercomputer and Mainframe Computer
|
Parameters |
Supercomputer |
Mainframe Computer |
|
Basics and
Implementation |
The primary function
of a supercomputer is to perform various large computations of mathematics
that might be complex in nature. |
The primary function
of a mainframe computer is the storage of large amounts of databases in
them. |
|
Invention |
Seymour Cray
invented the first successful Supercomputer back in 1976- known as the Cray
1. |
IBM came up with the
first-ever mainframe computer. It is still the most popular company that
develops these computers. |
|
Speed |
These can feasibly
perform the execution of billions of floating-point operations in just a
second. |
These can perform
simultaneous execution of millions of instructions at the same time. |
|
Size |
These are basically
the largest computers till today in the world. |
These are also
pretty large but smaller than the supercomputers in size. |
|
Expense |
These are the most
expensive type of computers in the world. |
These are also
comparatively more expensive than a majority of computers but cheaper than
supercomputers. |
|
OS (Operating
Systems) |
Supercomputers
(modern ones) make use of the Linux OS and its derivative variants. |
A typical mainframe
computer is capable of running multiple OS simultaneously. |
|
Performance |
The performance of
these computers is faster and much better. It is because of their ability to
execute billions of operations per second. |
These can
simultaneously execute and perform millions of operations together- but they
are slower and less efficient than supercomputers. |
The
word computer refers to an object that can accept some input and
produce some output. In fact, the human brain itself is a sophisticated
computer, and scientists are learning more about how it works with each passing
year. Our most common use of the word computer, though, is to describe an
electronic device containing a microprocessor.
A
microprocessor is a small electronic device that can process data in the blink
of an eye. You can find microprocessors in many devices you use each day, such
as cars, refrigerators and televisions. The most recognized device with a microprocessor is
the personal computer, or
PC. In fact, the concept of a computer has become nearly synonymous with the
term PC.
When
you hear about a PC, you probably envision an enclosed device with an attached
video screen, keyboard and some type of a pointing device, like a mouse or
touchpad. You might also envision different forms of personal computers, such
as desktop computers, towers, laptops and handhelds. The term PC has been
associated with certain brands, such as Intel processors or Microsoft operating
systems. In this article, though, we define a PC as a more general computing
device with these characteristics:
- designed for use by one person
at a time
- runs an operating system to
interface between the user and the microprocessor
- has certain common internal
components described in this article, like a CPU and RAM
- runs software applications
designed for specific work or play activities
- allows for adding and removing
hardware or software as needed
Initially,
computers were huge, taking up large rooms with attached terminals allowing
access by multiple users. In the 1970s, a man named Ed Roberts began to sell
computer kits based on a microprocessor chip designed by Intel. Roberts called
his computer the Altair 8800 and sold the unassembled kits for $395. Popular
Electronics ran a story about the kit in its January 1975 issue, and to the
surprise of just about everyone, the kits became an instant hit. Thus, the era
of the personal computer began
While
the Altair 8800 was the first personal computer, it was the release of the
Apple II a couple of years later that signaled the start of the PC as a
sought-after home appliance. The Apple II, from inventors Steve Jobs and Steve
Wozniak, proved that there was a demand for computers in homes and schools.
Soon after, long-established computer companies like IBM and Texas Instruments
jumped into the PC market, and new brands like Commodore and Atari jumped into
the game.
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