Types of Computer: It Is A Midsize Multi-Processing System Capable of Supporting Up To 250 Users Simultaneously
Types of Computer: It Is A Midsize Multi-Processing System Capable of Supporting Up To 250 Users Simultaneously
Types of Computer: It Is A Midsize Multi-Processing System Capable of Supporting Up To 250 Users Simultaneously
PC (Personal Computer)
A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. PCs
are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one
chip. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and
for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is playing games and surfing the Internet.
Although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, these systems are normally
linked together to form a network. In terms of power, now-a-days high-end models of the Macintosh
and PC offer the same computing power and graphics capability as low-end workstations by Sun
Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.
Workstation
Workstation is a computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing,
software development, and other such types of applications which require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.
Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, large amount of RAM,
inbuilt network support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have mass storage
device such as a disk drive, but a special type of workstation, called diskless workstation, comes
without a disk drive.
Common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT. Like PC, workstations are
also single-user computers like PC but are typically linked together to form a local-area network,
although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
Minicomputer
It is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users
simultaneously.
Mainframe
Mainframe is very large in size and is an expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds or even
thousands of users simultaneously. Mainframe executes many programs concurrently and supports
many simultaneous execution of programs.
Supercomputer
Supercomputers are one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are very
expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amount of
mathematical calculations (number crunching).
For example, weather forecasting, scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in
petrochemical prospecting).
Computer - Memory
A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the
storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for
processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells. Each
location or cell has a unique address, which varies from zero to memory size minus one. For
example, if the computer has 64k words, then this memory unit has 64 * 1024 = 65536 memory
locations. The address of these locations varies from 0 to 65535.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up the CPU. It acts as
a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program
which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and programs are transferred from the
disk to cache memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can access them.
Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower than the main
memory. These are used for storing data/information permanently. CPU directly does not access
these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary
memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For example,
disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is, each storage location inside the memory is
as easy to reach as other locations and takes the same amount of time. Data in the RAM can be
accessed randomly but it is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a power
failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used with computers. RAM is
small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same amount of
storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache memory and has
very fast access.
Characteristic of Static RAM
1. Long life
2. No need to refresh
3. Faster
4. Used as cache memory
5. Large size
6. Expensive
7. High power consumption
Let us now discuss the various types of ROMs and their characteristics.
Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows −
1. Non-volatile in nature
2. Cannot be accidentally changed
3. Cheaper than RAMs
4. Easy to test
5. More reliable than RAMs
6. Static and do not require refreshing
7. Contents are always known and can be verified