STUDY SESSION 3: TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Introduction

We have so far been introduced to the stages of computer development, component of

computers and other important aspect relating to computer system. The developmental
stages of computer have given it different processing power, different sizes and in turn
usage. Hence this session will attempt to categorize the computer into different types
based on processing power, size and usage. For the purpose of this study, we shall
categorize computers into six main groups. The different types of computers can be
grouped into six major categories according to size: Supercomputers, Mainframes,
Mini-computers, Servers, Personal computers, Embedded systems. Each category
excels at specific functions. The categories can be compared in terms of cost,
technology used, size and capabilities. We shall examine the categories in more detail.
However, you will be able to obtain a very good score in this session by studying the
entire session carefully, attempting all in-text questions (ITQs) and participating in the
Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs).

Learning outcomes for study session 3

At the end of this study session, you should be able to

 Classify computers using the following: size of computers, the processing abilities,
processing speed and user interface experience.

3.1 Supercomputers
You will agree with me that the name speaks almost for the capacity of this category of
computers ‘SUPER’ they are arguably the most powerful in terms of speed and
accuracy. These are types of computers used in solving very complex mathematical
computations. They are capable of executing many instructions on a program to the
tune of trillions of instructions per second (TIPS) -imagine that kind of speed and
capability- which is calculated in floating point operations per second (FLOPS). In
comparison with your personal computer that’s a lot of processing power. The typical
personal computer you use 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. The popularity of supercomputers was brought to the fore by Seymour Cray
in the 1960s. They soon became the choice for complex projects. They have evolved
from the grid to cluster systems of massively parallel computing.
You may wonder what Cluster system mean, 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. A few popular ones
include, CNK OS used in Blue Gene from IBM, Cray Linux Environment used in Titan,
Sunway Raise OS in Sunway TaihuLight. These computers are the largest in terms of
size. They can occupy anything from a few feet to hundreds of feet.
Uses of Supercomputers
The speed and processing capabilities of supercomputers cannot be under estimated
and because of their superiority, supercomputers are not intended for your everyday
tasks. They handle exhaustive scientific applications that require complex and real-
time processing.
 In the field of science, researchers use these machines to compute and model
properties of biological compounds like protein and human blood. They are also used
to interpret new diseases and strains, and predict illness behavior and treatment.
 The military use supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of
weaponry and camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they will
have on soldiers and wars. These machines are also used to help encrypt and decrypt
sensitive data.
 In entertainment, supercomputers are used to help make a flawless online
gaming experience. Games like World of Warcraft demand intense processing. When
thousands of gamers around the world are playing, supercomputers help stabilize the
game performance.
  Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behavior. They can also be used
to predict earthquakes.
 Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon
detonation.
 Scientists also use them to simulate the events of the Big Bang and other space
related projects.
 Hollywood uses supercomputers to create realistic animations.
 The famous supercomputers, Deep Blue and Watson, defeated chess
Grandmaster Gary Kasparov and quiz expert Ken Jennings respectively.

3.2 Mainframe Computers

The next category of computers we will consider is the Mainframe computers. We will
look at them in comparison of speed, size and processing power as done with the
supercomputers. 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. You can imagine that with this massive power
these systems can handle massive amounts of data going in and out simultaneously.
This makes them popular with businesses. You will be surprised that they are so
resilient as they are capable of operating for over 10 years without failing! Yes, ten
straight years provided there is power supply and data to work with.
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.
Uses of Mainframe Computers
The use of Mainframe Computer is basically in very established organization that has
the capability to maintain and supply data for processing continually for a long period
of time. They are used in large organizations where thousands of clients have to access
data simultaneously.
For example:
 Performing ATM cash withdrawals and deposits. During the process,
communication between the mainframe and remote computer will help accomplish the
financial transactions at hand.
 Business transactions that use credit cards or pre-paid cards.
 Online electronic transactions.
 Cloud storage.
 Handling of patient records in major hospitals.
 Making reservations and travel schedules for airline companies.
 Manipulation and tallying of data for census and electoral purposes.

3.3 Minicomputers
As the name suggests “mini” you may guess that the size is much reduces as compared
to mainframes. Minicomputers are general purpose devices without the monumental
expenses associated with a larger system. No doubt we should expect that 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 mini computers.
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.
Uses of Minicomputers
Minicomputers were intended for a number of activities listed below:
 Switchboard control.
 Dedicated applications for graphics and computer design.
 Time-sharing, to allow multiple users to interact concurrently on a single
system.
 Control and monitoring of manufacturing activities.
 Monitoring and control of laboratory equipment.
Texas Instrument TI-990, K-202 and MicroVAX II are examples of minicomputers.
 3.4 Servers
A server is synonymous to that young man or woman at a party that goes round with a
tray at a party dishing out hot Nigerian jollof rice when all other terminals (humans)
are seated. They help take our orders and bring them to us. This is what servers are like,
these are types of computers used to provide resources, services, and functionality to
client computers in a server-client network model. Resources provided are based on the
functions of a particular server, which may fall under these categories:
 File server
 Database server
 Print server
 FTP servers
 Application server
 Web server
Their sizes will depend on purpose and tasks in the network. Of course bigger and more
multitasking installations will require multiple system and storage installation.
A common errant is that desktop systems can be used as servers. Far from it, true server
systems are specialized computers with abilities far beyond what personal computers
can deliver.
Servers are optimized to run 24 hours and are capable of hot swapping of storage and
other hardware without having to shut down the system.

3.5 Microcomputers/Personal Computers

From your elementary biology, you would have come across the word “micro” it is to
ten raised to the power of minus six (10 -6). That means when compared to the size of
Super, mainframes and mini computers, they are greatly reduced in size and probably
is function and speed. 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 huge reduction in the size of computers in 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 and not to forget your mobile
phone.

The operating system used in personal computers vary, but the common ones include,
 Windows
 Mac OS X
 Linux
 IOS
 Android
Categories of personal computers include:
 Desktop computers
 Mobile computers
 Wearable computers

3.5-Summary of study session 3

Of all the categories of computers, microcomputers are the most numerous, including
everything from digital watches to personal computers. Minicomputers are more
powerful, designed to be time-shared by two to ten people. Still larger mainframe
computers can serve hundreds of users at once. The most powerful of all,
supercomputers, are so expensive that they are used mostly by the government. The
uses of these computers can however overlap in classification.
 3.7- Self-Assessment Questions (SAQ)

You have just completed study session 3, you can assess yourself by attempting the assessment
questions below. Write your answers in your note book and discuss your answers with your
lecturer in your next class.

1.The fastest of the types of computers is ________________

2. The military make use of __________ computers for test of new aircraft, encrypt and
decrypt sensitive data
3. The type of computers used to provide resources, services, and functionality to other
users are ________________
4. Categories of personal computers include _____________
5. The operating system used in personal computers vary, but the common ones include
_______________.
6. Printers, monitors, and speakers are all ______________ devices.

References/ Suggestions for further Reading

Introduction to computers by Norton, peter, 4th ed. THM

Introduction to digital computer design by Rajaraman, V/ Radhakrishan T. 4th ed. PHI

How to manage computer at work? By Jones, Graham Jaico

Fundamentals of computers by Rajaraman, V 4th ed PHI

Digital computer fundamentals by Bartee, T.C. 6th ed. TMH

Computer today by Basandra, SK updated ed. Galgotia