Chapter 1:

Introduction to
Computers
What is Computer?
The term "computer" is derived from the Latin word
"computare " which means to calculate.

A computer is designed to execute applications and provides a

variety of solutions through integrated hardware and software
components. Computers rely on a Binary System, which uses
two variables, 0 and 1, to complete tasks such as storing data,
calculating algorithms, displaying information and etc
Classification of Computers
By Size,Type,and Purpose.

By Size By Type By Purpose

Analog Supercomputers General

Mainframe
Speacial
Digital computers
Mini computers
Hybrid Micro computers
01 02
Super Computers Mainframe Computers

03 04
Mini Computers Micro Computers
Supercomputers
WHAT IS A SUPERCOMPUTER?
A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of
performance as compared to a general-purpose
computer.Supercomputers are made up of interconnects, I/O
systems, memory and processor cores.

Supercomputers are the specialized and most powerful

computer systems which are typically distinguished by their
relatively higher execution rates, their larger memory
capacities, their high-speed input-output systems, and their
insanely high prices.
How supercomputers work?
Supercomputer architectures are made up of multiple central processing units (CPUs). These CPUs
have groups composed of compute nodes and memory. Supercomputers use parallel processing
technology and can perform more than one million calculations in a second.

Processing power is the main difference between supercomputers

and general-purpose computer systems. A supercomputer can
perform 100 PFLOPS. Whereas typical general-purpose
computer can only perform hundreds of gigaflops to tens of teraflops.
DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERCOMPUTERS
Seymour Cray designed the first commercially successful supercomputer. It was the Control
Data Corporation (CDC) 6600, released in 1964. It had a single CPU. CDC 6600 could handle 3
million FLOPS and used vector processors.Cray believed there would always be a need for a
machine "a hundred times more powerful than anything available today"

Supercomputer were designed for performing

intense scientific calculations that would be practically
impossible for other computers.
KEY
FACTORS
An extremely Problem
powerful resolution with
a high degree of
main memory
accuracy

High-speed high-speed
operations, input-output
measured in systems
FLOPS
 1
DRAWBACKS OF THE It is highly expensive and requires trained staff.

SUPERCOMPUTERS
2
Takes up a lot of space and also requires more maintenance.

3
They heat up quickly, due to a large number of processors as well as the load on devices.

4
High power requirement

5
Supercomputers need water cooling in addition to an A/C system, it produces more heat during the
processing time
USES OF SUPERCOMPUTERS
Weather Forecasting: to predict the impact of extreme storms and
floods
Oil and Gas exploration: to collect huge quantities of geophysical
seismic data to aid in finding and developing oil reserves
Molecular Modeling:for calculating and analyzing the structures and
properties of chemical compounds and crystals
Nuclear Fusion Research:to build a nuclear fusion reactor that derives
energy from plasma reactions;
Medical Research: to develop new cancer drugs, understand the
genetic factors that contribute to opioid addiction and find treatments
for COVID-19
Cryptanalysis: to analyze cyphertext, ciphers and cryptosystems to
understand how they work and identify ways of defeating them.
Examples of Supercomputers

ETA A-10 CRAY-2

 WHY ARE SUPERCOMPUTERS IMPORTANT?
Supercomputers often run artificial intelligence (AI) programs because they
typically require supercomputing-caliber performance and processing
power. Supercomputers can handle the large amounts of data that AI and
machine learning application development use.

The current focus in the supercomputer market is the race toward exascale
processing capabilities. Exascale supercomputers are expected to be able to
generate an accurate model of the human brain, including neurons and
synapses.

As computing power continues to grow exponentially, supercomputers with

hundreds of exaflops could become a reality
QUESTIONS!!!

What are the major applications of

Supercomputers?
What is the reason for the fastest
working of
A
the Supercomputer?
Mainframe Computers
What is a Mainframe Computer?
A mainframe computer is a large computer capable of rapidly
processing massive amounts of data at high speeds. A mainframe
computer is a combination of memory (RAM) and many processors.
It acts as a central processing unit for many workstations and
terminals connected with it. Mainframe computer plays a significant
role in e-business where hundreds to thousands of people connect to
a server to precede their request in a real time.

Mainframe computers are typically used as servers on the world

wide web.
 KEY FACTORS
All mainframes are
multi-tasking, multi-user Mainframes are used
machines, meaning they are
designed so many different
for Reliability,
people can work on many Redundancy, and
different problems, all at the
same time.
compatibility.

Mainframe computer Mainframe

Without disturbing process provides a great
on the computer, we can add computers are
security against the
storage, processors or compatible with all
attack of viruses,
memory and extend its types of software
capability. warm, spyware,
malware and hardware.
DEVELOPMENT OF MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
The first mainframe computer was
invented in the 1930s by Harvard
scholar Howard Aiken.It was named
Harvard Mark I.

His idea was to build a massive

calculator for the solution of a set of
nonlinear equations.

Presently IBM is the major

manufacturer of mainframe computers
 1

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
Mainframes cannot be used as a normal computer, because they are made for specific task only.
DRAWBACKS OF THE

2
It requires a special OS to run.

3
Well trained staffs are required for handling the system or to debug errors occured while performing the
massive tasks

4
Non fault tolerant configurations

5
They require more space and specific temperature conditions
Uses of 1
E-Business and E-Commerce
Use mainframe computers to perform business

Mainframes
functions and exchange money over the Internet

Health Care
aid the hospital management systems in maintaining a
2
computerized record for pharmaceutical requisition, patient
registration, admission, and discharge

Military Use
3 All branches of the armed forces use mainframes for
communication among ships, planes and land; for prediction of
weather patterns; and for tracking strategic locations and
positions using a Global Positioning System.
Academics and Research
4 use mainframe computers for storage of critical
data
Other Applications are

• Banking Sector
• Stock exchange
• Research Center
• Ticket reservation in railway and airlines
• Credit card Verification Insurance Sector
• Telecommunication
• Finance Sector
 Examples of Mainframe computers

IBM S/390 CONTROL DATA

CYBER 176

AMDAHL 580 COMPUTER BOARD

Types of terminals that can be used with mainframe

1.Dumb terminal
Dumb terminal contains only input and output device. The
input was given through this dumb terminal.
It consists of only a monitor and a keyboard(or mouse)
They do not have their own CPU and memory and uses the
mainframes system's CPU and
storage devices
Types of terminals that can be used with mainframe
2. Intelligent terminals
Intelligent terminal contains input and
output device.
They have their own processor and
thus can perform some processing
operations
But they do not have their own storage
space
Usually PC's can be used as intelligent
terminals to facilitate data access and
other services from the mainframe
system
QUESTIONS!!!

What are the types of terminal that can

be used with the mainframe system?
what is the main application of
mainframe computers?
A
which company is the major
manufacturer of mainframe computers?
Minicomputers
 WHAT IS A MINICOMPUTER?
Minicomputers has all the features and functionality of a large
computer, but it is smaller in size.Minicomputers are generally used
as mid-range servers, where they can operate mid-sized software
applications and support numerous users simultaneously.

Minicomputers may contain one or more processors, support

multiprocessing and tasking, and are generally resilient to high
workloads. Although they are smaller than mainframe or
supercomputers, minicomputers are more powerful than personal
computers and workstations.

Minicomputers are mainly used as small or mid-range servers used

in business,education,hospitals ,government organization,etc. where
hundreds of PC's can be connected.
DEVELOPMENT OF MINICOMPUTERS
The minicomputer came into existence in the mid of 1960s. At
that time, It was the only small computer that uses
transistors and core memory technologies. The first
minicomputer was known as Digital Equipment Corporation.
It cost approximately 16000 USD,developed by IBM
Corporation

They were primarily designed for business applications

and services that require the performance and
efficiency.
The Key Factors of Mini Computer
1. Can be placed directly on a desk and therefore all connections are easy to
reach. PCs are thus also easy to reach for technicians.It is used in places
where space is limited. For example at a reception desk.
2. Very compact dimensions – therefore easy to transport and flexible in
use
3. With one screen – monitor or TV -, keyboard and mouse ready for
immediate use
4. Suitable for private and business users alike
5. Expandable and future-proof due to RAM or SSD replacement option
6. Reduced power consumption compared to other PCs or notebooks, which
also means less wear and tear of important components and thus a
longer service life
 Mini computers are not with much storage space. Additionally,
DRAWBACKS OF THE mini computers comes with low RAM space.
MINICOMPUTERS
Dedicated graphics card and the CD/DVD ports are missing

It has a smaller display that can be too small for some tasks

Mini computers on default comes with its own operating system that may
be not convenient for some. This type of operating system typically
comes with less features

Mini computer lacks is the upgradability.

Examples of minicomputers

DEC PDP and

VAX series.

DEC
Applications of Minicomputers
Digital signage: Digital signage has been one of the major trends in building services engineering
in recent years. Whether for information, guidance or advertising – so-called digital signage
players work behind many display signs. Mini PCs often take over this hardware application.
Retail trade: The retail trade is also increasingly using digital signage. Here, however, the small
computers just as often control the cash registers or cash register systems and scanners.
music server: In many retail stores and supermarket branches or even some public buildings,
music, information or advertising from ceiling loudspeakers accompany every visit – these
programs are increasingly controlled by mini computers.
Office area: Here, mini computers have long had a firm place as space-saving, energy- and cost-
efficient replacements for old desktop computers.
Production: In manufacturing companies, mini PCs can be found more and more frequently in
machine control, similar to those in the logistics industry.
Vehicle Computing: Police or rescue services and public transport are increasingly using
computers on board these days. This calls for space-saving, compact yet powerful hardware –
another perfect application for Mini Computers.
Microcomputers
WHAT IS A MICROCOMPUTER?
A microcomputer is a computer on a small scale, designed for use by one person at
a time. It is a device based on a single-chip microprocessor i.e., the Central
Processing Unit (CPU).

The first microcomputer was designed by IBM in 1981 and was named IBM-PC.

Integrated circuits major development led to the

production of microcomputers.
 KEY FEATURES
Micro computer has more importance due to their numerous features such as –

Affordable cost
Small size
Used by single user
No need well training for using it
Less power consuming
Mostly designed for personal usage
Use single integrated semiconductor chip
Less processing power
Produce less heat
Mostly microcomputers are portable
Several software can be run on the microcomputer
 Desktop PCs
A desktop computer is a computer that fits on or under a desk. They utilize peripheral
devices for interaction, such as a keyboard and mouse for input, and display devices like a
monitor, projector, or television.

Examples: Dell XPS Desktop

Microsoft Surface Studio 2
About Desktop PCs
Desktop computers have more slots of RAM, graphics card, GPU and hard
drive. You can add more hardware parts easily like a gaming keyboard or
speakers.
You can also attach a large monitor screen to a desktop computer
Typing is done easily on a desktop computer because of the large keyboard
and also has a stable and systematic arrangement.
But unlike laptops or mobilephones, the destop PCs are not portable and
consume a lot of physical space.
Due to low cost, they are mostly used in offices,
homes and other commercial areas.
 Laptops
A laptop computer is a battery or AC-powered personal computer.
The memory and storage capacity of a laptop is almost equivalent to that of a desktop
computer. As with desktop computers, laptops also have HDDs, floppy disk drives, zip
disk drives, etc. Today, laptops have the same features and processing small speed as the
most powerful PCs.

Examples: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

ASUS ZenBook 13
About Laptops
Laptops are very useful, especially when going on long journeys as they operate on a
special battery and do not always have to be plugged in like desktop computers

The lightweight, compact size, the built-in battery within the laptop allowing it to
simply move from one place to a different one assures mobility and faciliates easy
and reliable usage.

However, a drawback is that laptops are generally more expensive than desktop
computers.
 Workstations
Workstations are single-user computers that have the same features as PCs, but their
processing speed matches that of minicomputer or mainframe computer.

Workstation computers have advanced processors, more RAM and storage capacity than
PCs .Therefore, they are more expensive and powerful than a normal desktop computer

Although workstation computers are widely used as powerful single-user computers by

scientists, engineers, architects, and graphic designers, they can also be used as servers in
a networked environment
Network Computers
About Network Computers
Network computers have less processing power, memory, and storage than a
desktop computer. These are specially designed to be used as terminals in a
networked environment. For example: some network computers are specifically
designed to access data stored on network (including the Internet and intranet).

Network computers that are specifically designed to access only the Internet or
intranet are often known as Internet PCs or Internet boxes.

Network computers used in homes have a monitor. Such computers may be

connected to television, which serves as the output device. The most common
example of a home-based network computer is Web TV, which enables the user to
connect a television to the Internet with the help of set-top boxes.
 Handheld Computers
Handheld computers are very small in size, and hence they have small-sized screens and
keyboards. These computers are preferred by business travellers and mobile employees
such as meter readers and parcel delivery people, whose jobs require them to move from
place to place.

Some examples of handheld computers are

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Cellular telephones
H/PC Pro devices
 A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a portable device
that functions as a personal information manager.PDAs
are used to take notes, organize telephone numbers, and
store addresses.
Many PDAs are web-enabled, which means that such
devices enable the users to access the Internet and
send/ receive e-mails. Similarly, some PDAs also provide
telephone capabilities and also support voice input.

PERSONAL DIGITAL
ASSISTANT (PDA)
A stylus(the primary input device) enables
the user to interact with the touchscreen
to write text or draw figures.
 A cellular phone is one that performs
many of the functions of a computer,
typically having a touchscreen interface,
internet access, and an operating system
capable of running downloaded apps

CELLULAR
PHONES
 The H/PC Pro device is based on a new development
in handheld technology.

The size and features of the H/PC Pro device is more

than PDAs but less than that of typical notebook PCs.

The H/PC Pro device includes a full-sized keyboard,

RAM with very low storage capacity, and a slow-
speed processor. However, these devices do not have a
secondary storage disk.

H/PC PRO
DEVICES
 *EXITS WITH DRUMROLLS
AND APPLAUSES

Thank
You!!