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Introduction To Computer 2

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and retrieve data. It has three main components: hardware, software, and peopleware. Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer. Software includes the instructions that allow computers to perform tasks. Peopleware involves the human roles in technology development and use. There are four basic types of computers: supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers. Supercomputers are the most powerful and are used for specialized tasks like space exploration. Mainframes are used by large organizations to handle significant data storage and processing needs. Minicomputers are used by small-to-medium sized businesses and organizations. Microcomputers include devices like personal computers, laptops,

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31 views

Introduction To Computer 2

A computer is an electronic device that can store, process, and retrieve data. It has three main components: hardware, software, and peopleware. Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer. Software includes the instructions that allow computers to perform tasks. Peopleware involves the human roles in technology development and use. There are four basic types of computers: supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers. Supercomputers are the most powerful and are used for specialized tasks like space exploration. Mainframes are used by large organizations to handle significant data storage and processing needs. Minicomputers are used by small-to-medium sized businesses and organizations. Microcomputers include devices like personal computers, laptops,

Uploaded by

Mohan William Sharma
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information,


or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
Three major components:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Peopleware
Hardware
• is the collection of all the parts you can physically touch.
Software
• is a set of instructions for a computer to perform specific operations.
Peopleware
• A term first coined by Peter G. Neuman in 1977, peopleware refers to
the role people play in technology and the development of hardware
or software. It can include various aspects of the process such as
human interaction, programming, productivity, teamwork, and other
factors.
• Tip: This term may also be referred to as humanware or liveware.
Since the advent of the first computer different types and sizes of
computers are offering different services. Computers can be as big as
occupying a large building and as small as a laptop or a microcontroller
in mobile & embedded systems.
The four basic types of computers.
Types of computers
• Supercomputer
• Mainframe Computer
• Minicomputer
• Microcomputer
Supercomputer
The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data
processing are the Supercomputers. These are specialized and task
specific computers used by large organizations. These computers are
used for research and exploration purposes, like NASA uses
supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for
space exploration purpose.
The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air-
conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building.
Seymour Cray designed the first Supercomputer "CDC 6600" in
1964. CDC 6600 is known as the first ever Supercomputer.
Exascale Supercomputer
On 29th July, 2015, President of the United States, Barack Obama,
approved the development of an Exascale Super Computer. The
Exascale Super computer will be 30 times faster and more powerful
than today’s fastest Super Computers. The need to develop such a high
performance Supercomputer comes after China’s surge in high
performance computing. However, the US still tops the list of
Supercomputers with 233 high performance machines. China has 37
Supercomputers but they lead the list of the most powerful and high
performance supercomputers since June 2013.
Presently, China’s "Tianhe – 2" is the world’s faster
Supercomputer.
In Pakistan Supercomputers are used by Educational Institutes
like NUST for research purposes. Pakistan Atomic Energy commission &
Heavy Industry Taxila uses supercomputers for Research purposes.
Space Exploration
Supercomputers are used to study the origin of the universe, the
dark-matters. For these studies scientist use IBM’s powerful
supercomputer “Roadrunner” at National Laboratory Los Alamos.
Earthquake studies
Supercomputers are used to study the Earthquakes
phenomenon. Besides that supercomputers are used for natural
resources exploration, like natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.
Weather Forecasting
Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study
the nature and extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc.
Nuclear weapons testing
Supercomputers are used to run weapon simulation that can test
the Range, accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons.
Popular Supercomputers
• IBM’s Sequoia, in United States
• Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan
• IBM’s Mira in United States
• IBM’s SuperMUC in Germany
• NUDT Tianhe-1A in China
Mainframe computer
Although Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers,
but certainly they are quite expensive nonetheless, and many large
firms & government organizations uses Mainframes to run their
business operations. The Mainframe computers can be accommodated
in large air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are
the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can
also process & store large amount of data. Banks educational
institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to store
data about their customers, students & insurance policy holders.
Popular Mainframe computers
• Fujitsu’s ICL VME
• Hitachi’s Z800
Minicomputer
Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms.
Minicomputers are also called as “Midrange Computers”. These are
small machines and can be accommodated on a disk with not as
processing and data storage capabilities as super-computers &
Mainframes. These computers are not designed for a single user.
Individual departments of a large company or organizations use Mini-
computers for specific purposes. For example, a production
department can use Mini-computers for monitoring certain production
process.
Computer that is smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than
a mainframe or supercomputer, but more expensive and more
powerful than a personal computer. Minicomputers are used for
scientific and engineering computations, business-transaction
processing, file handling, and database management, and are often
now referred to as small or midsize servers.
Popular Minicomputers
• K-202
• Texas Instrument TI-990
• SDS-92
• IBM Midrange computers
Microcomputer
Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistant (PDA),
tablets & smartphones are all types of microcomputers. The micro-
computers are widely used & the fastest growing computers. These
computers are the cheapest among the other three types of
computers. The Micro-computers are specially designed for general
usage like entertainment, education and work purposes. Well known
manufacturers of Micro-computer are Dell, Apple, Samsung, Sony &
Toshiba.
Desktop computers, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation
system of a car, Netbooks, Notebooks, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, Smartphones,
Calculators are all type of Microcomputers.
GOD BLESS

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