What is micro mini and mainframe computer?
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Unit 6. Basic computer terminologies Show
Topic B: Types of computersClick play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section. Classification of Computers by Size
Supercomputers – a powerful computer that can process large amounts of data and do a great amount of computation very quickly. Supercomputers are used for areas related to:
Supercomputers are useful for applications involving very large databases or that require a great amount of computation. Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
Mainframe computers– a high-performance computer used for large information processing jobs. Mainframe computers are primarily used in :
Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:
Minicomputers– a mid-range computer that is intermediate in size, power, speed, storage capacity, etc., between a mainframe and a microcomputer. Minicomputers are used by small organizations. “Minicomputer” is a term that is no longer used much. In recent years, minicomputers are often referred to as small or midsize servers (a is a central computer that provides information to other computers). Personal computers(PC) – a small computer designed for use by a single user at a time. A PC or microcomputer uses a single chip (microprocessor) for its central processing unit (CPU). “Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a PC, but it can refer to any kind of small computer, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable. Types of personal computers– a personal computer that is designed to stay at one location and fits on or under a desk. It typically has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a tower (system unit). – A portable personal computer that is small enough to rest on the user’s lap and can be powered by a battery. It includes a flip down screen and a keyboard with a touchpad. – A wireless touchscreen PC that is slightly smaller and weighs less than the average laptop. – A mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a personal computer. 1. Micro Computers: The smallest among them are micro computers. They are small in physical size (most of them are desktop system; however, notebook micro computers that can fit into a briefcase are also available). They are economical in terms of costs and are friendly in use. Personal computers (PCs) fall into this category. These computers can be used for small data processing jobs of bigger companies or serve as complete computer systems for small firms. PC can also be connected with bigger computers and be used as an intelligent terminal to a bigger computer. The details regarding their applications in business are included in the last section of this book. 2. Mini computers: Mini computers are very popular among medium sized companies. Mini computers offer facilities for faster processing of voluminous information. Mini computers, of course, are bigger than microcomputers but smaller than most of their elders called mainframes. They cost somewhere between Rs. 5 to 15 lac depending upon the configuration. However, these prices are only indicative and are subject to substantial changes over time. The mini computers like VAX 8000 series from Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and AS/400 series from IBM have been quite popular in computer aided manufacturing, as well as departmental computers. 3. Mainframes: Mainframes are bigger computers, capable of handling data processing needs of, say, head office of a bank, or a big multinational company or may be a public utility office. Mainframe computer systems have larger storage and the speed of processing is also very high. They also offer the advantage of wider choice with regard to up-gradation of the system in future. They offer features such as parallel processing. The parallel processing involves combining a large number of processors that break down an application into many separate parts in order to enhance processing speed. The speed of processing is expressed in terms of 10 to 100 millions of instructions per second (MIPS), and cost somewhere between 1 to 5 million dollars depending upon the configuration. IBM still holds almost 80 per cent of mainframe market with its popular mainframe series IBM System 390. 4. Supercomputers:Supercomputers have a speed of between 100 to 900 MIPS. They are quite expensive and cost somewhere around 10-30 million dollars depending upon the configuration. The other competitors of Cray supercomputers are machines from NEC of Japan. What is minicomputer and mainframe computer?At the beginning, Mainframe Computers were made to produce responsibility for the dealing process and are primarily used as servers. Whereas Minicomputers are mid-size, tiny computers which individuals will use either individually or as a high-end device likewise.
What is the difference between mini micro and mainframe computer?A minicomputer is in between mainframe and microcomputer. It is smaller than mainframe and larger than microcomputer. Mini computers are used in many scientific applications and can be used as mid-range servers that operate business. They support multiprocessing and are used for performing high workloads.
What is Micro computer?Microcomputer was formerly a commonly used term for personal computers, particularly any of a class of small digital computers whose CPU is contained on a single integrated semiconductor chip. Thus, a microcomputer uses a single microprocessor for its CPU, which performs all logic and arithmetic operations.
What is mainframe computer Short answer?Mainframes are computers. At their core, mainframes are high-performance computers with large amounts of memory and processors that process billions of simple calculations and transactions in real time.
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