What is the difference between supercomputers, mainframe, mini
and microcomputers?
SUPERCOMPUTERS
1. Supercomputers These types of computers are very expensive,
very fast, and the most powerful computers in the world.
Supercomputers were introduced in the 1960s and were designed
primarily by Seymour Cray at Control Data Corporation
(CDC).Supercomputers using custom CPUs traditionally gained their
speed over conventional computers through the use of innovative
designs that allow them to perform many tasks in parallel, as well as
complex detail engineering.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is
that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few
programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to
execute many programs concurrently. They are quite rare they are
mainly used in scientific research stations such as in nuclear stations
and weather forecasting stations, animated graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, weapons simulations,
submarine tracking, pattern matching (in the biosciences), fluid
dynamics and materials simulations, graph analyses, cryptology and
petroleum exploration.
Supercomputer systems have the capability to enable scientists to
solve scientific problem that are more complex and pursue new
studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology catalysis and
materials science.
A Supercomputer
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
2. Mainframe computers these are large and expensive computer
types capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. In the hierarchy, mainframes are just below
supercomputers. Nearly all mainframes have the ability to run (or
host) multiple operating systems, and thereby operate not as a single
computer but as a number of virtual machines. In this role, a single
mainframe can replace dozens or even hundreds of smaller servers.
In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers
because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a
mainframe.
MINICOMPUTERS
3. Minicomputers Minicomputers are midsized computers. In size
and power, minicomputers lie
between workstations and mainframes. In the past decade, the
distinction between large minicomputers and small mainframes has
blurred, however, as has the distinction between small
minicomputers and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200
users simultaneously.
MICROCOMPUTERS
4. Microcomputers (Personal computers) The term
microcomputer is generally synonymous with personal computer
(PC), or a computer that depends on a microprocessor.
Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether in
the form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers. A
microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a
microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system (typically read-
only memory and random access memory), a bus system and I/O
ports, typically housed in a motherboard.
Microcomputers can be further classified as either; desktop or
portable computers.
Tower casing
For tower casing, the motherboard is placed on side of the system
unit, while the other major components like the power supply, and
mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in a cabinet.
One main advantage with computers using the tower casings is that
there is ample space for future upgrades for example if you wish to
add more storage devices.
An example of Tower casing
Desktop casing
For the desktop casings, the motherboard lies on the bottom and is
parallel to the desk or table. The system unit is usually smaller and
more compact. It is not a very good choice if you are going to install
other drives like another hard disk or a DVD writer. One main
advantage is that they are small and thus will occupy less space. The
placement is also ideal since it will lie on top of a desk and then you
can place your TFT monitor on top.
A desktop casing
Portable or Mobile computers
Portable or mobile computers are manufactured specifically to be
portable (are designed for mobility). They:
are small, compact and light in weight;
Can be accommodated in a carry case, produced with
compartments for the computer and for various portable
computer attachments.
Portables are produced in a variety of sizes:
Generally the smaller computers have less functionality and may
require specific operating system software to operate. There is also
very small hand-size systems called Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
that use a special stylus for input and can be linked to desktop or
other portable systems for uploading and downloading data.
PDAs Palmtop, Handheld or Pocket PCs Smart Phones, are some of
the names that these small computers are known as, but basically
they provide the same types of functions and feature.
Typically PDAs offer standard applications such as a diary, calculator,
To Do list, address book and a contact list.
