assignment on mainframe computer

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big iron —

The ibm mainframe: how it runs and why it survives, in this deep-dive explainer, we look at a big-business mainstay..

Andrew Hudson - Jul 24, 2023 11:00 am UTC

Mainframe computers are often seen as ancient machines—practically dinosaurs. But mainframes, which are purpose-built to process enormous amounts of data, are still extremely relevant today. If they’re dinosaurs, they’re T-Rexes, and desktops and server computers are puny mammals to be trodden underfoot.

It’s estimated that there are 10,000 mainframes in use today. They’re used almost exclusively by the largest companies in the world, including two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies, 45 of the world’s top 50 banks, eight of the top 10 insurers, seven of the top 10 global retailers, and eight of the top 10 telecommunications companies. And most of those mainframes come from IBM.

In this explainer, we’ll look at the IBM mainframe computer—what it is, how it works, and why it’s still going strong after over 50 years.

Setting the stage

Mainframes descended directly from the technology of the first computers in the 1950s. Instead of being streamlined into low-cost desktop or server use, though, they evolved to handle massive data workloads, like bulk data processing and high-volume financial transactions.

Vacuum tubes, magnetic core memory, magnetic drum storage, tape drives, and punched cards were the foundation of the IBM 701 in 1952, the IBM 704 in 1954, and the IBM 1401 in 1959. Primitive by today’s standards, these machines provided the functions of scientific calculations and data processing that would otherwise have to be done by hand or mechanical calculators. There was a ready market for these machines, and IBM sold them as fast as it could make them.

In the early years of computing, IBM had many competitors, including Univac, Rand, Sperry, Amdahl, GE, RCA, NEC, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Unisys, Honeywell, Burroughs, and CDC. At the time, all of these other companies combined accounted for about 20 percent of the mainframe market, and IBM claimed the rest. Today, IBM is the only mainframe manufacturer that matters and that does any kind of business at scale. Its de facto competitors are now the cloud and clusters, but as we'll see, it's not always cost-effective to switch to those platforms, and they're not able to provide the reliability of the mainframe.

Built-in redundancy

By any standard, mainframes are enormous. Today’s mainframe can have up to 240 server-grade CPUs, 40TB of error-correcting RAM, and many petabytes of redundant flash-based secondary storage. They’re designed to process large amounts of critical data while maintaining a 99.999 percent uptime—that’s a bit over five minutes' worth of outage per year. A medium-sized bank may use a mainframe to run 50 or more separate financial applications and supporting processes and employ thousands of support personnel to keep things running smoothly.

Most mainframes process high-volume financial transactions, which include things like credit card purchases at a cash register, withdrawals from an ATM, or stock purchases on the Internet.

A bank’s lifeblood isn't money—it’s data. Every transaction a bank makes involves data that must be processed. A debit card transaction, for instance, involves the following data that must be processed:

• Retrieving a user’s debit account info
• Validating the user ID and PIN
• Checking the availability of funds
• Debiting the user’s account for the transaction amount
• Crediting the seller’s account

All this must happen in seconds, and banks have to ensure they can maintain a rapid response even during high-volume events such as shopping holidays. Mainframes are designed from the ground up to provide both redundancy and high throughput for these purposes. High-speed processing is no good if processing stops during business hours, and reliable processing is no good if people have to wait minutes for a transaction to process.

When you process a financial transaction, it means you’re making money. If you’re processing a lot of transactions, you need to spend a lot of money on redundancy to keep things running smoothly. When parts inevitably fail, the show must go on. That’s where mainframes’ built-in redundant processing comes in.

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Classification of Computers II

Back to: DATA PROCESSING SS 1

Welcome to class!

In today’s class, we will be talking more about the classification of computers. Enjoy the class!

Computers can be generally categorized into four, namely:

• Supercomputers
• Mainframe computers
• Minicomputers
• Microcomputers

Supercomputer:

These are the largest, fastest and most expensive computers. The cost is several millions of dollars and the speed is between 600 million to 900 million instructions per second (MIP).

Another name for supercomputer is a MONSTER. Scientists in weather forecasting, exploration make use of supercomputers. It can also be used for complex calculations e.g. CRAY, X-MP etc.

Mainframe computer:

A mainframe computer is a large computer in terms of price, size of internal memory and speed. It has a variety of peripheral devices such as printers, plotters etc. more than those found with small computers, except small computers with a large amount of external storage.

Mainframe computers usually need a specialized environment to operate, with dust, temperature and humidity carefully controlled. They are used in large establishments e.g. banks, airports etc. Examples of Mainframe computers are IBM 360/370, NCR-V 8800.

 Conclusion

We learnt that computers are categorized into four which are: supercomputer, mainframe computer, minicomputer and microcomputer

• What is another name for a supercomputer?
• Mention TWO examples of a mainframe computer.

Minicomputer:

Minicomputers were developed in the 1970s for specialized tasks (i.e they are special-purpose computers). They are smaller and less powerful and less expensive than mainframes.

Minicomputers, as they are called, are easier to install and operate e.g PDP  II, VAX 750/6000, NCR 9300, DEC, HP 3000 etc.

Microcomputer

A microcomputer is a computer whose central processing unit (CPU) is based on a microprocessor. Microcomputers are at present the most popular of computers. They are very small. The capability is generally not as many and not as complex as minicomputers or Mainframe computers.  They are easy to use. Another name for microcomputer is Personal Computer (PC).

Reasons why microcomputers are widely used

• They are cheap.
• They have small sizes.
• They do not require a special environment for their operations.
• They can be used anywhere.

Microcomputers are the most popular and most widely used among the categories of computers. Another name for a microcomputer is Personal Computer (PC).

General evaluation

• Mention four classifications of computers by size.
• Differentiate between mini and microcomputers.
• Give two examples of a minicomputer.
• Mainframe computers are used for …….

Reading assignment

HiiT @ Schools for Senior Secondary Education Data Processing, pg14-15

Weekend assignment

• The most popularly used category of computers is ……    A.  microcomputer    B.  minicomputer   C.  supercomputer
• Another name for microcomputer is……     A.   home computer    B.  personal computer   C.  analogue computer.
• HP 3000 is an example of……..computers.     A.  super   B.   mainframe   C.  mini.
• Minicomputers were developed in the …….    A.  1970s   B.   1980s   C.   1990s.
• Mainframe computers can be used in the …..    A.   bank B. church C. market D. none
• a)  List any two examples of minicomputers.      b) What is another name for microcomputers?
• List any two reasons why microcomputers are widely used.

In our next class, we will be talking about the Digitalization of Data . We hope you enjoyed the class.

Should you have any further question, feel free to ask in the comment section below and trust us to respond as soon as possible.

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Types of computers.

By Dinesh Thakur

Technically, a computer is a handheld machine. It means it can perform a programmed list of instructions and react to new instructions that it is given. It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program). It can quickly save and retrieve considerable quantities of information .

Today, however, the term is most frequently utilized to refer to the desktop computer and laptop computers which most men and women use. When speaking to a desktop model, the expression “computer” technically only applies to the computer itself — not the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Nonetheless, it is acceptable to refer to everything together as the computer. If you would like to be technical, the box which holds the machine is called the “system.”

Hence computers can perform complex and repetitive processes quickly, precisely, and reliably. Modern computers are digital. The actual machinery (cables, transistors, and circuits) called hardware; the instructions and data are called software. A number of the significant pieces of a personal computer (or PC) include:

The central processing unit ( CPU ): It is part of any electronic computer system; this is the component composed of the Primary memory , control Device, and arithmetic-logic unit. It represents the physical center of the whole computer system; it’s connected to a various peripheral gear, including input/output apparatus and additional storage units. In modern computers, the CPU included on an incorporated circuit chip called a microprocessor .

Memory (fast, expensive, short-term memory) (or RAM ): It is a speedy type of computer memory that temporarily stores all of the information in your PC that you want right now and shortly.

Hard drive or Mass storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory ): It’s a hardware device that used to retain considerable quantities of information like applications and documents permanently. The primary hard disk in a PC is your C drive.

While personal computers are undoubtedly the most frequent type of machines now, there are several other kinds of computers. By way of instance, a “ minicomputer ” is a powerful computer that can support many users at once. A “ mainframe ” is a sizable, high-powered computer that can perform billions of calculations from several sources at one time. In the end, a “ supercomputer ” is a machine that can process billions of instructions a second and is used to compute exceptionally complex calculations.

Broadly, computers can classify based on:

( a ) The data handling capabilities and the way they perform the signal processing, and

( b ) Size, in terms of capacities and speed of operation.

Based on the type of input they accept, the computer is of three types:

We’ll be covering the following topics in this tutorial:

1. Analogue Computer

Everything we hear and see is changing continuously. This variable continuous stream of data is known as analogue data. Analog computer may be used in scientific and industrial applications such as to measure the electric current, frequency and resistance of the capacitor, etc..

Analogue computers directly accept the data in the measuring device without first converting it into codes and numbers.

Cases of analogue computer are temperature, pressure, telephone lines, Speedometer, immunity of capacitor, frequency of signal and voltage, etc..

2. Digital Computer

The digital computer is the most widely used and used to process data with numbers using digits, usually utilizing the binary number system .

A digital computer intended to do calculations and logical operations at a high rate. It takes the raw data as digits or amounts and procedures using applications stored in its memory to make output. All modern computers such as laptops and desktops we use at office or home are digital computers.

It works on data, such as magnitudes, letters, and symbols, which expressed in binary code–i.e., with just the two digits 1 and 0. By counting, comparing, and manipulating those digits or their mixtures by a pair of instructions stored in its memory, a digital computer may perform such tasks to control industrial processes and also control the operations of machinery; examine and organize vast amounts of company data; and mimic the behaviour of dynamic systems (e.g., international climate patterns and chemical reactions) in scientific study.

Digital computer supplies accurate result but they’re slow compared to an analogue computer.

3. Hybrid Computer

A hybrid computer which combines the aspects of a digital computer and an analogue computer. It’s quick like an analogue computer and contains memory and precision like digital computers. It’s intended to incorporate a functioning analogue unit that’s effective for calculations, nevertheless has a readily accessible digital memory. In large businesses and companies, a hybrid computer may be employed to integrate logical operations in addition to provide efficient processing of differential equations.

For instance, a gas pump includes a chip that converts the dimensions of fuel flow to volume and cost.

A hybrid computer is used in hospitals to gauge the heartbeat of this individual.

Different kinds and sizes of computer

Since the coming of the very first computer, different kinds and sizes of machines are providing various services. Computers are often as large as inhabiting a massive building as little as a notebook or even a microcontroller in embedded or mobile systems.

Computers can be generally classified by kind or size and power as follows, although there’s considerable overlap.

Supercomputer

A supercomputer is the fastest computer on earth that could process a considerable number of information very quickly. The calculating Performance of a supercomputer quantified in FLOPS (which is floating-point operations per minute) rather than MIPS.

These computers will be massive regarding the size. A most potent supercomputer could occupy several feet to hundreds of feet. The supercomputer cost is exceptionally high, and they can range from two lakh buck to over 100 million dollars.

Supercomputers were released in the 1960s and developed by Seymour Cray together with the Atlas at the University of Manchester. The Cray made CDC 1604 that has been the first supercomputer on earth, and it replenishes vacuum tubing with transistors.

Uses of Supercomputers

Today’s supercomputers can’t just perform calculations; they process enormous amounts of information in parallel with distributing computing jobs to tens of thousands of CPUs. Supercomputers located at work in research centers, government agencies, and companies performing mathematical calculations in addition to gathering, collating, categorizing, and assessing information.

Weather Forecasting

The regional weatherman bases his predictions on information provided by supercomputers run by NOAA or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA’s systems execute database operations, mathematical, and statistical analysis on enormous amounts of information gathered from throughout the country and around the globe. The processing capacity of supercomputers assists climatologists forecast, not merely the probability of rain on your neighborhood but the paths of hurricanes as well as the likelihood of whale strikes.

Scientific Research

Much like the weather, scientific study is contingent on the number-crunching capability of supercomputers. By way of instance, astronomers at NASA examine data flowing from satellites on the planet, ground-based radio and optical telescopes and probes exploring the solar system. Researchers in the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, discovered the Higgs-Boson particle by assessing the huge amounts of data created by the Large Hadron Collider.

Data Mining

Many supercomputers are necessary to extract data from raw information accumulated from info farms around the floor or the cloud. By way of instance, companies can analyze data gathered in their cash registers to help control stock or spot market tendencies. Life Insurance businesses use supercomputers to lessen their actuarial risks. Likewise, companies that offer health insurance reduce prices and client premiums using supercomputers to analyze the advantages of different treatment choices.

The Top Five Popular Supercomputers

• JAGUAR, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

• NEBULAE, China

• ROADRUNNER, Los Alamos National Laboratory

• KRAKEN, National Institute for Computational Sciences

• JUGENE, Juelich Supercomputing Centre, Germany

Mainframe computer

The mainframe denotes the sort of computer which runs a whole corporation. The Mainframe computers can accommodate in large air-conditioned rooms because of its dimensions in the current world, where all of the companies, trades, and communications are real-time.

So to do all this endeavor, a highly effective computer need on the host side, which processes the directions and supplies the output in moments. According to the use of computers in the modern world, we could use classifications pc in Supercomputer, Mainframe Computer, and Mini Computer and microcomputer types. A mainframe computer is stronger than Mini and Microcomputer, but stronger than Supercomputer. A mainframe computer used at large businesses.

The main distinction between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer stations all its power to execute a program as quickly as possible. In contrast, a mainframe uses its capability to run many applications simultaneously. In specific ways, mainframes are more effective than supercomputers because they encourage more simultaneous applications. However, supercomputers can do one program faster than a mainframe.

Popular Mainframe computers

• IBM 1400 series.

• 700/7000 series.

• System/360.

• System/370.

• IBM 308X.

Minicomputer

A minicomputer also referred to as miniature. It’s a category of little computers which has introduced to the world from the mid-1960s. Minicomputers used by small businesses. A minicomputer is a computer that has all of the qualities of a considerable size pc, but its size is significantly smaller compared to those. A minicomputer can also be known as a mid-range pc. Minicomputers are primarily multi-users systems where more than one user can operate concurrently.

Minicomputer can encourage multi-users at one time, or you’ll be able to state that minicomputer is a multiprocessing system.

Additionally, the ability of processing of minicomputers isn’t more significant than the energy of mainframe and supercomputers.

Different Types of Minicomputers

• Tablet PCs

• Smartphones

• Notebooks

• Touch Screen Pads

• High-End Music Plays

• Desktop Mini Computers

Microcomputer

Micro Computer is a little computer. Your private machines are equal to the microcomputer. Mainframe and Mini Computer is the ancestor of all microcomputers. Integrated Circuit manufacturing technology reduces the size of Mainframe and Minicomputer.

Technically, a microcomputer is a computer where the CPU (central processing unit ( the brains of the machine) comprised of a single processor, a microprocessor , input/output apparatus, and storage (memory) unit. These elements are essential to get the proper functioning of the microcomputer.

Micro-computers especially created for general usages like entertainment, education, and work purposes. Well, known Method of a ‘ Microcomputers.

Types of Micro Computer

• Desktop computers

• personal digital assistant (PDA)

• telephones

You’ll also like:

• Evolution of Digital Computers
• Impact of Computers on Society
• Classification of Computers | Type of Computer
• Types of Storage Device | Types of Backup
• What is Files & Types of Files? Types of File Operations.

Dinesh Thakur is a Freelance Writer who helps different clients from all over the globe. Dinesh has written over 500+ blogs, 30+ eBooks, and 10000+ Posts for all types of clients.

For any type of query or something that you think is missing, please feel free to Contact us .

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What is Computer? Definition, Characteristics and Classification

A computer is an electronic device that can store, manipulate, and process data according to a set of instructions. Know more about the Computer and its Classification, Characteristics, Functionality.

Table of Contents

What is a Computer?

In the modern world, computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. From desktops to laptops, tablets to smartphones, computers come in various forms, yet many people are still unfamiliar with their inner workings and potential. In this article, we will discuss everything about the Computer Definition, Characteristics, Components, Functionality, and Classification .

Definition of Computer

A computer is an electronic device wherein we need to input raw data to be processed with a set of programs to produce a desirable output . Computers have the ability to store, process, and manipulate data. The term “computer” is derived from the Latin word “computare,” which means “to calculate.” A computer is made to run programs and apps by using both hardware and software. It also has a memory to store data, programs, and what they produce.

Characteristics of Computer

Computers are now an integral part of our daily lives, from managing student records in schools to handling patient records in hospitals. They have significantly simplified our tasks. Now, we can quickly access stored data and solve complex problems in just seconds. Some of the characteristics of Computers are listed below-

• Saves Time: A computer saves time by completing tasks quicker and more efficiently. For example, it can solve big complex problems within seconds which can save many minutes of ours.
• Internet: Computers connect us to the internet which can help us to know important information from around the world, it can connect us with people from around the world through social networking sites, etc.
• Storage: The computer gives us enough storage space that can be used to store a large amount of data including your projects, ebooks, documents, movies, pictures, songs, etc.
• Entertainment: Computers are also a big source of entertainment as you can play games, listen to songs, watch movies, and can also use social networking sites.
• Organized Data: It not only stores the data for you for also organizes the data for you. You can create different folders for different types of data and can easily access them when required.
• Helps the physically challenged: Computers are a big boon for the physically challenged people as Stephen Hawking, who was not able to speak used the computer to speak. It also can be used to help blind people by installing special software to read what is on the screen.

Features OF Computer

We have discussed a few points that will highlight the different features of computers. These features collectively contribute to the versatility and functionality of computers.

• Processing Power: Computers can execute instructions and perform calculations quickly.
• Storage Capacity: They can store vast amounts of data, from documents to multimedia files.
• Memory (RAM): Temporary storage used for actively running programs and processes.
• Input Devices: Keyboards, mouse, and other peripherals allow users to input data.
• Output Data: Monitors, printers, and speakers display or produce results.
• Upgradability: Components like RAM, storage, and graphics cards can be upgraded.
• Portability: Laptops and tablets offer mobility compared to desktop computers.
• User Interface: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces for interaction.
• Security Features: Passwords, firewalls, and antivirus tools protect against unauthorized access.
• Power Management: Features to optimize energy consumption.

History of Computer

To understand the development of computers, and how they evolved from simple mechanical devices to the complex electronic machines that we use today. The knowledge can help to appreciate the challenges that computer scientists have faced over the years and the ingenuity they have shown in overcoming them.

Studying the history of computers can help to anticipate future developments in the field. The history of computers can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who used the abacus to perform simple calculations. In the 17th century, Blaise Pascal invented the mechanical calculator, which could perform more complex calculations. In the 19th century, Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, which is considered to be the first general-purpose computer. By understanding the history of computers that have shaped the development in the past.

Classification of Computers

Computers come in various types, primarily categorized by their data handling capacity and physical size. Based on the size, computers are 5 types namely, Micro Computer, Mini Computer, Mainframe Computer, Super Computer and Work stations. Whereas, based on data handling capacity, there are 3 types of computers namely analogue computers, digital computers, and hybrid computers. All the different types of computers perform different tasks and have been designed differently. For your reference, we have discussed all the types of computers and you can scroll through the page to read them all.

Based on Size

There are various types of computers available in the markets which are of different sizes. These computers are different from each other with respect to the amount of work they can do or the amount of data they can hold. Here we have classified the main 5 types of computers based on their size and have also provided the details regarding the same.

1. Micro Computer:

Micro Computers are mainly single-user computers and have comparatively lesser storage and speed than other computers. The first microcomputer was built with 8-bit microprocessor chips as these computers use microprocessors as CPU. Laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, etc. are all examples of microcomputers. These computers are made for everyday tasks like browsing the web and using programs like Microsoft Office MS Word etc..

2. Mini Computer:

Midrange computers or Mini-computers are multi-user computers designed in a way so as to entertain multiple users simultaneously. Small businesses and firms use these computers for their specific purposes. For example- a company or organization may use mini computers to look after the employee directory which may handle the payment history of its employees and any schools may use them to keep records of the students or for admission purposes.

3. Mainframe Computer:

Mainframe Computers are also not designed for single users, rather it is a multi-user computer that can handle thousands of users all at once. Large industries and government organizations utilize these computers to facilitate their business operations by storing substantial volumes of data. Banks and insurance companies use these computers to store the data of their customers, their policies, etc.

4. Super Computer:

Super Computer is the fastest type of computer amongst all and is also the most expensive. They can store a large number of data and can perform the most complex tasks within seconds. They can also execute millions of instructions per second. These computers are designed specifically to handle specific tasks such as weather forecasting, space research, and more. Supercomputers are also used by NASA for their Satellite launching.

5. Work Stations:

Workstations are single-user computers and have more powerful microprocessors than a microcomputer. When it comes to speed and storage capacity, it comes between a personal computer and a mini-computer. The most common uses of a workstation are desktop publishing, engineering designs, etc.

Based on Data Handling Capacity

Computers can be divided into 3 types based on their data handling capacity namely, analog, digital, and hybrid computers. These are different from each other with respect to the type of work they can do and the amount of data they can handle. We have discussed these types of computers in detail below.

Analog Computer:

The main function of Analog Computers is to process analog data. The data that changes frequently and does not have discrete values are called data and the analog computers are used at places where we have approximate values e.g., speed, temperature, pressure, etc. These computers can pick data from the devices without converting it into machine language. Some common examples of analog computers are speedometers, thermometers, etc.

Digital Computer:

Digital Computers are designed in a way so that they can perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. These computers input raw data and with the help of the programs stored in their memory, it gives the final output. Digital computers can only understand binary language i.e., 0 and 1 hence, the raw data to be given as input is converted into 0 and 1 and then it is processed. Examples are laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc.

Hybrid Computer:

Hybrid, as the name suggests is a mixture of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are as fast as analog computers and also have accuracy like that of digital computers. These computers can process both continuous and discrete data as they accept analog signals and then convert them into digital signals before processing. Some common uses of Hybrid computers are in airplanes, hospitals, etc.

Components of a Computer

A computer mainly has two components i.e. hardware and software wherein the components of the computers having a physical structure such as wires, transistors, circuits, and hard disk make up the hardware whereas the programs and data make up the software. Some other important components of a Computer are discussed below.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Often referred to as the “brain” of the computer, the CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It interprets and carries out the commands from software and hardware components.

Computer Memory

Computers have different types of memory for temporary and permanent data storage. Random Access Memory (RAM) provides fast but volatile storage, while the hard drive or Solid-State Drive (SSD) offers non-volatile, long-term storage for programs and files.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is a key component of a computer’s central processor unit. The ALU is part of a central processing unit (CPU) and performs all arithmetic and logic operations that must be performed on instruction words. The ALU is split into two parts in some microprocessor architectures: the AU and the LU.

Input Devices of Computer

Input Devices of the Computer enable users to interact with the computer. These are tools used to provide information and commands to the computer. Examples include keyboards, mice, touchscreens, scanners, and microphones. They allow us to input commands, data, and instructions for the computer to process. Keyboards and mouse allow users to input text, navigate interfaces, and interact with software. Tochpads offer similar functions on laptops and touch-enabled devices. Microphones capture audio input, enabling voice commands, voice recordings, and communication in applications like voice chat and video conferencing.

Output Devices of Computer

Output Devices of Computers display or transmit processed information to users. These are tools that display or produce information from the computer. Common examples include monitors, printers, speakers, and headphones. They present the results of computations, provide visual feedback, or produce audio output. Monitors show visual data like tests and images, while printers create physical copies of documents. Speakers and headphones produce sound output, allowing us to hear audio from videos, music, or other multimedia on our computer.

Motherboard

The motherboard acts as the central hub connecting all the computer’s components. It houses the CPU, memory modules, expansion slots, and connectors, facilitating communication and data transfer between different parts of the system.

Functionality of a Computer

Computers possess remarkable versatility and can perform a multitude of tasks. Some basic Functionalities and uses of a Computer are discussed below.

• Data Processing: Computers excel at processing vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. They can manipulate numbers, perform complex calculations, analyze patterns, and generate reports.
• Information Storage: With their vast storage capacities, computers can store massive amounts of information, from personal files to entire databases. They enable quick retrieval and organization of data for efficient access and analysis.
• Communication: Computers facilitate seamless communication through various means, such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media. They enable global connectivity and information sharing on an unprecedented scale.
• Multimedia and Entertainment: Computers serve as multimedia powerhouses, allowing users to watch movies, listen to music, view images, play games, and edit videos. They provide immersive experiences and entertainment options for users of all ages

Finally, a computer is a remarkable electronic device that processes data, performs calculations, and executes tasks based on programmed instructions. It comprises various components working together to facilitate the input, processing, and output of information. From their ability to process data at incredible speeds to their role in communication, entertainment, and information storage, computers have revolutionized every aspect of our lives. The Computer was invented by Charles Babbage.  So he is known as the father of computers .

Some Interesting Facts About Computer

Below we have discussed a few interesting Facts about computers:

• The first computer programmer was Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace, who wrote the first algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine in the 1840s.
• The word “Bug” in the context of computer glickes originated in 1947 when a moth caused a malfunction in the Harvard Mark II computer.
• The world’s first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964 and was made of wood.
• The term “Byte” was coined by Dr. Werner Buchholz in 1956 while working on IBM’s Stretch computer.
• The first electronic computer, ENIAC, weighed around 30 tons and used more than 17,000 vacuum tubes.
• The Apollo 11 guidance computer, which landed humans on the moon in 1969, had less processing power than a modern smartphone.

Generation of Computer (1st to 5th)- Read Now

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Q1. What is computer?

Ans. A computer is an electronic device wherein we need to input raw data to be processed with a set of programs to produce a desirable output. Computers also have the capacity to store, process and manipulate the data.

Q2. What are Super Computers?

Ans. Super Computers is the fastest type of computer amongst all and is also the most expensive. They can store a large number of data and can perform the most complex task within seconds. They can also execute millions of instructions per second.

Q3. How many types of Computers are there?

Ans. The computers can classified on the basis of their size and their data handling capacity. There are 5 types of computers based on the size whereas there are 3 types of computers based on their data handling capacity.

Q4. What are Hybrid Computers?

Ans. Hybrid computers are fast as an analog computer and also has accuracy like that of digital computers. These computers can process both continuous and discrete data as it accepts analog signal and then converts them into digital signals before processing. Some common uses of Hybrid computers are in airplanes, hospitals, etc.

Q5. What is the full form of COMPUTER?

Ans. The full form of COMPUTER is Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research.

What are the 4 types of computer?

Ans. Four types of computer are Supercomputers. Mainframe computers. Minicomputers. Personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers.

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The computer systems can be classified on the following basis: 

1. On the basis of size.  2. On the basis of functionality.  3. On the basis of data handling. 

Classification on the basis of size

• Super computers : The super computers are the most high performing system. A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-purpose computer. The actual Performance of a supercomputer is measured in FLOPS instead of MIPS. All of the world’s fastest 500 supercomputers run Linux-based operating systems. Additional research is being conducted in China, the US, the EU, Taiwan and Japan to build even faster, more high performing and more technologically superior supercomputers. Supercomputers actually play an important role in the field of computation, and are used for intensive computation tasks in various fields, including quantum mechanics, weather forecasting, climate research, oil and gas exploration, molecular modeling, and physical simulations. and also Throughout the history, supercomputers have been essential in the field of the cryptanalysis.  eg: PARAM, jaguar, roadrunner.
• Mainframe computers : These are commonly called as big iron, they are usually used by big organisations for bulk data processing such as statistics, census data processing, transaction processing and are widely used as the servers as these systems has a higher processing capability as compared to the other classes of computers, most of these mainframe architectures were established in 1960s, the research and development worked continuously over the years and the mainframes of today are far more better than the earlier ones, in size, capacity and efficiency.  Eg: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers.
• Mini computers : These computers came into the market in mid 1960s and were sold at a much cheaper price than the main frames, they were actually designed for control, instrumentation, human interaction, and communication switching as distinct from calculation and record keeping, later they became very popular for personal uses with evolution.  In the 60s to describe the smaller computers that became possible with the use of transistors and core memory technologies, minimal instructions sets and less expensive peripherals such as the ubiquitous Teletype Model 33 ASR.They usually took up one or a few inch rack cabinets, compared with the large mainframes that could fill a room, there was a new term “MINICOMPUTERS” coined  Eg: Personal Laptop, PC etc.   
• Micro computers : A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. It includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board.The previous to these computers, mainframes and minicomputers, were comparatively much larger, hard to maintain and more expensive. They actually formed the foundation for present day microcomputers and smart gadgets that we use in day to day life.  Eg: Tablets, Smartwatches.   

Classification on the basis of functionality

• Servers : Servers are nothing but dedicated computers which are set-up to offer some services to the clients. They are named depending on the type of service they offered. Eg: security server, database server.   
• Workstation : Those are the computers designed to primarily to be used by single user at a time. They run multi-user operating systems. They are the ones which we use for our day to day personal / commercial work.
• Information Appliances : They are the portable devices which are designed to perform a limited set of tasks like basic calculations, playing multimedia, browsing internet etc. They are generally referred as the mobile devices. They have very limited memory and flexibility and generally run on “as-is” basis.
• Embedded computers : They are the computing devices which are used in other machines to serve limited set of requirements. They follow instructions from the non-volatile memory and they are not required to execute reboot or reset. The processing units used in such device work to those basic requirements only and are different from the ones that are used in personal computers- better known as workstations.

Classification on the basis of data handling

• Analog : An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved. Any thing that is variable with respect to time and continuous can be claimed as analog just like an analog clock measures time by means of the distance traveled for the spokes of the clock around the circular dial.
• Digital : A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”, “Computer capable of solving problems by processing information expressed in discrete form. from manipulation of the combinations of the binary digits, it can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns.
• Hybrid : A computer that processes both analog and digital data, Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts analog signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.

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