Computer Hardware
•state the generations of computers together with the respective processors used
•explain the generations of computers together with the respective processors used
•identify the types of computers :
Supercomputer Mainframe oMini computer oMicro Computer oWork Station •define different types of computer o
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i. Explain the evolution of the computer generation . ii. Match the types of processors used . iii. Introduce various types of computers . iv. Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers . v.Gathering and presenting information on the types of computers
At the end of the module , students should be able to explain about the evolution of the computer generation and types of processors used. This module contains 5 activities : Explaining the evolution of the computer generation . Matching the types of processors used . Introducing various types of computers . Labelling a flow chart of the types of computers . Gathering and presenting information on the types of computers
Additional source: http://history.sandiego.edu /GEN /recording /computer1 .html #gp05
Supercomputer is a computer that led the world (or was close to doing so ) in terms of processing capacity , particularly the speed of calculation , at the time of its introduction. The term "Super Computing " was first used by the New York World newspaper in 1929 [1 ] to refer to large custom-built tabulators IBM made for Columbia University. It was used to solve problems involving by major universities, military agencies and scientific research laboratories. Additional Source: http://en.wikipedia./org wiki /Supercomputer
Mainframes are designed to handle very high volume input and output (I /O ) and emphasize throughout computing. It is used mainly, by large organizations for critical applications , typically bulk data processing, industry and consumer statistics , ERP , and financial transaction processing . The term probably originated from the early mainframes , as they were housed in enormous , roomsized metal boxes or frames . Later the term was used to distinguish high end commercial machines from less powerful units which were often contained in smaller packages. Today in practice , the term usually refers to computers compatible with the IBM System /360 line , first introduced in 1965 . (IBM System z9 is IBM's latest incarnation.) Otherwise, systems with similar functionality but not ." However , based on the IBM System /360 are referred to as" servers "server"" and mainframe " are different (see client server ). Additional source: http://en.wikipedia./org wiki /Mainframe_computer
Minicomputer is a midsized computer . It is an old term forof multi -user computers , lies between the a class largest multi-user systems (mainframe computers ) and the smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal computers). In the past , it formed a different group with its own hardware and operating systems . Additional source: http://en.wikipedia./org wiki /Minicomputer
Small desktop or portable computer , typically designed to be used by one person at a time , although individual computers can be linked in a network so that users can share data and programmes . Its central processing unit is a microprocessor , contained on a single integrated circuit. Microcomputers are the smallest of the four classes of computer (the others are supercomputer, mainframe, and minicomputer ). Since the appearance in 1975 of the first commercially available microcomputer, the Altair 8800, micros have become ubiquitous in commerce, industry, and education . Additional source: http://en.wikipedia./org wiki /Microcomputer http://www.tiscali.co .uk /reference /dictionaries /computers /data /m0008890 .h tml
A type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD /CAM ), desktop publishing development and of other types of , software applications that require a moderate amount computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large , high -resolution graphics screen, at least 64 , - built in net work sup port and a graphical MB (megabytes ) of RAM user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive , but a special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation , comes without a disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT . Page 1 2 /
In terms of computing power , workstations lie between personal computers , although the line is fuzzy on both ends. High-and end minicomputers personal computers are equivalent to low -end workstations . And high -end workstations are equivalent to minicomputers. Like personal computers, most workstations are single -user computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a Local Area Network , although they can also be used as stand-alone systems. In networking, workstation refers to any computer connected to a Local Area Network . It could be a workstation or a personal computer.
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There are a lot of terms used to describe computers . Most of these words the size , expected use or capability of any the device computer . While imply the term virtually that has a microprocessor in it , most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the user through a mouse or keyboard, processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen.
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use by a single pe rson .. PCs we re fi rst known as they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses .
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• desktops power , storage and versatility for less cost than offer their more portable brethren.
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integrate the display , keyboard , a pointing device or trackball , processor , memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book. palmtops are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage . These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input . Palmtops are typically smaller than a paperback novel , very lightweight with a reasonable battery life . A slightly larger and heavier version
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• additional memory andofenhanced capabilities for performing a special group task , such as 3D Graphics or game development .
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computers over a network . Servers usually have powerful processors , large memory and hard drives .
computers that could fill an entire room or even a whole floor. The size of computers has diminished while its power has increased , the term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of used, particularly in large companies to describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions every day . Page 2 2 /
• between microcomputers ) and ). Minicomputers mainframes (enterprise servers are(PCs normally referred to as
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or even millions of dollars . Although some supercomputers are single computer systems , most are comprised of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system . The best known supercomputers are built by Cray Supercomputers . common computer applications (e -mail , database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones , visors and even clothing. Page 2 2 /
Compare the features of the generations of computers .
Differentiate between a single user system and a multi user system.
Matching the description with the correct types of computers .
