Lesson 2

The Evolution of Information Systems Technology

First
1946~57

Second
1957~65

Third
1965~72

Fourth
1972~85

Today
1985+

Vacuum Tube

Transistors

Integrated Circuit (IC)

VLSI

Dramatic decrease in Price/performanc e ratio

Hours

Days

Months

Moths/Years

Years+
BK1 pg 88~91

The Categories of Computers Today

This lesson includes the following sections: Supercomputers Mainframe Computers Minicomputers Workstations Microcomputers, or Personal Computers

BK3 pg 15~17

The Shapes of Computers Today - 1

SUPERCOMPUTERS
Supercomputers are the most powerful computers. They are used for problems requiring complex calculations. They are use for scientific & defense research purposes, e.g. forecasting global weather pattern, simulation & analyzing nuclear fission & fusion reaction, Human Genome project. Because of their size and expense, supercomputers are relatively rare. They can cost tens of million of dollars and can consume enough electricity to power dozens of homes Supercomputers are used by universities, government businesses. agencies, and large

supercomputers can perform more than 1 trillion (1012) calculation per seconds. Some supercomputers such as CrayT90 or T3E can house thousands of processors. Makers of Supercomputers include Cray, Fujitsu, Intel Supercomputers, NEC.

The Shapes of Computers Today - 2

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
The largest & oldest type of computer system in common use is the Mainframe. A Mainframe system can house an enormous volume of data, containing literally billions of records. Mainframe computers can support hundreds or thousands of users, handling massive amounts of input, output, and storage. The largest IBM S/390 can support 50,000 users simultaneously while executing 1.6 Giga (1.6 x 108) instructions per second. Mainframe computers are used in large organizations where many users need access to shared data and programs. Mainframe can cost from $30,000 to several millions. Mainframes are used in large organizations like insurance companies, banks, Airlines, specialized server in World Wide Web & as e-commerce server. In traditional mainframe environment, each user works at a computer terminal. A terminal can be dumb terminal or intelligent terminal. The principal makers of Mainframes have been IBM (60%), Fujitsu, Unisys, AT&T.

The Shapes of Computers Today - 3

MINICOMPUTERS
First released by Digital Corporation Corp (DEC) in 1959. The capabilities of Mini are somewhere between Mainframe & PC, hence they are also referred as Midrange Computers. Most powerful Minicomputer can handle I/O needs of hundreds of users at a time. Mini usually serves the data sharing needs of user computers in a network. Minicomputers cost anywhere from $18,000 to $500,000. HP 3000 is a midrange computer used by medium and large size businesses. Other makers of Minicomputers are Tandem, AT&T, IBM. Minicomputers find their usage as network servers (Client/Server), Internet servers, in manufacturing industries (CAD/CAM)

The Shapes of Computers Today - 4

WORKSTATIONS
Workstations are specialized, single-user computers with many features of a personal computer but with processing power of a minicomputer. Workstations are used for tasks that require a great deal of number-crunching power, such as product design and computer animation. These powerful systems are popular among scientists, graphic artists, animators, engineers and programmers. Workstation usually use advanced processors and feature more memory & storage capacity than PC. Workstations have large, high resolution monitor and accelerated graphics-handling capabilities. Sun Blade 100 is an example of a Workstation Workstations cost around $10,000- $150,000. Well-known makers of Workstations have been Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Silicon Graphic.

The Shapes of Computers Today - 5

MICROCOMPUTERS, OR PERSONAL COMPUTERS

In 1981 IBM called its first computer IBM PC. With in few years, many companies were copying the IBM design, creating clones & compatibles that were meant to function like the original. Apple Computers make another line of computers which are not compatible to IBM, however because there similarity in function and usage we also refer Apple Computer as PC Microcomputers include the following types: 1. Desktop

2.
3.

Notebook & Laptop Computer (docking station)

Network Computer (mid 1990s) is a less powerful version of a PC, with minimal or no processing power, memory and storage. NC is designed to connect to network, a corporate intranet or to the Internet.. In corporate setting NCs offer several advantages:
o o o o Enhanced Data Security Reduced Threat of Viruses Centralized Software Limited Upgrades

Cont..

The Shapes of Computers Today - 5

MICROCOMPUTERS, OR PERSONAL COMPUTERS

4.

Handheld personal computers (H/PCs) sometime called palmtop computers are of several types such as
i. ii. iii. Personal Digital Assistance (PDA) / Pen-based organizers Cellular phone with Internet, e-mail & fax capabilities H/PC Pro device

lesson 2 Review
List the five most common types of computer systems.

Identify two unique features of supercomputers.

Describe a typical use for mainframe computers

Differentiate workstations from personal computers.

Identify four types of personal computers.