Maria Edessa M. Diona
BSED-2
Activity in Basic Computer
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Classification of Computers according to Size, Type and Purpose
Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity
1. Supercomputer
A
Supercomputer
is
the
very fastest and powerful,
and expensive type of computer for
processing data. Supercomputers’ size
and storage capacity are also huge (can
occupy huge premises) designed to
process vast amounts of data in a short
time with high productivity.
These are specially made to perform multispecific tasks. Therefore, many CPUs
work in parallel order on these
supercomputers. This function of a
Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.
A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous, combining computers of
different architectures, is significantly surpassed most existing personal computers. This made
this machine an ultra-high-performance supercomputer.
Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and
solving the most complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.
Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –
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In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft,
airplanes, and flight simulators.
Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
Used in scientific research laboratories.
Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.
Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, Intel ASI Red. PARAM-1000, and CRAY-XMP-14.
Good to Know ~ World’s first supercomputer is the Control Data Corporation (CDC)
6600 invented by Seymour Cray.
2. Mainframe Computer
Mainframe
computers
are multiprogramming, high-performance computers,
and multi-user, which means they can handle
the workload of more than 100 users at a time
on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is
enormous, with a high-speed data process as
well. As well as handling hundreds of input
and output devices at a time.
The mainframe is a highly efficient computer
capable of simultaneously solving complex
calculations and continuously for a long time.
These computers have several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too
high performance and speed.
The mainframe is ahead of our conventional modern Personal computers in almost every metric.
The possibility of their “hot” replacement in the mainframe computer ensures continuity of
operation. And the standard amount of processor utilization effortlessly exceeds 85% of the total
power.
Somehow mainframes can be more powerful than supercomputers because the mainframe
supports many processes simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers can run a single
program but faster than a mainframe. In the past, Mainframes requires entire rooms or even floors
of whole buildings for set up.
In today, IBM company is leading the production of mainframe computers. Mainframe reliability is
increased with development in the past 60 years. These computers can fix most of the hardware
and software bugs.
Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –
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Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like
Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like
railways. These computers can work for 24 hours. Hundreds of users can work on these
computations simultaneously.
Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments, research
centers, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking,
maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.
Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, and CDC 6600.
3. Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer
system with the connection of more than one
CPU. Thus, many people can work on these
computers simultaneously instead of a single
person. Also, it can process with other
accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.
Minicomputers are the medium type of computers
that have more functionality power and are
expensive than microcomputers. On the other
hand, the size, storage, and speed of
minicomputers are large but less than the
mainframe and supercomputers.
Minicomputers are made for performing multiple computing tasks at a single point of time, instead
of assigning many microcomputers for a single task, which will be time-consuming and expensive.
In general, a minicomputer is a multi-threaded system (several processes at a time) capable of
supporting from one to up to 200 users simultaneously: these computers are currently used
to store large databases, multi-user applications, and the automation industry.
Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –
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The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings, and
Research Centers. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for employees’
salaries, records, tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field of Higher
Education and Engineering.
Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
Good to Know ~ PDP-1 was the world’s first minicomputer, small and interactive, introduced in
1960 by the Digital Equipment Corporation.
4. Micro Computer
Today we are using many computers
at home is also the most common
microcomputer. With this invention of
the microprocessors in the year 1970,
it became possible to use computers
for people personally at a low cost and
reasonable
price
known
as
Digital Personal Computer.
The design of microcomputers is
minimal in size and storage capacity. These computers consist of many parts like Input and
Output devices, Software, operating systems, networks, and Servers all these need to connect to
form a complete Personal Digital Computer.
There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. Other examples of the
microcomputer are smartphone, Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop, and workstation.
This can be installed in any work area or even at home for personal use.
The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep and process the everyday tasks and needs of
the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system
is multitasking. The PC can be connected to the Internet to take benefits and enhance the user
experience.
The development of multimedia, small equipment, optimized energy consumption, and
the LAN made the microcomputers increase in demand for every field.
The increase in the demand and need for microcomputers between the people leads to
the tremendous development of each part related to the microcomputers.
Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –
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PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection, business,
education, entertainment, publishing, etc.
It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small businesses, creating
bills, accounting, word processing, and operation of the filing systems in a large company.
Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.
Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops.
The fast development of microcomputers with technology. As a result, today, microcomputers
coming in the form of a book, a phone, and even a clock in the name of a digital clock.
Computers on the Basis Purpose
1. General Purpose
General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word processing letter,
Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing documents, creating databases, and
calculations with accuracy and consistency.
The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers are mainly less. The ability of these
computers is limited in performing specialized tasks. Still, it has versatility and useful for serving
people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace in the environment.
Examples:
Desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on daily basis for general purposes.
2. Special Purpose
These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage
capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. The
function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.
The special computer needs specific and input and devices as well as a compatible motherboard
with the processor to conduct work efficiently.
These computers are used for special purposes in weather forecasting, space research,
agriculture, engineering, meteorology, satellite operation, traffic control, and research in chemical
sciences.
Examples:
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Automatic teller machines (ATM),
Washing machines,
Surveillance equipment,
Weather-forecasting simulators,
Traffic-control computers,
Defense-oriented applications,
Oil-exploration systems,
Military planes controlling computers.
Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Data Handling.
1. Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes
continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like the voltage,
pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.
It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic
calculations of numbers, the length of an object, or
the amount of voltage that passes through a point in
an electrical circuit. Analog computers obtain all
their data from some measurement way.
Analog computers are mainly used in the fields of
science and engineering. Analog computers are
slow and equipped to measure things rather than
countable or check.
The efficiency of this computer increases when we
get the result of the data in graphs, etc. Analog
Computers cannot store statistics.
They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc. Because quantities
like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used more in these areas, these types of
computers give only approximate estimates.
Examples:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of the
pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously while
measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.
A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog computing.
2. Digital Computer
As its name suggests, a digital computer
represents the digital computer’s letters,
numerical values, or any other special symbols.
This computer is the computer that calculates
the number for processing the data.
They run on electronic signs, and the binary
numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for
calculation. Their speed is fast.
It can perform arithmetic operations such
as addition,
occurrence,
subtraction,
multiplication, or division and all types of
logical(mathematical) operations. Today, most of the computers available in the market are digital
computers.
Digital computers are built to bring the solution of equations to an almost unlimited precision, but
in a bit slow manner compared to analog computers. To some extent, they all have similar
components for receiving, processing, sorting, and transmitting data and use a relatively small
number of essential functions to perform their tasks.
Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for operation rather than continuous electrical
signals as analog computers have, making them the most common form of computers today
because of their versatility, speed, and power.
The desktop or Laptop at our home is one the common and best example of a digital computer.
Other Examples of Digital Computers
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Personal Desktop Computers,
Calculators,
Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
Chromebooks,
Digital watch,
Accounting machines,
Workstations,
Digital clock, etc.
3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and
digital properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid
computers is to provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital
devices.
The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best of
both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations, even when
those calculations are incredibly complex.
As both the properties of a computer consist in the form of a single hybrid computer made
possible to solve too complex calculations or problems, at the same time, these devices are not
only too expensive but also able to solve complex issues a bit fast.
Incorporating the properties of both (analog and digital) computers into hybrid computers makes
it possible to resolve more difficult equations immediately.
The analog computer systems solve the equation process immediately. But it is not necessary
that those solutions would be completely accurate.
Here, the digital computer system gives 100 % correct solutions, but it takes a bit of time in the
calculation. Therefore, Hybrid computers are made to overcome the flaws of both these analog
and digital systems.
Applications of hybrid Computer:
Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centers, organizations,
and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be solved).
Also, the solutions and uses of hybrid computers have proved to be much more detailed, accurate,
and useful. Hybrid computers are used in scientific calculations, for nations’ defense and radar
systems as well.
Examples:
Auto Gasoline pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is installed on a petrol pump
do not only to measure the amount of petrol but also to calculates its value, in this way It is capable
of both functions i.e., hybrid function.
DIGITAL AGE
Digital Age is a term that is commonly used to refer to, and describe, the Fourth Industrial
Revolution. Most historians agree that we are currently in the Fourth Industrial
Revolution. While the specific dates of each ‘revolution’ vary, a number of distinct transitions
have taken place over time.
1980—2040 The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Digital Age, refers to the
advancement of technology from analog electronic and mechanical devices to the digital
technologies available today. It is marked by technology breakthroughs in miniaturization,
nanotechnology, quantum computing, and telecommunications. The Digital Age started in the
early 1980’s: 1981 the IBM PC, 1980s Apple/Microsoft, 1994 Amazon, 1995 eBay, mid-1990s the
Internet (at speed), 1997 Netflix, 1998 Google, 2004 Facebook, 2006 Twitter, 2007 iPhone, 2008
Airbnb, 2009 Uber, and continues through today with the advent of instantaneous worldwide
communication and connectivity infrastructures. Technologies include practical and
transformational advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and robotics; the
capture and real-time analysis of massive amounts of data, about both ‘things’ and about people;
advances in genome research, and biotechnology; the codification of money and markets, and
the weaponization of code. (The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross) The Fourth Industrial
Revolution represents new ways in which technology becomes embedded within societies and
even the human body, enabling what used to be science fiction to become real. Examples
include the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing of body parts, and self-driving/flying vehicles, as
just a few examples.
For some period of time this Fourth revolution was referred to as the Information Age. But
time, and continued technology advances, have demonstrated that the winners in this Age will be
those corporations and organizations that take advantage of the technology advances to digitize
every product or service possible, to either transform current industries and ways of doing
business—or to create new ones. Consequently, referring to the Fourth Industrial Revolution as
the Information Age became far too limiting, and the concept of it as the Digital Age has, so far,
been a more accurate descriptor.
MEDIA IN DIGITAL AGE
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980s Apple/Microsoft
1994 Amazon
1995 eBay
mid-1990s the Internet (at speed)
1997 Netflix
1998 Google
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2004 Facebook
2006 Twitter
2007 iPhone
2008 Airbnb
2009 Uber
Internet of Things (IoT)
3D printing of body parts
self-driving/flying vehicles
IMPACT OF ICT ON INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SOCIETY
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF ICT
ICT CAN HAVE POSITIVE IMPACTS ON PEOPLE
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Access to information: Possibly the greatest effect of ICT on individuals is the huge
increase in access to information and services that has accompanied the growth of the
Internet. Some of the positive aspects of this increased access are better, and often cheaper,
communications, such as VoIP phone and Instant Messaging. In addition, the use of ICT to
access information has brought new opportunities for leisure and entertainment, the facility
to make contacts and form relationships with people around the world, and the ability to obtain
goods and services from a wider range of suppliers.
Improved access to education, e.g., distance learning and on-line tutorials. New ways of
learning, e.g., interactive multi-media and virtual reality. New job opportunities, e.g., flexible
and mobile working, virtual offices and jobs in the communications industry.
New tools, new opportunities: The second big effect of ICT is that it gives access to new
tools that did not previously exist. A lot of these are tied into the access to information
mentioned above, but there are many examples of stand-alone ICT systems as well:
a) ICT can be used for processes that had previously been out of the reach of most
individuals, e.g., photography, where digital cameras, photo-editing software and
high-quality printers have enabled people to produce results that would previously
require a photographic studio.
b) ICT can be used to help people overcome disabilities. e.g., screen magnification
or screen reading software enables partially sighted or blind people to work with
ordinary text rather than Braille.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ICT ON PEOPLE
 Job loss: One of the largest negative effects of ICT can be the loss of a person’s job. This
has both economic consequences, loss of income, and social consequences, loss of status
and self-esteem. Job losses may occur for several reasons, including: Manual operations
being replaced by automation. e.g., robots replacing people on an assembly line. Job export.
e.g., Data processing work being sent to other countries where operating costs are
lower. Multiple workers being replaced by a smaller number who are able to do the same
amount of work. e.g., A worker on a supermarket checkout can serve more customers per
hour if a bar-code scanner linked to a computerized till is used to detect goods instead of the
worker having to enter the item and price manually
 Reduced personal interaction: Being able to work from home is usually regarded as being
a positive effect of using ICT, but there can be negative aspects as well. Most people need
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some form of social interaction in their daily lives and if they do not get the chance to meet
and talk with other people, they may feel isolated and unhappy.
Reduced physical activity: A third negative effect of ICT is that users may adopt a more
sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and
diabetes. Many countries have workplace regulations to prevent problems such as repetitive
strain injury or eyestrain, but lack of physical exercise is rarely addressed as a specific health
hazard.
ICT CAN HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON ORGANIZATIONS
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Communication: By using ICT has brought a number of benefits to organizations, such as:
Cost savings by using e.g., VoIP instead of normal telephone, email / messaging instead of
post, video conferencing instead of traveling to meetings, e-commerce web sites instead of
sales catalogues. Access to larger, even worldwide, markets. Web sites can be seen from all
parts of the world and orders can be taken wherever there is a compatible banking system to
process payments, e.g., credit / debit card, Pay-Pal, bank transfer facility. Web sites also
have 24 hours opening and are available every day of the year. Flexible response.
Organizations with good communications can respond to changes quickly. This may mean
better customer relations, an improved supply chain for goods and services, faster
development of new products to meet a new opportunity, etc.
Information management: Organizations can benefit from using ICT for information
management. e.g., Data mining of customer information to produce lists for targeted
advertising. Improved stock control, resulting in less wastage, better cash flow, etc. Mangers
are better informed and will have more reliable and up-to-date information on which to base
their decisions.
Security: Although the use of ICT can bring its own security issues, see next section, it can
also solve or reduce some security problems, e.g., Encryption methods can keep data safe
from unauthorized people, both while it is being stored or while it is being sent electronically.
This is important for reasons such as data protection legislation or commercial secrecy. ICT
enables physical security systems such as fingerprint, iris or facial recognition.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF ICT ON ORGANIZATIONS
a)
Cost: the cost of using ICT may cause a number of problems for organizations. A lot of
ICT hardware and software is expensive, both to purchase and to maintain. An ICT system usually
requires specialist staff to run it and there is also the challenge of keeping up with ever-changing
technology. These extra costs should be offset by the positive effects of using ICT, but if an
organization gets its cost-benefit analysis wrong it may lose money.
b)
Competition: this is usually thought of as being a good thing, but for some organizations
being exposed to greater competition can be a problem. If the organization is competing for
customers, donations, or other means of funding nationally or even internationally, they may lose
out to other organizations that can offer the same service for less money.
c)
Security: this is always a problem for any organization that uses ICT. Data must be kept
secure, Internet connections must be protected from attack, new viruses and other forms of
malware are released nearly every day.
Organizations will usually have legal obligations to protect data such as customer information.
Even if the organization does not have to comply with a specific data protection law it will usually
be in the organization’s interest to protect data from rivals.
ICT CAN HAVE POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE SOCIETY
Probably the largest effect that ICT use has on society is allowing members of society to have
greatly increased access to information. This can have numerous positive effects, such as:
a)
b)
c)
increasing opportunities for education
improving communication
allowing people to participate in a wider, even worldwide, society.
The positive impact of ICT on education: On the positive side, the use of ICT in education can
provide opportunities that might not otherwise exist, such as:
1. distance learning, where students can access teaching materials from all over the world,
2. the ability to perform ‘impossible’ experiments’ by using simulations,
3. the possibility for students to have individual learning programs within a topic, rather than
everybody having to do the same thing at the same time at the same pace. More able students
can be given more challenging work, less able students can access remedial lessons.
The negative impact of ICT on education:
I.
There are large costs involved and poorer students / educational establishments can end
up being disadvantaged. This is often referred to as being a factor in the digital divide
II.
Students, and sometimes teachers, can get hooked on the technology aspect, rather
than the subject content. Just because a topic can be taught via ICT, does not mean that it is
taught most effectively via ICT.
Even if a subject can be taught effectively via ICT, and there is the money available, it does not
always follow that there is any advantage to it. There have been a lot of studies / assessments
carried out, looking to see if ICT usage improves learning. The results are mixed. Much simplified,
it would appear that:
1. there is some initial impact of using ICT in that students get a wider range of resources and
experience some extra motivation.
2. the motivation effect soon fades as using ICT becomes the new normal
3. the wider resource range remains a positive factor
4. there are some well documented positive effects in specific. e.g., simulation and modelling is
effective in improving science standards, use of word processing and communication
software is effective in developing language skills, but there is concern that large areas of the
curriculum are not benefiting.
The manner in which the subject is taught probably has a larger effect than the mere use of ICT.
i.e., if the teacher does not adapt their methods in order to make best use of ICT, the students do
not gain from that use. The attitude of the educational establishment also seems to have a greater
effect. i.e., the people running them may not have the knowledge and experience, or often the
money, to enable widespread and effective use of ICT in their schools. The attitude of society /
government can have a large impact of how ICT is perceived and thus how effectively it is used.
Countries where the government encourages ICT usage and where the majority of the people
use ICT on a daily basis are likely to make better use of ICT in education as well as in the larger
society. On the other hand, in countries where some uses of ICT are restricted because of e.g.,
political or religious reasons, the use of ICT in education becomes less effective and may even
be seen as a threat to those in power and thus actively discouraged
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF ICT ON SOCIETY
Probably the largest effect that ICT use has on society is allowing members of society to
have greatly increased access to information. This can have numerous negative effects, such as:
causing a digital divide between those who can access information and those who cannot,
reducing levels of education and understanding due to the vast amount of incorrect and
misleading information that is available causing moral and ethical problems due to the nature of
some of the material available.
References:
https://digitalworld839.com/classification-ofcomputers/#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20types%20in,%2C%20Minicomputer%2C%20and
%20Micro%20Computer.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-digital-age-internet-things-cheryl-smith
https://ajahana.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/the-positive-and-negative-impacts-of-ict5/#:~:text=It%20includes%20both%20positive%20effects,organisations%20and%20society%20
are%20affected.&text=Access%20to%20information%3A%20Possibly%20the,the%20growth%2
0of%20the%20Internet.