studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology catalysis and materials science. 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. A Supercomputer

The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is MAINFRAME COMPUTERS that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few 2. Mainframe computers — these are large and expensive computer programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to types capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users execute many programs concurrently. They are quite rare they are simultaneously. In the hierarchy, mainframes are just below mainly used in scientific research stations such as in nuclear stations supercomputers. Nearly all mainframes have the ability to run (or and weather forecasting stations, animated graphics, fluid dynamic host) multiple operating systems, and thereby operate not as a single calculations, nuclear energy research, weapons simulations, computer but as a number of virtual machines. In this role, a single submarine tracking, pattern matching (in the biosciences), fluid mainframe can replace dozens or even hundreds of smaller servers. dynamics and materials simulations, graph analyses, cryptology and In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers petroleum exploration. because they support more simultaneous programs. But Supercomputer systems have the capability to enable scientists to supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a solve scientific problem that are more complex and pursue new mainframe. MINICOMPUTERS One main advantage with computers using the tower casings is that there is ample space for future upgrades for example if you wish to 3. Minicomputers — Minicomputers are midsized computers. In size add more storage devices. 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 An example of Tower casing microcomputer is generally synonymous with personal computer (PC), or a computer that depends on a microprocessor. Desktop casing Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether in For the desktop casings, the motherboard lies on the bottom and is the form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers. A parallel to the desk or table. The system unit is usually smaller and microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a more compact. It is not a very good choice if you are going to install microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system (typically read- other drives like another hard disk or a DVD writer. One main only memory and random access memory), a bus system and I/O advantage is that they are small and thus will occupy less space. The ports, typically housed in a motherboard. placement is also ideal since it will lie on top of a desk and then you Microcomputers can be further classified as either; desktop or can place your TFT monitor on top. 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. 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.