Improve Article
Save Article
Like Article
Prerequisite – Generations of Computer Mainframe Computers: Let’s see the difference between Supercomputer and Mainframe Computer: Supercomputer Mainframe Computer
Supercomputers:
Supercomputers are the largest in size and the most costly computers in the world. Seymour Cray invents the Supercomputer. Supercomputers are used for large and complex mathematical computations. Supercomputer’s speed is more than Mainframe computers so they can execute billions of instructions or floating-point instructions within a second.
Mainframe Computers are less costly, small in size, and slower in speed than the supercomputers. are used as a storage for large database and serve as a maximum number of users simultaneously. The first successful mainframe computer is invented by IBM. Mainframe computer’s speed is comparatively less than Supercomputers. In this millions of instructions are executed simultaneously. S.NO 1. Supercomputers are used for large and complex mathematical computations. While Mainframe computers are used as a storage for large databases and serve as a maximum number of users simultaneously. 2. Supercomputer’s speed is more than Mainframe computer. It can execute billions of instructions within a second. Mainframe computer’s speed is comparatively less than Supercomputers. In these millions of instructions are executed simultaneously. 3. Supercomputers are the largest computers. Mainframe computers are smaller than supercomputers in size. 4. Supercomputers are the costliest in the world. Mainframe computers are less costly than supercomputers. 5. In the present, the supercomputers have Linux and their variant operating systems. While Mainframe computers can have multiple operating systems simultaneously. 6. Super computers are mostly purpose-built for one or a few specific institutional tasks. Mainframe computers are built to handle a large variety of tasks. 7. Seymour Cray invents the Supercomputer. The first successful mainframe computer is invented by IBM. 8. Supercomputers can have a processing speed in the range of 100 to 900 MIPS. Whereas Mainframe computers can have a processing speed in the range of 3-4 MIPS to as high as 100 MIPS. 9. Supercomputers find their application in fields like nuclear weapon simulation, etc. Mainframe computers find their application in fields such as finance, health, etc.
Types of Computers MCQs : This section focuses on "Types of Computers" in Computer Fundamentals. These Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) should be practiced to improve the Computer Fundamentals skills required for various interviews (campus interviews, walk-in interviews, company interviews), placements, entrance exams and other competitive examinations.
1. Computers can be broadly classified into?
A. 3 types B. 4 types C. 5 types D. 6 types
View Answer
Ans : C
Explanation: Computers can be broadly classified by their speed and computing power : PC, Workstation, Mini Computer, Main Frame and Supercomputer.
2. Which is an extremely fast computer, which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second?
A. Workstation B. Mini Computer C. Main Frame D. Supercomputer
View Answer
Ans : D
Explanation: Supercomputer : It is an extremely fast computer, which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second
3. A __________ can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user.
A. Workstation B. Personal Computer C. Mini Computer D. Main Frame
View Answer
Ans : B
Explanation: A PC can be defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. PCs are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.
4. Minicomputer is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to _________ users simultaneously.
A. 50 B. 100 C. 200 D. 250
View Answer
Ans : D
Explanation: Minicomputer : It is a midsize multi-processing system capable of supporting up to 250 users simultaneously.
5. Personal computers are designed as single-user systems.
A. TRUE B. FALSE C. Can be true or false D. Can not say
View Answer
Ans : A
Explanation: True, personal computers are designed as single-user systems
6. Workstations generally come with a?
A. small B. small amount of RAM C. high-resolution graphics screen D. All of the above
View Answer
Ans : C
Explanation: Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, large amount of RAM, inbuilt network support, and a graphical user interface.
7. Supercomputers are very expensive.
A. TRUE B. FALSE C. Can be true or false D. Can not say
View Answer
Ans : A
Explanation: True, Supercomputers are very expensive
8. Common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT
A. TRUE B. FALSE C. Can be true or false D. Can not say
View Answer
Ans : A
Explanation: True, Common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT.
9. ______computers are lower to mainframe computers in terms of speed and storage capacity.
A. Super B. Mini C. Mainframes D. Hybrid
View Answer
Ans : B
Explanation: The answer is a. Mini computers are compared to mainframe computers in terms of: 1. speed and, 2. storage capacity.
10. PDAs are also called?
A. PCs B. Laptops C. Tablets D. Handheld
View Answer
Ans : D
Explanation: PDAs are also called as Personal Digital Assistants. They are small and can be carried anywhere.
Discussion
Option 4 : Microcomputers
Free
10 Questions 10 Marks 10 Mins
The correct answer is Microcomputers.
Key Points
- Microcomputers generally have the least processing and storage capacity.
- A microcomputer is a complete computer on a small scale, designed for use by one person at a time.
- An antiquated term, a microcomputer is now primarily called a personal computer (PC), or a device based on a single-chip microprocessor.
- Common microcomputers include laptops and desktops.
Additional Information
- A mainframe computer informally called a mainframe or big iron is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing.
- A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance as compared to a general-purpose computer.
- A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the features and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in physical size.
Get proficient with the Computer Awareness concepts with detailed lessons on the topic Introduction to Computers among many others.
India’s #1 Learning Platform
Start Complete Exam Preparation
Daily Live MasterClasses
Practice Question Bank
Mock Tests & Quizzes
Get Started for Free Download App
Trusted by 3.4 Crore+ Students