Assignment 3

October 3, 2022

Uzair Ahmad | FA22-BCS-052

ict(information and
communication tech)
Mr. Lecturer
 Computer On The Basis Of Size And Computer

Q#1(a)
Classify the computer according to their size and computation power.

Explanation:
→ There are different classifications of computer technology available. The functions and data
processing of each computer is different according to its type and generation. The speed and
transfer rate of every computer is different according to its feature available. The brief
classifications of computer are described below.

Classifications:
 Supercomputer
 Mainframe computer
 Minicomputer
 Micro computer

 More Briefly Is Explained below ↓ with diagram:

Super By Size
computer

Mainframe
computer

Mini
computer
Micro
computer

2
1.SuperComputer:

A Supercomputer is the very fastest, powerful, and expensive type of

computer for processing data. Supercomputer size and storage capacity are also huge (can
store a lot amount of information or data). It is designed to process huge amounts of data in a
short time with high accuracy. It is very difficult to operate for beginners. This supercomputer
was made for extremely high processings.

These are specially made to perform multi-tasking. Therefore, many CPUs work in parallel
order in supercomputers. This function of a Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or Parallel
Processing.

Uses Of Supercomputer:
 Used in scientific research laboratories.
 Used in Chemical and Biological research
 Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
 Used for Weather Forecasting
 Used for designing the aircraft,

Example: IBM (road burner)

3
2.Mainframe Computer:
Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-
performance computers, and multi-user. Which means they can handle the load of more than
100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is very large, 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 solving complex calculations. These
computers have several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too high
performance and speed.
Nowdays, 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.

4
Uses of mainframe computer:
 used by departmental and commercial organizations like Banks.
 Such as keeping details of payments
 details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.
Example: IBM Es000 series

3.Minicomputer:
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system. It is the
connection of more than one CPU. Many people can work on these computers easily 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.
The size, storage, and speed of minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and
supercomputers.

Uses of minicomputer:
 The minicomputers are used in bookings and Research
Centre.
 In field of higher education
 In field of engineering
Example: IBM (8000 Series).

5
4.Microcomputers:
Today we are using many computers at home also known as most
common microcomputer.
With this invention of the microprocessors in 1970, it is now easy to use computers for people
personally at a low cost and reasonable price. The design of microcomputers is small in size and
storage capacity.
It consist of Input and Output devices, Software, operating systems and network etc.
There is not only a PC or laptop are examples of microcomputers. There is smartphone,
Tablet and many other devices.

Note: These are all the classifications of computer

6
 Computer Generations:
b. Describe computer generation elaborating the technology used in each generation.
Generations of computers:

Generations of computers are mainly divided according to the

development of computer technology. Each generation defines the major technology on which
computer systems are based. 

In early days, these systems were difficult to operate and was very time taking. But now days all
these systems are replaced with software’s, hardware’s and operating system. This changing
made our work and task easier.

Five generations of computer are listed below:

 First generation Vacuum Tubes (1946 – 1959)

 Second generation Transistors (1959-1965)
 Third generation Integrated circuits (1965-1971)
 Fourth generation Microprocessor (1971-1980)
 Fifth generation Ai &ULSI (1980 – to present)

□ Vacuum Tubes (1946 – 1959):

This is the earliest generation of computers, known as the first generation
of computers. The first-generation period is considered from 1946 to 1959.

During the first generation, computers were developed using vacuum tubes as the core
technology. First-generation computers used the machine language, the lowest-level
programming language so that it could be easily processed and understood by computers.

ENIAC stands for Electronic Numeric Integrated and Calculator. It is the most popular example
of the first-generation computer.

Advantages:
 Vacuum tubes were used in first-generation computers and this generation helped introduce
computer devices.
 Computers were able to perform calculations in milliseconds.  

7
Disadvantages:
 First-generation computers were very large and could also cover an entire room
 Computers of this generation generated too much heat and required a large cooling system.
 Storage capacity in computers was very low in this generation.

□ Transistors:
The second generation of computers began with the widespread use of transistors. In
this generation, vacuum tubes were no longer the piece of technology. They were replaced by
transistors. The second-generation period is from 1959 to 1965.

During the second generation, computers used assembly languages instead of binary machine
languages. High-level languages, such as COBOL and FORTRAN, were also introduced in this
generation.

Advantages:
The transistor helped to make the second-generation computer slightly smaller than the first
generation computer.
Due to magnetic core technology, computers of this generation could store instructions in
memory
Computers became faster, reliable, and were able to perform calculations in microseconds

8
Disadvantages:
A cooling system was still needed in the second generation.
Second-generation computers required maintenance at regular intervals
The cost of the computer was still high; however, less than the first-generation computer

9
10
11
.

12