COMPUTERS

Computer Systems

BTEC HND Semester 1

 THIS WEEK WE WILL COVER
• What is the Computer

• Types of computers

• Digital computers

• Digital computer categories

• Analog computers

• Environments where different types of computers use

 Computers
Computer is an,
electronic device that
can perform a variety of operations in
accordance with a set of instructions
called program.
TYPES OF COMPUTERS
 DIGITAL COMPUTERS
• A class of devices capable of solving problems by
processing information in discrete form

• It operates on data, including magnitudes, letters, and

symbols, that are expressed in binary form - using only 0
and 1 digits
TYPES OF DIGITAL COMPUTERS

DIGITAL
COMPUTERS

Size &
Purpose wise
Performance wise
 PURPOSE WISE
• Digital computers are classified into following categories
according to their purposes,

• Special purpose computer - Designed to perform one

specific task

• General purpose computer - Store any programs and can

be used in numerous applications
 SIZE & PERFORMANCE WISE
• Digital computers are classified into following categories
according to their size and performance,

• Micro computers

• Mini computers

• Mainframe computers

• Super computers.
 MICRO COMPUTERS
• Small computers with microprocessors as
its central processing unit (CPU). Became
popular in the 70s and 80s with the origin of
powerful microprocessors.

Application

Home
Families use microcomputers for education
and software hold lots of book volumes worth
of information

Medical uses
The first microcomputer ("Sac State 8008")
built in order to store medical records
 MICRO COMPUTER(CONT.)
Key Features

• Smaller than mini computer

• High speed computer but less than Mini computer
• Portable

Disadvantages

• Experts are required to operate.

• Limited hardware devices are connected.
 MICRO COMPUTER(CONT.)
ECD Micro mind

Data point 2200

 MINI COMPUTERS
• A class of smaller computers that evolved in the mid-1960
• Use transistors and core memory
• Minimal instructions sets
• Use expensive peripherals such as the ubiquitous
Teletype Model 33 ASR
 MID-RANGE COMPUTERS
• Used for medium sized companies for specific purposes

• May be used for certain assembly line operations or

manufacturing stages in big companies. The size of mini
computers may be as a washing machine.

• May be a stand alone system for specialized applications

including network servers.

• Also called minicomputers.

 MINI COMPUTERS(CONT.)
Key features

• Higher processing speed

• Smaller size
• Cheaper

Disadvantages

• Cannot connect all hardware

• Cannot execute all languages
 MINI COMPUTERS(CONT.)
• The first successful Western
minicomputer was Digital
Equipment Corporation's 12-bit
PDP-8, which was built using
discrete transistors and cost
from US$16,000 upwards when
launched in 1964

• The 7400 series of TTL

integrated circuits (ICs) started
appearing in minicomputers in
the late 1960s
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER
• Large cabinets that housed the central processing unit
(CPU) and main memory of early computers

• Modern mainframes can run multiple different instances

of operating systems at the same time
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER(CONT.)
Key Features

• Lager in size
• Large memory capacity
• Allowing networking of up to 100 terminals
• Expensive (5-20 lacs)

Disadvantages

• Experts and highly professionals are required to operate it.

• Sophisticated technology.
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER(CONT.)

• IBM system 3

• AS-400
 SUPER COMPUTER
• Fastest type of computer

• Very expensive and are employed for specialized

applications that require immense amounts of mathematical
calculations

Application

• Weather forecasting, aerodynamic research

• 3D nuclear test simulations
• Radiation shielding modeling
• Molecular Dynamics Simulation etc.
 SUPER COMPUTER(CONT.)
• Titan
The fastest supercomputer in the world is used to study
alternative energy resources and climate change
simulations in a global level
 SUPER COMPUTER(CONT.)
• Sequoia
USA doesn’t have to actually
conduct nuclear tests anymore,
Sequoia simulates them and
makes sure that the nuclear
weapons are ready for action any
time of the day

• IBM Mira
Simulates the evolution of the
Universe. It also runs the climate
change scenarios and helps in
research of more efficient car
batteries
SUPER COMPUTERS IN INDIA(CONT.)
• PARAM yuva II

• I Data Plex DX360M4

• Cluster Platform 3000 BL460c Gen8

• SAGA - Z24XX/SL390s Cluster

 PARAM
• PARAM is a series of gigaflop supercomputers designed and
assembled by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
(C-DAC) in Pune, India. The latest machine in the series is the
PARAM Yuva II.

“Param means supreme in

Sanskrit.”
 ANALOG COMPUTERS
• A computer that uses the continuously changeable aspects of
physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic
quantities to Model the problem being solved

Application

• Measuring temperature, pressure, speed, Velocity, etc.

• Communication, etc.
ANALOG COMPUTERS
 HYBRID COMPUTER
• Computers that exhibit features of analog computers and digital
computers

Application

• A petrol
pump contains a processor that converts fuel flow
measurements into quantity and price values

• In Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an analog device is used which

measures patient's blood pressure and temperature etc, which are
then converted and displayed in the form of digits
HYBRID COMPUTER
 PERSONAL COMPUTER(PC)
• Desktop computers are the common computer that you see in
homes, schools, and in most businesses.
• Small enough to be placed on a desk or table but are too big to be
carried around.
• In a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to
a mobile laptop or portable computer.
• There are two types of microcomputers, they are the desktop
computers and the notebook computer.
 PERSONAL COMPUTER(PC)
Advantages

• They are cheaper than other computers

• Easy to handle

• Low electricity consumption

• Less heat produced

• Use machine language as well as human understandable language

 PERSONAL COMPUTER(PC)
• Laptop- A portable wireless PC, it
can do everything a desktop can do.
Laptops are generally more
expensive than desktops and
netbooks. Instead of a mouse,
laptops have touchpads which is
built in with the integrated
keyboard.

• Notebook Computer – also known

as laptop computers are portable,
lightweight and are easy to carry
around

• Tablet – A fancy notebook that has a

swivel design and can accept
handwriting using a digital pen.
 HANDHELD COMPUTER
• Are the smallest computers that are designed to fit into
one hand or palm that is why they are also called palm-
top computers. These computers may combine pen input,
personal organizer tools and communication capabilities
such as telephone and internet applications.

• Personal digital assistants or PDAs are the most common

palm-top or hand held computers available today. It is so
because PDAs have all the features of a cell phone,
organizer and some basic computers application into one.
And in some cases, it even includes camera, audio and
video capabilities.
 HANDHELD DEVICES
• Games console use to play video games. Like most
modern devices you can now access the internet, play
other types of media (DVD & Iplayers) and talk with
friends. Examples – PS3, Xbox 360.

• A mobile phone is a portable phone device that allows the

user to phone someone while on the move, as well as
writing a text message. Most modern phones can also
connect to the internet, social networking sites (e.g twitter
& Facebook), play games and send emails.
 Summary
• Computers

• Types of computers

• Digital computers

• Microcomputers
• Minicomputers
• Super computers

• Analog computers
Thank You