MIS
REPORT ON
Types of computers and their uses in industry
(Specially discuss Blade Server Technology by HP
and other manufacturers)
Table of Contents
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This
report of group relates to MIS project and the main purpose of this report is
to define following
1.
Computer.
2.
Computer processing speeds
3.
Difference between various computer in different arenas
4.
Industrial usage of computers types
under consideration
5.
Definition of blade servers
6.
Usage of blade server in the industry.
Computers
types
2 Computer: Definition
A computer is a machine
that can be programmed to manipulate symbols. Its principal characteristics
are:
§
It
responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
§
It can
execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
§
It can
quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.
Therefore computers can
perform complex and repetitive procedures quickly, precisely and reliably.
Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery (wires,
transistors, and circuits) is called hardware; the instructions and data are
called software. All general-purpose computers require the following hardware
components:
§
Central
processing unit (CPU): The heart of the computer, this is the component that
actually executes instructions organized in programs ("software")
which tell the computer what to do.
§
Memory
(fast, expensive, short-term memory): Enables a computer to store, at least
temporarily, data, programs, and intermediate results.
§
Mass
storage device (slower, cheaper, long-term memory): Allows a computer to
permanently retain large amounts of data and programs between jobs. Common mass
storage devices include disk drives and tape drives.
§
Input
device: Usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through
which data and instructions enter a computer.
§
Output
device: A display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the
computer has accomplished.
In addition to these
components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work
together efficiently. For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits
data from one part of the computer to another.
3
Computer sizes and power
Computers can be
generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable
overlap:
§
Personal
computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor.
§
Workstation:
A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer,
but it has a more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher-quality
monitor.
§
Minicomputer:
A multi-user computer capable of supporting up to hundreds of users
simultaneously.
§
Mainframe:
A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands
of users simultaneously.
§
Supercomputer:
An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of
instructions per second.
4 TYPES OF COMPUTER
4.1 Supercomputer and Mainframe
Supercomputer is a broad
term for one of the fastest computers currently available. Supercomputers are
very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require
immense amounts of mathematical calculations (number crunching). For example,
weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
scientific simulations, (animated) graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear
energy research, electronic design, and analysis of geological data (e.g. in
petrochemical prospecting). Perhaps the best known supercomputer manufacturer
is Cray Research.
Mainframe was a term
originally referring to the cabinet containing the central processor unit or
"main frame" of a room-filling Stone Age batch machine. After the
emergence of smaller "minicomputer" designs in the early 1970s, the
traditional big iron machines were described as "mainframe computers"
and eventually just as mainframes. Nowadays a Mainframe is a very large and
expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users
simultaneously. The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is
that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as
fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers
because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can execute
a single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small
mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the manufacturer
wants to market its machines.
4.1.1 Uses of main frames:
v While mainframe computers may be considered
outdated, as the processing power of personal computers has increased, consider
the following:
v
Mainframes were the first cloud computing - many users working on cheaper low-power workstations, sharing the processing power of the 'big computer'. Cloud computing is somehow considered a 'new idea'.
Mainframes were the first cloud computing - many users working on cheaper low-power workstations, sharing the processing power of the 'big computer'. Cloud computing is somehow considered a 'new idea'.
v Computing capacity usage can be maximized.
Imagine 100 people all with laptops. How much of that computing power sits
unused as several of those people check emails, update their Facebook, etc.
While others may be crunching some numbers in a spreadsheet, using a large
percentage of their individual computer's capacity (even if for a short amount
of time).
v Mainframes and PC's are kind-of analogous to
using mass-transit or everybody driving their own car. Each has it's advantages
and disadvantages.
4.2 Minicomputer
It is a midsize
computer. 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 up to 200 users
simultaneously.
4.2.1 Uses of mini computers
Organisations may use a mini-computer for such tasks
as managing the information in a small financial system or maintaining a small
database of information about registrations or applications.
4.3 Workstation
It is a type of computer
used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software
development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of
computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations
generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at large amount
of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface. Most
workstations also have a mass storage device such as a disk drive, but a
special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a
disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and
Windows NT. Like personal computers, most workstations are single-user
computers. However, workstations are typically linked together to form a
local-area network, although they can also be used as stand-alone systems.
N.B.: In networking,
workstation refers to any computer connected to a local-area network. It could
be a workstation or a personal computer.
5 Personal computer
It can be defined as a
small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In
price, personal computers range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five
thousand pounds. All are based on the microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip. Businesses use personal
computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for running
spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use
for personal computers is for playing games and recently for surfing the
Internet.
Personal computers first
appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal
computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the
late 1970s and early 1980s, new models and competing operating systems seemed
to appear daily. Then, in 1981, IBM entered the fray with its first personal
computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC quickly became the personal computer
of choice, and most other personal computer manufacturers fell by the wayside.
P.C. is short for personal computer or IBM PC. One of the few companies to
survive IBM's onslaught was Apple Computer, which remains a major player in the
personal computer marketplace. Other companies adjusted to IBM's dominance by
building IBM clones, computers that were internally almost the same as the IBM
PC, but that cost less. Because IBM clones used the same microprocessors as IBM
PCs, they were capable of running the same software. Over the years, IBM has
lost much of its influence in directing the evolution of PCs. Therefore after
the release of the first PC by IBM the term PC increasingly came to mean IBM or
IBM-compatible personal computers, to the exclusion of other types of personal
computers, such as Macintoshes. In recent years, the term PC has become more
and more difficult to pin down. In general, though, it applies to any personal
computer based on an Intel microprocessor, or on an Intel-compatible
microprocessor. For nearly every other component, including the operating
system, there are several options, all of which fall under the rubric of PC
Today, the world of
personal computers is basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and PCs. The
principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user
systems and are based on microprocessors. However, although personal computers
are designed as single-user systems, it is common to link them together to form
a network. In terms of power, there is great variety. At the high end, the
distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded. High-end
models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics
capability as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and
DEC.
5.1 Personal Computer Types
Actual personal
computers can be generally classified by size and chassis / case. The chassis
or case is the metal frame that serves as the structural support for electronic
components. Every computer system requires at least one chassis to house the
circuit boards and wiring. The chassis also contains slots for expansion
boards. If you want to insert more boards than there are slots, you will need
an expansion chassis, which provides additional slots. There are two basic
flavors of chassis designs–desktop models and tower models–but there are many
variations on these two basic types. Then come the portable computers that are
computers small enough to carry. Portable computers include notebook and
subnotebook computers, hand-held computers, palmtops, and PDAs.
5.1.1 Tower model
The term refers to a
computer in which the power supply, motherboard, and mass storage devices are
stacked on top of each other in a cabinet. This is in contrast to desktop
models, in which these components are housed in a more compact box. The main
advantage of tower models is that there are fewer space constraints, which
makes installation of additional storage devices easier.
5.1.2 Desktop model
A computer designed to
fit comfortably on top of a desk, typically with the monitor sitting on top of
the computer. Desktop model computers are broad and low, whereas tower model
computers are narrow and tall. Because of their shape, desktop model computers
are generally limited to three internal mass storage devices. Desktop models
designed to be very small are sometimes referred to as slimline models.
5.1.3 Notebook computer
An extremely lightweight
personal computer. Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and
are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size, the principal
difference between a notebook computer and a personal computer is the display
screen. Notebook computers use a variety of techniques, known as flat-panel
technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The
quality of notebook display screens varies considerably. In terms of computing
power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers.
They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this
power in a small package is expensive. Notebook computers cost about twice as much
as equivalent regular-sized computers. Notebook computers come with battery
packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the
batteries need to be recharged every few hours.
5.1.4 Laptop computer
A small, portable
computer -- small enough that it can sit on your lap. Nowadays, laptop
computers are more frequently called notebook computers.
5.1.5 Subnotebook computer
A portable computer that
is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. Typically,
subnotebook computers have a smaller keyboard and screen, but are otherwise
equivalent to notebook computers.
5.1.6 Hand-held computer
A portable computer that
is small enough to be held in one’s hand. Although extremely convenient to
carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their
small keyboards and screens. The most popular hand-held computers are those
that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager)
functions, such as a calendar and address book. Some manufacturers are trying
to solve the small keyboard problem by replacing the keyboard with an
electronic pen. However, these pen-based devices rely on handwriting
recognition technologies, which are still in their infancy. Hand-held computers
are also called PDAs, palmtops and pocket computers.
5.1.7 Palmtop
A small computer that
literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are
severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone
books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input
are often called hand-held computers or PDAs.
Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk
drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives,
modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held
computers and pocket computers.
5.1.8 PDA
Short for personal
digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax,
and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax
sender, and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are
pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that
they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also
react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA
was pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in
1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products.
To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their
high price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that
PDAs will eventually become common gadgets.
PDAs are also called
palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.
6 Blade server
A blade server is a server
chassis housing multiple thin, modular electronic circuit boards, known as server blades. Each blade is a server in its own right, often dedicated to a single
application. The blades are literally servers on a card, containing processors, memory, integrated network
controllers, an optional Fiber Channel host bus adaptor
(HBA) and other input/output
(IO) ports.
Blade servers allow more
processing power in less rack space, simplifying cabling and reducing power
consumption. According to a SearchWinSystems.com article on server technology,
enterprises moving to blade servers can experience as much as an 85% reduction
in cabling for blade installations over conventional 1U or tower servers. With
so much less cabling, IT administrators can spend less time managing the
infrastructure and more time ensuring high availability.
Each blade typically comes
with one or two local ATA or SCSI drives. For additional
storage, blade servers can connect to a storage pool facilitated by a
network-attached storage (NAS), Fiber Channel, or iSCSI storage-area network (SAN). The advantage of blade
servers comes not only from the consolidation benefits of housing several
servers in a single chassis, but also from the consolidation of associated
resources (like storage and networking equipment) into a smaller architecture
that can be managed through a single interface.
A blade server is sometimes
referred to as a high-density server and is typically used in a clustering of servers that are
dedicated to a single task, such as:
- File sharing
- Web page serving and caching
- SSL encrypting of Web communication
- The transcoding of Web page content for smaller displays
- Streaming audio and video content
Like most clustering
applications, blade servers can also be managed to include load balancing and failover capabilities.
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