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Main types of computer.

The four basic types of computers are as under:

• ·         Supercomputer.

·         Mainframe Computer

Super Computer

                                The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the Supercomputers. These are specialized and task-specific computers used by large organizations. These computers are used for research and exploration purposes like NASA uses supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them, and for space exploration purposes. The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size. It can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an entire building.

Uses of Supercomputers

(a) Space Exploration

Supercomputers are used to study the origin of the universe, the dark-matters. For these studies scientist use IBM’s powerful supercomputer “Roadrunner” at the National Laboratory Los Alamos

(b) Earthquake studies

Supercomputers are used to study the Earthquake phenomenon. Besides that supercomputers are used for natural resources exploration, like natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.

(c) Weather Forecasting

Supercomputers are used for weather forecasting, and to study the nature and extent of Hurricanes, Rainfalls, windstorms, etc.

(d) Nuclear weapons testing

Supercomputers are used to run weapon simulation that can test the Range, accuracy & impact of Nuclear weapons.

 Popular Supercomputers

• IBM’s Sequoia, in United States

• Fujitsu’s K Computer in Japan

• IBM’s Mira in United States

• IBM’s Super MUC in Germany

• NUDT Tianhe-1A in China

Mainframe computer

Although Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but certainly, they are quite expensive nonetheless, and many large firms & government organizations use Mainframes to run their business operations. The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms because of its size. Super-computers are the fastest computers with large data storage capacity, Mainframes can also process & store a large amount of data. Banks educational institutions & insurance companies use mainframe computers to store data about their customers, students & insurance policyholders

Uses of A Mainframe Computer

(a)    E-Business & E-Commerce

As we will see, there are many uses for a mainframe computer. However, nobody takes advantage of the technology more than E-Business and E-commerce industries.

The computers have many functions, but two of the most important are keeping track of business transactions and exchanging money across the internet. Utilizing both of those aspects help generate a much more efficient interface that aids both the company and the consumer.

Just about every large commerce industry, from stock brokerage firms to Fortune 500 companies to insurance agencies need mainframe computers to stay on top of their company and actively transfer data.

Every significant E-business, even medium-sized ones, needs to be able to process thousands upon thousands of transactions every single day. Mainframe computers help with that by keeping track of important information like employee pay, financial transactions, production, and inventory.

 

(b) Banking

Banking is perhaps the best example of mainframe computer use simply because of how many transactions the industry needs to process and track every single day. Personal banks not only have to take note of all of their customers and various accounts, but they must also track ATM withdrawals, credit card transactions, mobile pay, and online account updates.

 (C) Health Care

Health care is yet another sector that takes full advantage of mainframe computers. Health care is yet another sector that takes full advantage of mainframe computers.

Information is only one part of health care. Another big aspect is privacy. Mainframe computers help keep data private because they store it in a way where only certain people (in this case doctors) can access it.

In addition, as mainframe computers process data at an advanced pace, they also help physicians quickly access test results for fast and easy treatment.

(d) Academics And Research

Higher education is one of the largest industries in the United States. As a result, they need to track a lot of people, ranging from employees to professors to students.

Mainframe computers aid that process and allow information to be stored in such a way that it can be easily accessed by upper management.

While it helps to track students and employees, academic institutions are places of learning. That means they need to have a lot of resources that can be readily accessed by the people who use them. A mainframe computer is a perfect place to keep such resources.