Question

Write the SHORT NOTES on –
OR
Give FEATURES of the following -
1. Minicomputers
2. Mainframe computers
3. Supercomputers
4. Microcomputers
5. Mobile Computing Devices
6. Embedded Computer Systems
7. Low Level Language

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Minicomputers

• It is less expensive than a super and mainframe computer.
• It is less expensive than a super and mainframe computer.It is not much more powerful than the mainframe and supercomputer, but powerful than microcomputers.

2. Mainframe computers

• Large Number of CPU with Greatest Processing Power.
• Increased Performance by Sharing workload.

3. Supercomputers

• A vast number of processing units.
• An immense collection of RAM-type memory units.

4. Microcomputers

• Low computing power.
• Commonly used for personal application.

5. Mobile Computing Devices

• Easy to handle and carry these small devices.
• Data can be transferred easily between users.

6. Embedded Computer Systems

• Embedded systems are created to perform the task within a certain time frame.
• They have minimal or no user interface (UI).

7. Low Level Language

• They provide less or no abstraction from the hardware.
• A low-level programming language interacts directly with the registers and memory.

Answer 2

Answer:

1.Minicomputers

These are smaller in physical size, less powerful and less expensive than mainframe computers and super computers. Minicomputers are also known as common purpose computers. A few users get connected to the central computer and through a few terminals, share data and information. These computers are used in medium scale institutions such as banks.

2.Mainframe computers

The physical size, computing power and cost of these computers are relatively lower than super computers and higher than that of minicomputers. In mainframe computers, a number of users get connected to one computer using a number of terminals sharing, saving and retrieving data. These are used in large scale businesses, in e-business and with super computer transactions done using internet. This type of computers are used even today in some large commercial institutions.

3.Supercomputers

These computers have a high computing power. They are large in size, expensive and rare. These are used for scientific and engineering functions and to solve complex mathematical problems. For example, these are used in NASA, large scale businesses and for military purposes.

4.Microcomputers

This is a small computer meant for personal use. These consist of small memory capacity, are smaller in size, less speedy and less expensive. These computers consume little amount of electricity. Laptop, handheld and smart phones are some examples for this category.

5.Mobile computing devices

A mobile computing device is any device that is created using mobile components, such as mobile hardware and software. Mobile computing devices are portable devices capable of operating, executing and providing services and applications like a typical computing device. They also may be known as portable computing devices or handheld computing devices. Mobile computing devices have similar hardware and software components as those used in personal computers, such as processors, random memory and storage, WiFi, and a base operating system. However, they differ from PCS in that they are built specifically for mobile architecture and to enable portability. Tablet PC is a common example for this category.

6.Embedded computer systems

An embedded system is a microprocessor-based computer hardware system with software that is designed to perform a dedicated function, either as an independent system or as a part of a large system. At the core is an integrated circuit designed to carry out computation for real-time operations. The complexity of an embedded system varies significantly depending on the task for which it is designed. Embedded system applications range from digital watches and microwaves to hybrid vehicles and avionics. As much as 98 percent of all microprocessors manufactured are used in embedded systems.

7. Low level language

A low-level language is a type of programming language that contains basic instructions recognized by a computer. Unlike high-level languages used by software  developers, low-level languages are often cryptic and not human-readable. Two common types of low-level programming languages are assembly language and machine language. Machine language, is the lowest level of computer languages.  It contains binary c o d e, often generated by compiling high-level source c o d e for a specific processor.

Explanation: