IS Hardware

The Evolution of Computer Systems: from Mainframe Computer Systems to Microcomputer Systems

1) Mainframe Computer Systems

Mainframe computer system are mainly used by the large company for critical application, typically bulk data processing such as census,industry and consumer statistics and financial transaction processing.The term,mainframes originally refer to a large cabinet that house the central processing unit and the main memory of the early computer. Later, the term are refer to distinguish high end commercial machines which has less powerful units.In 2009,the term are then refer to computers which compatible with IBM System /360 line(first introduced in 1965).However, a large system that are not based on the the system /360 but are used as similar task are also refer to a servers."enterprise server"and "mainframe"are becoming synonymous.

     

Non-system /360 compatible system derived from or compatible with older server technologies are also considered as mainframes.It include of the Burroughs large systems,like the Univac 1100/2200 series system and also the pre system 360,IBM 700/7000 series.In 1960s, the most large-scale computer system architectures were firmly established and it is the most large  computer were  based on architecture during the era up until the advent of wed server in 1990s.

In the early of 1970s and 1980s,there are several minicomputer(microcomputer)operating system and architecture had been introduce.However, this microcomputer are not generally considered as mainframe.

2) Midrange Computer Systems

Midrange computer or midrange systems are primarily high-end network servers and other types of servers that can handle the large-scale processing of many business applications without the high cost. It is a class of computer systems who are more powerful and capable than personal computer but less powerful and capable than mainframe computer. Midrange computers have been use by medium-sized businesses and large enterprises for branch or department- level operations.

Midrange computer become popular as powerful network serve to help manage large internet web sites, corporate intranets and extranets, and other networks. Internet functions and other applications are popular high-end server application, as are integrated enterprise wide manufacturing, distribution, and financial applications.

The range emerged in the 1960s and was more generally known at the time as minicomputers for scientific research, instrumentation systems, engineering analysis, and industrial process monitoring and control. Minicomputer easily handles such uses because these applications are narrow in scope and do not demand the processing flexibility of mainframe systems. Notable midrange computer lines include Digital Equipment Corporation (PDP line), Data General, Hewlett-Packard (HP3000 line), IBM (System/3 and successors), and Sun Microsystems (SPARC Enterprise). IBM has made several models of midrange computers over these years: the System/3, Systems/34, System/32, System/36, System/38, and AS/400, which was recently rebranded to iSystem.

(Source: O'brien, J.A. & Marakas, G. M. (2008). Introduction to information systems. New York: McGraw-Hill.)

3) Microcomputer Systems

The term microcomputer is generally synonymous with personal computer (PC), or a computer that depends on a microprocessor. Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether in the form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers. A microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system (typically read-only memory and random access memory), a bus system and I/O ports, typically housed in a motherboard.

WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS CAN MICROCOMPUTERS PERFORM?

The administrative uses of microcomputers fall into four broad categories: data management, data analysis, word-processing, and communications. A brief sample of the school records that can be stored and manipulated by microcomputers includes student records, personnel records, inventories of school equipment, financial records, and special management records (such as transportation, food service, energy management, and sports program management).

Besides storing large quantities of information for easy access, microcomputers can also be a potent tool in analyzing data. The electronic spreadsheet, for example, shows instantly the overall ramifications of any alteration in a school budget or other quantifiable data, such as enrollment projections, time schedules, or test averages. Other available software permits the user to translate raw data into bar graphs, pie graphs, and tables, or to perform complex calculations in a fraction of the time otherwise required.

Word processing is easily the most far-reaching innovation in written communication since the typewriter or the printing press. Currently available word processing programs enable administrators to compose, address, revise, correct, combine, rearrange, or delete written copy before it ever reaches paper, and then to print multiple letter-perfect copies in a wide variety of formats-- preaddressed and personalized, if necessary. Versatile graphics programs offer the same flexibility with anything that can be drawn in black and white or in color.

Communication means that the linkage of microcomputers with one another or with a mainframe computer--include such applications as electronic mail (replacing the burden of interoffice correspondence) and access to bibliographic databases (ERIC is an example) and information utilities such as The Source. Through the use of a modem, administrators can thus transform their micros into terminals for sending or receiving information, via telephone lines, to and from another computer anywhere in the district--or indeed, in the world. An advanced form of communications is the local area network (described below).

(Sources: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-of-database-management-systems.html and http://www.xnumber.com/xnumber/Microcomputer_invention.htm)