Types of Computers and Supercomputing History

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering computer classifications (minicomputers, microcomputers, mainframes) and milestones in global and Indian supercomputing history.

Minicomputer

A class of computers used for scientific and engineering computations, business-transaction processing, file handling, and database management; often referred to today as small or midsize servers.

Minicomputer Examples

Notable models including Control Data's CDC 160A and CDC 1700, DEC PDP and VAX series, Data General Nova, Hewlett-Packard HP 3000 series and HP 2100 series, Honeywell-Bull DPS 6/DPS 6000 series, IBM midrange computers, Interdata 7/32 and 8/32, and Norsk Data Nord-1, Nord-10, and Nord-100.

Microcomputer

A computer designed for individual use by one person at a time, featuring a central processing unit (CPU) as a microprocessor; it is smaller than a mainframe or minicomputer and is now primarily called a personal computer (PC).

Microcomputer Devices

Devices falling under the microcomputer classification, including laptops, desktops, notebooks, workstations, embedded systems, mobile phones, and some calculators.

Mainframe Computer

High-capacity computers used primarily by large organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing, such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and transaction processing.

Mainframe Computer Usage Statistics

Systems deployed by 92 of the 100 biggest banks, 23 of the 25 biggest airlines, 10 of the 10 biggest insurance and health care companies, as well as select retail organizations for transaction processing.

Seymour Cray

The pioneer and founder credited with the creation of the world's first supercomputers, including the CDC 6600 and Cray-1.

CDC 6600

Regarded as the first supercomputer in the world, developed under founder Seymour Cray in the year 1964.

Cray-1

A landmark supercomputer developed by Seymour Cray and released in the year 1975.

Vijay Bhatkar

The founder credited with leading the development of India's first supercomputer, the Param 8000.

Param 8000

The first supercomputer of India, assembled by CDAC and introduced in the year 1991.

CDAC

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, the organization responsible for assembling India's first supercomputer, the Param 8000.

PARAM

The name of India's premier supercomputer series, standing for 'PARAllel Machine'.