CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE
Subject :
Computer Studies / Information Communication Technology ICT
Topic :
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE
Class :
SS 1
Term :
FIRST TERM
Week :
Week 6
Reference Materials : .
- ONLINE MATERIALS
- SCHEME OF WORK
- TEXTBOOKS
Instructional Materials :..
- Computer Studies
- Online Resources
Previous Knowledge :
The pupils have previous knowledge of
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY TYPES
that was taught as a topic in their previous lesson
Behavioural Objectives : At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to
- Say another name for super computer
- Mention two examples of mainframe computer.
- Explain supercomputer
- Write out two characteristics of a supercomputer.
Content :
WEEK SIX
TOPIC: CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE
Computers can be generally categorized into four, namely:
- Super computers
- Mainframe computers
- Mini computers
- Micro computers
SUPER COMPUTER
These are the largest, fastest and most expensive computers. The cost is several millions of dollars and the speed is between 600 million to 900 million instructions per second (MIP).
Another name for super computer is MONSTER. Scientists in weather forecasting, exploration make use of super computers. It can also be used for complex calculations e.g CRAY, X-MP etc.
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS
A mainframe computer is a large computer in terms of price, size of internal memory and speed. It has a variety of peripheral devices such as printers, plotters etc more than those found with small computers, except small computers with large amount of external storage.
Mainframe computers usually need a specialized environment to operate, with dust, temperature and humidity carefully controlled. They are used in large establishments e.g banks, airports etc. Examples of Mainframe computers are IBM 360/370,NCR-V 8800.
CONCLUSION
We learnt that computers are categorized into four which are: super computer, mainframe computer, minicomputer and microcomputer
EVALUATION
- What is another name for super computer?
- Mention TWO examples of mainframe computer.
- What is a supercomputer?
- Write out two characteristics of a supercomputer.
- How is a supercomputer different from a regular computer?
- What are some common applications for a supercomputer? Mention two
- What are some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers?
- Mention TWO examples of mainframe computer.
MINI COMPUTERS
Mini computers were developed in the 1970s for specialized tasks (i.e they are special purpose computers). They are smaller and less powerful and less expensive than mainframes.
Mini computers, as they are called, are easier to install and operate e.g PDP II, VAX 750/6000, NCR 9300, DEC, HP 3000 etc.
What is a mini computer?
2. What are the different types of mini computers?
3. What are the features of a mini computer?
4. How does a mini computer work?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a mini computer?
MICRO COMPUTERS
A microcomputer is a computer whose central processing unit (CPU) is based on a microprocessor.
Micro computers are at present the most popular of computers. They are very small. The capability is generally not as many and not as complex as mini computers or Mainframe computers. They are easy to use. Another name for microcomputer is Personal Computer (PC).
REASONS WHY MICRO COMPUTERS ARE WIDELY USED
- They are cheap.
- They have small sizes.
- They do not require special environment for their operations.
- They can be used anywhere.
CONCLUSION
Microcomputers are the most popular and most widely used among the categories of computers. Another name for a microcomputer is Personal Computer (PC).
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Mention four classifications of computers by size.
- Differentiate between mini and microcomputers.
- Give two examples of minicomputer.
- Mainframe computers are used for …….
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- The most popularly used categories of computers is ……
- microcomputer B. minicomputer C. super computer
- Another name for microcomputer is……
- home computer B.personal computer C. analogue computer.
- HP 3000 is an example of……..computers. A. super B. mainframe C. mini.
- Mini computers were developed in the …….A. 1970s B. 1980s C. 1990s.
- Mainframe computers can be used in the …..A. bank B. church C. market D. none
THEORY
- List any two examples of mini computers.
- What is another name for microcomputers?
- List any two reasons why micro computers are widely used.
Presentation
The topic is presented step by step
Step 1:
The class teacher revises the previous topics
Step 2.
He introduces the new topic
Step 3:
The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise
Conclusion :
The class teacher wraps up or conclude the lesson by giving out short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.
The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written. He or she does the necessary corrections when the need arises.
