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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Evolution from mainfrace to microcomputer

Mainframe is the parent of all computers, this computer used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing such as census, industry or consumer statistics, and financial transaction processing. Therefore, mainframe can reduces management and administrative costs while providing greatly improved scalability and reliability. Mainframes can replaces hundreds of smaller because it often support thousands of simultaneous users who gains access through specialized terminals.

The term originated during the early years of computing and referred to the large mechanical assembly that held the central processor and input or output complex. It is only supported time sharing mode where users had no direct access to the computing service. Since the mid1960's, mainframe designs have included several subsidiary computers which manage the input and output devices, leaving the CPU free to deal only with high-speed memory. Mainframes commonly have hundreds to thousands of times as much data storage online, and can access it much faster. Mainframe like computing platform, it is dependent on its ability to scale, support mixed workloads, reduce labor costs, deliver uninterrupted service for critical business applications, and several other risk-adjusted cost factors. However, mainframe allow for "graceful degradation" and service while the system is running. Mainframes did not utilize programming languages that were user friendly. It is also huge in size, expansive and difficult to maintain.

IBM 704 mainframe




In 1940s, the first mainframe computers were developed then several manufacturers also produced mainframe computers.

In 1970s,terminals used for interacting with mainframe systems were gradually replaced by microcomputers. Consequently, demand plummeted and new mainframe installations were restricted mainly to financial services and government.

In the early 1990s, there was a consensus among industry analysts that the mainframe was a dying market as mainframe platforms were increasingly replaced by microcomputer networks. Counselors began to interface with microcomputers much more, it is prompt within the world of business.

As technology advanced the classifications mainframes have become blurred and modern microcomputers are as powerful as the mainframes of twenty years ago.



Microcomputer is a single user computer system based on an 8-bit microprocessor. These were used for small industrial, office and program development applications. 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.

The advent of the microcomputer made computing time a much cheaper resource. Microcomputers also were increasing in computational power exponentially. The micro-computer answers our wishes for that intermediate device. It is offer both computing power and portability, thus brings it closer to the ability of a mainframe computer. Central system processing load is reduced compared with mainframe. The data models used by microcomputer database management system are simple, allowing users to design a database that matches their information needs exactly. Microcomputer data manipulation languages tend to be simple, so that users are able to perform the operations needed without extensive training. Hardware and software advances in the microcomputer field are so rapid that these systems are now capable of performance many of the functions of the mainframe database systems. End users recognize that the microcomputer provides a solution to their immediate computing. Microcomputer systems are relatively inexpensive and require less technical expertise than do mainframe system. So that start-up is easy.


Early 80s microcomputers


BBC Microcomputer RPI Calibration System


Microcomputer for Business


Business Computer Phase II


The world's long-lost first microcomputer

The first PC

Video Game Consoles




Desktop computer


Laptop






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