Question

Question 1 [20 marks]

Clearly explain the following terms, highlighting areas of their use or application in technology:

a. Supercomputer

b. Mainframe Computer

c. Microcontroller

d. Microcomputer

Question 2 [20 marks]

2.1 For the following networking equipment, explain each in a manner which clearly distinguishes it from the rest, where possible giving advantages and disadvantages. Data Connections

a. Hub

b. Router

c. Switch

The Internet

2.2 Explain the following terms in a manner which shows the particular difference, if any between them.

a. Internet

b. World Wide Web

Question 3 [20 marks]

Write a short essay about the very integral concept of miniaturization in Information Technology highlighting the advantages and disadvantages, if any that the concept has brought along into the domain of Information Technology. You may include issues of speed, affordability and access to other technological innovations occasioned by miniaturization.

Answer 1

Solution to Question 1:

Supercomputer:

• A supercomputer is a type of computer that has very high computing performance.
• The performance metric in supercomputers is floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) instead of MIPS.
• Supercomputer consists of a large number of processors ranging from tens to thousands and are capable of handling/performing billions and trillions of calculations/operations per second.

Use/Applications of Supercomputers:

• Computational Science
• Quantum Mechanics
• Scientific Research

Mainframe Computer:

• Also knows as mainframes, these are computers used by big organizations or institutions for various applications.
• They can be defined as a large computer that runs an entire organization.
• The mainframe computer is the second fastest computer after supercomputer in terms of computation power.
• Mainframe computer provides security against viruses and are highly reliable computers.

Use/Applications of MainFrame computers:

• Bulk Data Processing
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Transactions Processing

Microcontroller:

• A micro-controller is a very small self sustained computer built on a single IC (Integrated Chip)
• Generally micro-controllers consist of a processor, memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM) and (I/O) peripherals on the single chip itself.
• It is designed to perform specific tasks.
• Designing and hardware cost of micro-controller is often very low.

Use/Applications of Micro-controller:

• Most Internet of Things devices uses micro-controllers.
• Industrial instrumentation devices
• Micro-controllers are an integral part of most robots.

Microcomputer:

• It is a small computer designed for individual use.
• It is also known as Personal Computer (PC).
• It includes a minimum of a microprocessor, program memory, data memory, and input–output (I/O).
• Laptops, Desktops are all examples of microcomputers.

Use/Applications of Micro-computers

• Word Processing
• Electronic spreadsheets
• Professional presentations
• Graphics programs
• Database management systems.