Assignment 01(CLO-1)

Course Title: Fundamentals of ICT Course Code: COMP-102

Instructor: Ms. IQRA KANWAL Semester: Spring 2024
Class: SDAAT-1st Student name: Zainab Rehman
Due Date: 19th March Registration No: B24S0012FDOO3
Total Marks: 10 Marks Obtained:
Email: [email protected]

Answer the following Questions.

 Question no:1
What is client server computing?

Answer:
 CLIENT SERVER COMPUTING:
Client server computing is a model in which client devices (such as computers,
smartphones or tablets) request services or resources from central servers. The server
provides these services or resources, often through a network, and the clients interact
with them. This model allows for centralized management, sharing of resources, and
scalability in distributed systems.

EXAMPLES:
Following are the examples of client server computing;

1. WEB BROWSING:
A user’s web browser(client) requests web pages from a remote web server, which
delivers the requested content back to the browser for display.

2. EMAIL:
An email client(client) sends and receives emails through an email server(server),
which stores, manages, and delivers emails to recipients’ email clients.
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 Question no:2
Identify the characteristics of mainframe computers, minicomputers,
microcomputers, and supercomputers.

ANSWER:
 INTRODUCTION:
The term MAIN FRAME refers to high-performance computers system designed
for handling large-scale computing tasks and data processing operations. Mainframes
are known for their reliability.

 LAUNCHED:
IBM (International Business Machines) is credited with launching the first mainframe
 Computer. IMB introduced its first mainframe computer, the IBM 700 series, in the
1950s.

 MAINFRAME COMPUTERS:
Mainframe computers are powerful, high-performance computing systems designed to
handle large-scale processing task and data-intensive workloads. They are characterized
by their robustness, reliability, and ability to support multiple users concurrently.

USED IN:
They are used for following purposes:
1. Banking and Finance.
2. Government agencies.
3. Healthcare organizations.
4. Transportation.
5. Insurance companies.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MAINFARME COMPUTERS:

Following are the characteristics of mainframe computers:

1. HIGH PERFOMANCE:
Mainframe computers are engineered fast heavy-duty computing tasks, capable of
processing vast amounts of data with speed and efficiency.

2. RELIABILTY:
Mainframe are renowned for their reliability, featuring redundant components and
fault-tolerant designs to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operations.

3. SCALABILITY:
Mainframes offer scalability, enabling organizations to expand their computing
capacity to accommodate growing workloads and user demands.

4. BATCH PROCESSING:
Mainframes excel at batch processing, efficiently handling large volumes of
sequential tasks without user intervention.
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 MINICOMPUTERS:
 LAUNCHED:
The minicomputers era was primarily pioneered by Digital Equipment pioneered by
Digital Equipment Corporation (IDEC), founded by Ken Olsen and Harlan Anderson
In 1957.DEC introduced its first successful minicomputers, the PDP-1(Programmed
Data Processor-1), in 1959.

 INTRODUCTION:
The term “MINICOMPUTERS” refers to a class of computers that are smaller and
Less powerful than mainframe computers but more capable than microcomputers.
 Minicomputers emerged in the mid-20th century. Minicomputers became popular
In the 1960s and 1970s as they offered a cost-effective alternative to mainframes for
organizations with moderate computing needs.

 USED IN:
They are used for following purposes:
1. Scientific Research.
2. Business Applications.
3. Process Control.
4. Education Institutions.
5. Government Agencies.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MINICOMPUTERS:
Following are the characteristics of Minicomputers:

1. MODERATE COMPUTING POWER:

Minicomputers typically offer moderate computing power, falling between mainframe
computers and micro computers in terms of processing capabilities.

2. COMPACT SIZE:
Minicomputers are smaller in physical size compared to mainframe computers, making
them more suitable for smaller businesses, research labs with limited space.

3. MULTIPLE USER SUPPORT:

Minicomputers are designed to support multiple users concurrently, allowing several
users to access and interact with the system simultaneously.

4. MODERATE MEMORY AND STORAGE:

Minicomputers feature moderate amounts of memory (RAM) and storage capacity,
sufficient for handling various computing tasks such as scientific calculations, process
control, and database management.
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 MICRO COMPUTERS:
 LAUNCHED:
Microcomputers, often referred to as personal computers, were launched by several
companies (ALTAIR 8800, APPLE) in the mid-1970s.

 INTRODUCTION:
Microcomputers, also known as personal computers, are small-scale computing
devices designed for individual use. Microcomputers typically consist of a central
processing unit, memory (RAM), storage (HARD DRIVE), input/output devices(such as a
keyboard, mouse, monitor).

 USED IN:
They are used for following purposes:
1. Home Use.
 2. Business and Office Settings.
3. Education Institutions.
4. Healthcare.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROCOMPUTERS:
Following are the characteristics of microcomputers:

1. SMALL SIZE:
They are compact and designed to fit on a desk or be portable, making them suitable
for individual use.

2. AFFORDABILITY:
They are relatively inexpensive compared to larger computing systems making them
accessible to a wide range of consumers.

3. VERSATILITY:
They are versatile machines capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from basic
productivity applications like word processing to multimedia editing, gaming.

4. Ease of Use:
They are often designed with user-friendly interfaces and operating systems, making
them easy to set up, operate, and maintain even for individuals with limited
technical expertise.
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 SUPERCOMPUTERS:
 LAUNCHED:
The development of Supercomputers can be attributed to various organizations,
research institutions (CRAY RESEARCH) and companies (IBM), (NATIONAL
LABORATIES).

 INTRODUCTION:
They are extremely powerful and high-performance computing systems designed to
perform complex calculations and process large volumes of data at very high speeds.
These systems are used for demanding computational tasks that require massive
amounts of processing power.

 USED IN:
They are used for following purposes:
1. Scientific Research.
2. Weather Forecasting.
3. Aerospace and Engineering.
4. Nuclear Research.
5. National Security.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUPER COMPUTERS:

Following are the characteristics of super computers:
 1. LARGE MEMORY AND STORAGE:
Supercomputers feature extensive memory (RAM) and storage capacities to
accommodate the massive datasets generated and analysis during computational
tasks. High-speed memory and storage subsystems enable rapid data access and
manipulation, supporting efficient computation.

2. HIGH-SPEED INTERCONNECTS:
Supercomputers utilize advanced networking technologies to facilitate fast
communication and data transfer between processing units and storage devices.
High-speed interconnects enable efficient parallel processing and collaboration
among computing nodes.

3. SCALABILITY:
Supercomputers are designed to scale both vertically and horizontally. This
scalability enables supercomputers to handle increasingly complex and demanding
computational workloads.

4. SPECIALIZED HARDWARE:
Supercomputers often incorporate specialized processors, accelerators, and
custom-designed hardware optimized for specific computational tasks. These
hardware components enhance performance, energy efficiency and specific tasks.
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 QUESTION:3
Enlist various scanning technologies and display devices used in daily life.

ANSWER:
SCANNING DEVICES:
Scanning devices are hardware devices used to capture digital images or data from
physical objects or documents. These devices convert Analog information into digital
format, allowing it to be stored.

 SCANNING TECHNOLOGIES:
Following are the scanning technologies:

1. BARCODE SCANNERS:
Used in retail stores, warehouses, and supermarkets for quickly scanning product
barcodes during checkout or inventory management.

2. QR CODE SCANNERS:
Found in smartphones and dedicated scanning devices, used to scan QR codes
for assessing website URLs, making payments or retrieving information.

3. DOCUMENTS SCANNERS:
Used in offices and homes to digitize documents, receipts and other paperwork for
storage, sharing and archival purposes.
4. FINGERPRINT SCANNERS:
Integrated into smartphones, laptops and security systems for biometric
authentication and access control.

5. 3D SCANNERS:
Used in various industries for capturing three-dimensional shapes and structures for
applications such as reverse engineering, quality control and digital modelling.

DISPLAY DEVICES:
Display devices are hardware devices used to prevent visual information, graphics
And multimedia content to users. These devices convert digital signals into visual
Output, allowing users to view and interact with digital content.

 USES OF DISPLAY DEVICES:

Following are the uses of display devices:

1. SMARTPHONES:
Featuring touchscreens for displaying information, accessing apps, browsing the
internet and interacting with multimedia content.

2. TABLETS:
Portable devices with touchscreens used for web browsing, reading e-books,
watching videos, playing games and productivity tasks.

3. LAPTOPS AND DESKTOP MONITORS:

Used for work, gaming, multimedia consumption, and productivity tasks, often
featuring LCD or LED screens with various resolutions and refresh rates.

4. E-READERS:
Specialized devices with e-ink displays used for reading digital books and documents,
offering a paper-like reading experience with long battery life.

5. PROJECTORS:
Used for displaying images and videos on large screens for presentations, home
theatre setups, and outdoor events.
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