Wanna Know About the Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present???

1. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
The word “Computer” is derived from the word “compute” which means to calculate. In the
past, the computer was normally considered to be a calculating device which used to calculate
arithmetic operations. But today, computer is used in every field of daily life to solve problems
of different kinds. Therefore, a computer can be defined as:
 Definition:
Computer is an electronic device that is used to solve different kinds of problems depending
on a set of instructions given to it.
 Functions:
A computer can perform following functions:
1) Accepts data and instructions as an input.
2) Processes or manipulates the data according to the given instructions.
3) Produces the output known as information.
4) Stores information for future use.
HISTORY OF COMPUTER
The history of computers goes back to a very long way. For many years, people used their
own brain power to perform calculations. So the first computers were people! Electronic
computers were given this name because they performed the work that had previously been
assigned to people. The brief history of some of the old computers is described below:
 Abacus:
It is earliest and the simplest form of calculating device, it used rods with beads on them
to perform calculations.
 Napier’s Bone:
John Napier developed Napier’s Bone in 17th century to perform arithmetic calculations.
 Pascaline:
Blaise Pascal developed Pascaline in 1642. It consisted of wheels and gears numbered
from 0 to 9 to perform arithmetic calculations.
 Difference Engine and Analytical Engine:
In 1822, Charles Babbage developed a special calculator named as ‘Difference Engine’
which was powered by steam of calculations. Later on in 1842, he also designed
‘Analytical Engine’. It was first automatic programmable computer which could perform
arithmetic calculations at a speed of 60 additions per minute.
 Boolean algebra:
It is known as algebra of logic. It was introduced by George Boole on 1847 for designing
logic circuits inside the computer. The design of a circuit is based on a set of logical
statements which return result on 1s (true) or 0s (false).
 Later Mark-1, ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC and UNIVAC-1 were also designed.
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

2. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computes are being manufactured in different sizes, data processing speeds etc. Therefore,
depending on their memory size, data processing speed, amount of data they can hold and
price, computers are classified into following four main groups:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Supercomputers.
Mainframe computers.
Mini computers.
Microcomputer.
Supercomputers:
Supercomputers are the most powerful and fastest computers. They were introduced in
1960s. They are very expensive. They can perform trillions of calculations at one time.
Supercomputers are mainly used for:
1). Whether forecasting.
2). Nuclear energy research.
3). Aircraft design.
5). Online banking, etc.
Some examples of Supercomputers are CDC 6600, CRAY-1, CRAY-2, ETA-10, etc.
i). First Supercomputer (CDC 6600):
CDC 6600 was the first Mainframe Supercomputer. It was introduced in 1965 by Control
Data Corporation.
Technical Specification:
1). CDC 6600, serial number 3 (pre-production series machine).
2). Transistor machine.
3). Central Processing Unit clock cycle: 100 nanoseconds.
4). Core memory: 128K words of 60 bits (converted to modern terms, with 8-bit bytes,
this is 0.94 MB).
5). Memory access: 1 microsecond (but independent memory banks allowed for up to
one access per clock cycle).
6). Instruction prefetch function.
7). Ten overlapping functional units.
8). Ten autonomous peripheral processor units (PPU's) each with 4K 12-bit words of
core memory.
9). Huge disks over 1 meter in diameter held 500 million bits each.
10). Tape units (half inch tape: 7 tracks, recording 200, 556 and 800 bytes per inch; oneinch tape: 14 tracks recording 800 bytes per inch).
11). High-speed card reader (1200 cards per minute).
Reference Link: http://timeline.web.cern.ch/the-cdc-6600-arrives-at-cern
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

3. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
ii). Latest Supercomputers:
Tianhe-2 (MilkyWay-2) is one of the top 10 Supercomputer up-till now. It is currently
holding first position in history of supercomputers.
Technical Specification:
1). Country: China.
2). Site: National University of Defense Technology (NUDT).
3). Manufacturer: NUDT.
4). Cores: 3,120,000.
5). Linpack Performance (Rmax): 33,862.7 TFlop/s.
6). Theoretical Peak (Rpeak): 54,902.4 TFlop/s.
7). Memory: 1,024,000 GB.
8). Power: 17,808.00 kW.
9). Operating System: Kylin Linux.
10). Compiler: ICC.
Reference Link: http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2013-06/21/content_29187340_10.htm
 Mainframe Computers:
Supercomputers are the most powerful and fastest computers. They were introduced in
1960s. They are very expensive. They can perform trillions of calculations at one time.
Supercomputers are mainly used for:
1). Whether forecasting.
2). Nuclear energy research.
3). Aircraft design.
5). Online banking, etc.
Some examples of Mainframe computers are IBMS/390, Control Data CYBER 176,
Amdahl 580, etc.
i). Mainframe computers at Beginning:
Mark-1, EDVAC, UNIVAC, IBM 7040, etc. are all Mainframes. But when we talk about
mainframe computers the first thing which comes in our mind is about IBM S/360. It is
also considered as first mainframe computer.
Technical Specification of IBM S/360:
1).General Purpose: 16 32-bit registers.
2).Floating Point Architecture:4 64-bit IBM floating-point registers.
3). 64-bit processor status register (PSW), which includes a 24-bit (Program counter/
Instruction Address.
4). 24-bit (16 MB) byte-addressable memory space.
5).Byte/word order.
6). Design: CISC.
7). Type: Register-Register/Register-Memory/Memory-Memory.
8). Encoding: Variable (2, 4 or 6 bytes long).
Reference Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System/360_architecture
ii). Latest Mainframe Computer:
IBM zEnterprise Systems are considered to be latest in market.The zSeries family,
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

4. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
which included the z900, z800, z990 and z890, introduced IBM's newly designed 64-bit
zArchitecture to the mainframe world. Their some specification is given below
Technical Specification:
Major features of the eServer zSeries family:
1). Based on zArchitecture (64-bit real and virtual addresses).
2). First zSeries Superscalar server (z990) – A superscalar processor allows concurrent
execution of instructions by adding additional resources onto the microprocessor to
achieve more parallelism by creating multiple pipelines, each working on its own set of
instructions.
3). Offers up to 32 central processors (CPs) per frame.
4). Frames can be coupled in up to a 32-frame IBM Parallel Sysplex with each frame
physically separated up to 100 kilometers.
5). Supports the zOS, Linux on System z, zVM, zVSE, and zTPF operating systems
6). Support of multiple I/O channel subsystem – or multiple Logical Channel Subsystem
(LCSS). The z990 allowed for support of up to four LCSS – offering support for up to 4
times the previous 256 channel limit
7). Support for zAAP processors.
Reference Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System_z
 Mini-Computers:
Minicomputers computers are known for their small size and its capabilities which lie
between mainframe and personal computers. The first mini-computer was introduced in
mid-1960s by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC).
Some examples of mini-computers are IBM AS/400, IBM S/360, HP 3000, etc.
i). First Mini-computer:
The first successful minicomputer was Digital Equipment Corporation’s 12-bit PDP-8,
which cost from US$16,000 upwards when launched in 1964.
Technical Specification:
1). Word size: 12 bits.
2). Maximum memory: 32k words (8 4k banks).
3). Minimum instruction time: 1.2 microseconds.
4). Add memory to accumulator: 2.6 microseconds.
5). 12 x 12 multiply with 24 bit result: 256.5 microseconds (subroutine).
6). 12 x 12 multiply with 24 bit result: 40 microseconds (with EAE option).
7). Operating Environment: 0 to 55 C (32-130F) 10% to 90% Humidity.
8). Power: 450 watts (varies with option cards).
9). Size (HxWxD): 10.5x19x24 inches.
10). Weight: 100 lbs. total, 45 lbs. power supply.
ii). Latest Mini-Computer:
Latest technology in the market of mini-computers is increasing day by day.
Therefore, no specific one of them can be regarded as the best one. So, one of the best
mini-computer is Sony Vaio P Series.
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

5. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
Technical Specifications of Sony Vaio P Series:
1). Dimensions: 9.65"(W) x 0.78"(H) x 4.72"(D).
2). Weight: 1.3lbs. to 1.5lbs.
3). Processor: Intel Atom single-core (with hyper threading) Z520, Z530, Z540, Z550 or
Z560, at 1.33, 1.6, 1.87, 2, or 2.13GHz. Z560 @ 2.13GHz is non-US.
4). Graphics Chip: Intel GMA 500.
5). Memory: 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM running at 533MHz.
6). Storage: 60 or 80 GB 4200rpm PATA HDD, or 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB SSD.
7). Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth technology,
wireless broadband (technology used varies by region, including WiMax, HSDPA and
3G), GPS (model-dependent).
8). Display: 8" 1600x768 LED TFT active matrix backlit display, 0.3mp webcam.
9). Expansion Slots: Memory Stick (Standard/Duo) media slot, Multi Media Card slot, SD
memory card slot.
10). Interface: 2 USB 2.0 ports, DC-in, Display/LAN Adapter port, headphone jack.
 Microcomputers:
The microcomputers are also known as personal computers or PCs. The technology
which made there microcomputers to be used in almost every field of life is the
invention of a Microcomputer Processor.
Microcomputer Processors:
For two decades after the birth of the personal computer, thebiggest player in the PC
CPU market was Intel Corporation. Thisdominance began to change in 1998 when
several leading computer makers began offering lower-priced systems using chips made
by AMD and other chip manufacturers. Initially, these microprocessors offered less
performance at a lower price. That situation has changed, however, as AMD made rapid
advances in its products’ capabilities. Today, Intel and AMD chips compete head to
head, not only in performance, but also in price.
There is a wide range of companies which can be counted in the production of
microprocessors. But, some processors from 2 of thebest companies are given below:
i). Intel Processors:
Intel is historically the leading provider of chips for PCs. In 1971, Intel invented the first
microprocessor named as Intel 4004. This invention led to the first microcomputers that
began appearing in 1975. Even so, Intel’s success in this market was not guaranteed
until 1981 when IBM released the first IBM PC, which was based on an Intel
microprocessor. Details about some of the microprocessors by Intel are given below:
4-Bit Intel 4004: Being the first 4-bit processor in the world, Intel 4004 was the first step
to change the world. Following is its technical specification:
* Family: Intel 4004
* CPU part number: P4004 is an OEM/tray microprocessor
* Frequency: 0.74 MHz
* Package: 16-pin plastic DIP
* Socket: DIP16
* Introduction date: November 15, 1971
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

6. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
* Data width: 4 bit
* Physical memory: 640 bytes (RAM) and 4 KB (ROM)
Description Link: http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/4004/Intel-P4004.html
8-bit Intel 8008:
*Introduction date: April 1972.
*Frequency: 0.5MHz(8008), 0.8MHz(8008-1).
*Technology: P-channel silicon gate MOS technology.
*Category: 8 Bit microprocessor.
*Transistors: 3500 , 10 Micron.
*Addressable memory: 16K x 8-bits.
*Instructions: 48 with a 8 level stack, seven 8-bit registers and interrupt abilities.
Description Link:
16-Bit Intel 8086:
* Introduced in 1978
* 16-bit microprocessor
* 16-bit data bus
* Up to 10 MHz
* 1 MB RAM
* 64K I/O ports
Intel Pentium:
* Introduced March 22, 1993
* Bus width 64 bits
* System bus clock rate 60 or 66 MHz
*Address bus 32 bits
*Addressable Memory 4 GB
*Virtual Memory 64 TB
* 8 KB of data cache
Intel Pentium III:
Three types of Cores
* Katmai = 450-600MHz, L2 cache (512KB), FSB 100-133MHz, introduced in 1999.
* Coppermine = 400-1130MHz, L2 Cache (256Hz), FSB 100-133MHz, introduces in 1999.
* Tualatin = 700-1400MHz, L2 Cache (512KB), FSB 100-133MHz, Introduced in 1999.
Intel Core i7:
The fastest core i7 processor is Core i7-4820K. It has following Specification:
* Clock Speed: 3.7GHz
* Cores: 6
* L2 Cache: 4x256 KB
* L3 Cache: 10MB
* Release Date: September 2013
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176

7. Comparison Between Computers of Past and Present
ii). AMD Processors:
In 1998, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) emerged as a primary competitor to Intel’s
dominance in the IBM-compatible PC market. Until that time, AMD processors were
typically found in lower-performance, low-priced home and small business computers.
With the release of K6 and Athlon processor series, AMD proved that it canIn 1998,
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) emerged as a primary competitor to Intel’s dominance
in the IBM-compatible PC market. Until that time, AMD processors were typically found
in lower-performance, low-priced home and small business computers. With the release
of K6 and Athlon processor series, AMD proved that it could compete Intel feature for
feature with many of the Intel's best-selling products. AMD begin the race of fastest PC
processor. feature for feature with many of the Intel's bestselling products. AMD begin
the race of fastest PC processor. Following are the details of some processors by AMD.
AMD Duron:
* Release Date: June 19, 2000 – August 21, 2003
* Clock Speed: 600MHz-1800MHz
*L1 Cache, L2 Cache
* Front Bus: 100MHz-133MHz
AMD Athlon Classic:
*L1-Cache: 64 + 64 KB (Data + Instructions)
*L2-Cache: 512 KB,
*Slot A (EV6)
*Front side bus: 200 MT/s (100 MHz double-pumped)
*VCore: 1.6 V (K7), 1.6–1.8 V (K75)
*First release: June 23, 1999 (K7), November 29, 1999 (K75)
*Clock rate: 500–700 MHz (K7), 550–1000 MHz (K75)
AMD FX 9590:
AMD has now crossed Intel in making fastest processor. AMD FX 9590 has frequency
of 4.7-5GHz. But this processor has not been released yet.
*Clock Speed: 4.7-5GHz
*L2 Cache: 8MB
*L3 Cache: 8MB
*Socket AM3+
*220v
Muhammad Danish Badar
Superior University, Lahore
Contact: +923234539176