Defining characteristics of mainframe computer systems

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Hi guys,

I was just wondering, what do you think are the defining characteristics of mainframe computer systems? By that I mean, what classifies a computer system as a mainframe and not say a supercomputer? I've been asked to do a little research on it for a friend but if I'm honest don't really have the time.

I look forward to your informative replies!

- Alex

 

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Hi Alex, you might want to try google as you'd get a wide range of deferring characteristics of your subject matter.

 

I agree as you will get answers like one is a big computer and one is an even bigger computer.

 

He he, nice reply GBL!

I'll do a search on Google later and hopefully find some useful info.

 

Why doesn't your friend simply Google for the information? You're doing the work for him/her... and we, in turn, are doing it for you... ;)

Eh, no harm, no foul.

 

There are no real defining characteristics that everybody would agree on.

This is no different from the argument of what separates 'main-frame' from 'mini' and 'micro'. It is in the eyes of the beholder.

You either write a proper paper on this, which will extend to quite a size, or give some slip-shod crap to the lecturer (I'm assuming this is a class assignment - nobody else would give a damn), depending on the bias/assumptions/competence of said lecturer.

Harry (the jaded)

 

Supercomputers are often geared to do one thing, very quickly, and time on them is allocated on a project by project basis

Mainframes are more like the work horses of big business, they do bulk data computation, but they are designed to multi task via the virtualisation of the software layer (a mainframe could say, run 5 different operating systems, all doing a unique task

this is not quite like the x86 virtualisation we see today


I suggest you have a good read through the wikipedia entries for both
for some comic value read here
https://www.gelato.unsw.edu.au/archives/comp-arch/2006-August/002224.html

 

BM, she's not what you could call computer literate and only wanted a few notes. But judging on what others have said, this is quite a contentious subject and difficult to summarize.

I think what I may do is lend her a book on mainframes from the library and point her in the direction of some useful websites.

 

It looks to me like Phoenix gave a pretty accurate description of the generic differences between the two. Mainframes are the workhorses. They are like a Clydesdale in that they do the heavy lifting needed on a day-to-day basis in business. A supercomputer is often specifically designed to do certain jobs, and you won't find one of them running an ordinary business application for a bank or something like that. They are used more for things like scientific computing, weather prediction, etc....

 

Thanks for that ffreeloader, and thank you Pheonix.

- Alex

P.S - Sorry for the belated response!

 

You learn something everyday!

Kraven

 

Sorry guys, me again, back to bug you!

I'm really struggling to find any information on mainframe dimensions.

I'd like know the dimensions of a typical mainframe system from way back in the late 30s when they took off, through to the present day.

Can anybody point me in the direction of some good resources?

Thanks in advance.

- Alex

 

yeah they used to be '1 floor' now there about the size of half a rack

 

I guess you meant the 60's.

 

Nope, the 30s, that's when I'm told they were first being designed.

Is that incorrect?

 

<giggle> Yes - well incorrect.

The first *computers* (never mind mainframes) appeared during the 2nd world war, i.e. in the '40s.

(Ignoring the contributions by Charles Babbage)

EDIT: You many want to read this article from Wikipedia.

Harry.