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MAINFRAME is a some what antiquated term for a main server or a large machine capable of a workload much beyond the capability of a standard desktop unit. Also called "servers" or "Big iron" or even "gibsons" after the author of sci-fi novels the term has fallen into disuse these days.
Rare is it to see people putting all their money into a mainframe any longer. Parallel computing and cluster computing has enabled server farms to do the work of a mainframe for less money and less power! If you wish to see an example of what might be called a "Mainframe" check out the manufacturer "Cray" for some of their super computers.
For more detailed explanations I might recommend this page.
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainframe_computer"
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe term 'mainframe' was coined in reference to the large cabinets used to house high-end server systems. Mainframes are highly-reliable, high-throughput servers; they focus on the reliable handling of vast amounts of data in/out (throughput) as opposed to pure processing speed, whereas supercomputers process specific sets of tasks/calculations rapidly. Mainframes and server farms perform similar functions with differing outlay, cost, reliability, power consumption and performance profiles.
Mainframes typically employ multiple redundant systems, multiple central processors, peripheral processors (to which hardware I/O operations are off-loaded), can operate multiple virtual machines concurrently, and access vast storage volumes at great speed. They operate for substantial periods of time without interruption for purposes where down time would be unacceptable, and they typically process databases of gigabytes (or even terabytes) in size extremely rapidly.
Financial institutions, corporations, government departments, and anyone needing to ensure the uninterrupted processing and reliability of large volumes of data typically make use of mainframes.
Commercial and personal computer use is increasingly offloading data storage and processing to 'the cloud'; cloud computing, email servers, web hosts and social networking sites, and many other online systems are facilitated by server farms or mainframes. Even gaming servers can exist as one among many virtual machines running in a single mainframe or somewhere in a server farm.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoMainframe Systems are real time transactions processing systems generally used by Organisations those have business operations generating huge volume of transactions such as Banking, Railways, Telecoms etc.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoGenerally scientists or very large companies.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoalmost no one still uses a mainframe setup in a network anymore. the server-client system replaced it in the mid eighties.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoMainly for Central DATA Storage.
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Example of company uses mainframe computer?
IBM or Microsoft.
Function of a mainframe?
The mainframe computer is usually used in a computer center to connect the other computers. The mainframe computer is a high level computer that is designed for demanding and extensive computer tasks.
When Douglas engelbart inventes mainframe computer?
Douglas Engelbart did not invent the mainframe computer.
Function of mainframe computer in computer?
The mainframe of computer is counting "0" and "1". The computer just counts these numbers and the user does everything with it.
What is the difference between a portable computer and a mainframe computer?
the difference is that the mainframe is bigger and more expensive.
Is it possible to upgrade a mainframe computer to a super computer?
was the mainframe designed for such an upgrade? that will determine yes or no.
Is an ATM a mainframe computer?
No, an Automated Teller Machine is a client computer connected to a server computer at the bank. The server may or may not be a mainframe computer.
What do you call a personal computer that uses special software to imitate a terminal so that the PC can communicate with the mainframe called?
terminal emulator.
What is the historical rate of demise of mainframe computers?
A mainframe computer is a large computer system that use to be manufactured. The historic demise of the mainframe computer began in the late 1980s when manufactures began making smaller models.
When did IBM produce their first mainframe computer?
IBM produced their first mainframe computer in 1952. Between 1952 and the late 1970's the term "mainframe computer" was automatically linked with IBM because they had the largest share of the computer market.
What is the fastest most expensive computer a Notebook computer a Supercomputer a Microcomputer or a Minicomputer?
Mainframe computers have large memory storage. While minicomputers have small or less memory storage than mainframe computer. ... The processing speed of mainframe computer is faster than minicomputer. While the processing speed of minicomputer is slower than mainframe computer.
What is a purpose of a main frame?
They are large in size, processes of power and high level of reliability , amount of storage , mainframe have ability to run multiple operating system. they are designed to handle very high volume input and output and a single mainframe can replace dozens or even hundreds of smaller severs.
