(Department of Management Sciences)

Class : BBA Section : A

Assignment # 1
Name : Haris-Bin-Tariq Roll no : 232222

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

1. List 10- high end systems including quantum system, mini, micro, super and mainframe
computers.
 Application of Information & Communication Technologies

Assignment#1

Question #1: List 10- high end systems including quantum system, mini, micro,
super and mainframe computers

Answer:
Following are the ten high end systems:
Quantum System: IBM Quantum System One:

• SPECIFICATIONS:
1. The qubit count determines the quantum system's problem-solving potential, with more qubits enabling
it to address a broader range of complex real-world challenges effectively.

2. Quantum processing power enables the system to explore multiple solutions simultaneously, making it
exceptional at optimization, cryptography, and quantum simulations, with potential advantages over
classical computers.

3. Error correction mechanisms are essential to maintain the accuracy and reliability of quantum
computations, ensuring quantum systems can be trusted for secure communication, quantum chemistry
simulations, and other critical applications.

• APPLICATIONS:
1. Quantum cryptography leverages the unique properties of quantum mechanics to create unbreakable,
ultra-secure communication channels, protecting sensitive data from eavesdropping.

2. Quantum computing excels in solving complex optimization problems, such as route planning, portfolio
optimization, and supply chain management, by efficiently searching through numerous possibilities for
the best solution.
3. Quantum computing accelerates drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions with
unprecedented accuracy, enabling researchers to design novel drugs and therapies more efficiently.

• HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
1. Quantum computing emerged in the mid-20th century, rooted in quantum mechanics and visionary work
by scientists like Feynman and Deutsch. Yet, turning these principles into practical systems posed
daunting challenges.

2. IBM and Google have recently made remarkable strides in quantum computing, advancing hardware,
algorithms, and error correction. Google's quantum supremacy feat with a 53-qubit processor and IBM's
accessible cloud-based quantum processors showcases their progress.

3. Quantum computing has transformed from theory to practical reality through major strides by tech
leaders, enabling applications like quantum cryptography, optimization, and drug discovery, signaling its
immense modern potential.

• SOCIAL IMPACT:
1. Quantum computing threatens current encryption by efficiently breaking widely used algorithms. This
highlights the urgent need for quantum-resistant encryption techniques to safeguard sensitive data and
communication in the future.

2. Quantum computers excel at precise simulations of complex physical systems, benefiting fields like
materials science, drug discovery, and climate modeling. This promises rapid advancements in creating
new materials, drugs, and solutions for global challenges.

3. Quantum computing threatens current encryption. Its efficient factorization of large numbers could
break encryption, risking data security. We must create quantum-resistant encryption to protect data in
the future.
MINICOMPUTERS:

• Specifications:
1. Minicomputers are known for their small physical footprint, making them ideal for installations where
space is limited or in settings where portability is essential.

2. These systems provide a moderate level of computational performance, striking a balance between the
capabilities of larger mainframes and smaller personal computers.

3. Minicomputers typically offer sufficient memory capacity to handle a variety of tasks, making them
versatile for applications ranging from industrial control systems to scientific research.

• Application:
1. Minicomputers were instrumental in automating and managing industrial processes, including
manufacturing, quality control, and inventory management. Their reliability and processing power made
them essential tools in optimizing these operations.
2. : Minicomputers provided researchers with the computational resources needed for data analysis,
simulations, and modeling in various scientific disciplines. Their ability to handle complex calculations
contributed significantly to advancements in fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

3. Minicomputers played a foundational role in early business computing, supporting tasks like accounting,
inventory management, and payroll processing. They brought efficiency and accuracy to business
operations, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated business information systems in the future.
• Historical Context:
1. Minicomputers emerged in the 1960s as more affordable alternatives to mainframes, enabling a wider
range of organizations to access computing power.

2. Minicomputers played a pivotal role in industrial automation and process control, enhancing efficiency
and precision in manufacturing and other industries.

3. These machines found applications not only in industry but also in scientific research and data analysis,
fostering innovation and laying the groundwork for future computing advancements.
 • SOCIAL IMPACT:
1. Minicomputers enabled smaller businesses to efficiently process data, enhancing their competitiveness
and operational efficiency

2. They laid the groundwork for the personal computing revolution by advancing technology and user
interfaces, leading to the widespread adoption of personal computers.

3. Minicomputers fostered innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech industry, nurturing a culture of
creativity that continues to drive technological advancements today.

MICROCOMPUTER:
• SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Microcomputers were designed with a consumer-oriented approach, offering user-friendly interfaces and
accessibility to individuals without technical expertise.

2. They were characterized by their affordability, making computing accessible to a wider audience and
democratizing technology.

3. Microcomputers came in varying processing power options, allowing them to cater to a broad range of
tasks and applications.
• APPLICATIONS:
1. Microcomputers were versatile machines, finding applications in personal computing, education, and
entertainment. They were used for tasks like word processing, data analysis, and gaming.

2. Microcomputers laid the foundation for the modern personal computer (PC) by bringing computing
power into homes and offices. This shift transformed the way individuals worked, communicated, and
entertained themselves.

3. Microcomputers empowered individuals to take control of their computing needs. They no longer had to
rely on centralized mainframes or specialized machines, gaining the ability to perform a wide array of
tasks independently.
 • Historical Context
1. Microcomputers coincided with the development and commercial availability of microprocessors in the
1970s. These microprocessors, like the Intel 4004, enabled the creation of small and affordable
computing devices, setting the stage for microcomputers.

2. Companies like Apple and IBM played pivotal roles in popularizing microcomputers. Apple's Apple II
and IBM's IBM PC were iconic models that captured the public's imagination and kickstarted the
personal computing revolution.

3. Microcomputers democratized computing by making it accessible and affordable to everyday

2. The widespread use of microcomputers facilitated digital literacy and computer education, contributing
to a more technologically literate society.

3. Microcomputers revolutionized entertainment and culture, making video games and multimedia
experiences accessible to a broad audience, shaping the digital media and entertainment landscape.

SUPERCOMPUTERS:
• SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Supercomputers offer unparalleled computational capabilities, handling complex tasks with lightning
speed.

2. They employ parallelism to divide and conquer tasks, maximizing efficiency.

3. Supercomputers use custom hardware and advanced cooling systems to support their high-performance
operations.
• APPLICATIONS:
1. Supercomputers are crucial for scientific simulations, modeling climate change, studying molecular
interactions, and exploring the cosmos.
 2. They aid in aerospace design, nuclear reactor modeling, complex structural engineering, optimizing
designs and safety.

3.
Supercomputers support defense and cybersecurity efforts, enabling code-breaking, encryption, and
threat analysis to safeguard nations.
• HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
1. Supercomputers emerged during the Cold War as a response to the need for advanced weapons
development and nuclear testing simulations, driving their early development.

2. The Space Race in the 1960s fueled the growth of supercomputing, as these machines were essential for
complex calculations in space exploration and scientific research.

3. By the 1980s, supercomputers became valuable tools in industries beyond defense and space, impacting
fields such as finance, energy, and pharmaceuticals, driving further innovation and commercialization.
• SOCIAL IMPACT:
1. Supercomputers have accelerated medical research and drug discovery, leading to breakthroughs in
treatments for diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and COVID-19, ultimately saving lives and improving
healthcare.

2. Supercomputers are vital for predicting and preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes and
earthquakes. They help governments and organizations plan responses, reduce casualties, and mitigate
damage.

3. Supercomputers aid in climate modeling, allowing us to better understand and combat climate change.
They also support environmental monitoring efforts, helping to preserve ecosystems and natural
resources.
MAINFRAME COMPUTERS:

• Applications:
 1. Mainframe computers are used for critical, large-scale data processing tasks, such as financial
transactions, airline reservations, and government databases.

2. They excel in handling multiple users and high-throughput applications, making them ideal for
businesses and institutions with heavy computing demands.

3. Mainframes are often the backbone of mission-critical systems, ensuring reliability and data
integrity.
• Specifications:

1. Mainframes are characterized by their robust hardware architecture, including multiple processors,
extensive memory, and redundant components for high availability.

2. They support virtualization and partitioning, enabling multiple operating systems and applications to run
simultaneously.

3. Mainframes are designed for scalability and reliability, with advanced error-detection and correction
mechanisms.
Historical Context:
1. Mainframe computers have a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century when they were initially
developed by companies like IBM.

2. They played a central role in early business computing and were instrumental in automating
administrative tasks and data processing.

3. Mainframes have evolved over the decades, adapting to changing technology landscapes while
maintaining their relevance in enterprise computing.
Social Impact:
• Mainframes have facilitated secure and efficient financial transactions, ensuring the stability of global
banking systems.

• They've contributed to the automation of government operations, improving services like taxation, social
security, and public records management.

• Mainframes have played a significant role in shaping the modern business world, supporting the growth
and efficiency of large corporations and organizations.

THE END