| Mainframe
computers are amongst the largest type of
computer. It is generally not found outside the largest
organisations e.g. Banks, Police, DVLC, Meteorological
Office and multi-national companies etc.
Hundreds/thousands of people may
use the system at the same time, and there will be a
large number of networked peripherals
connected to it (printers, disk drives etc).
Some Mainframes can cost millions
of pounds.
Mainframes can operate using either
single processor or dual processors (Dual
parallel processing).
These Mainframe computers
are huge in size, extremely fast in operation, have
very large amounts of varying memories and offer access
to a wide range of complex software and hardware. They
are housed in large rooms (often full floors of a large
company building) and require special environments such
as:
Air conditioning systems are used
to dissipate the heat generated when they are in use.
False floors and ceilings are
often used to hide the huge cable runs which connect
the computer to the various peripherals used within
the organisation.
Backup generators/UPS (Uninterruptible
Power Supplies) may be used for emergency use in case
of a power failure.
Filters are used to keep the air
free of dust particles.
Various safety devices are used
such as RCD circuit breakers to prevent electrical
damage (fired expensive components), Smoke detectors
are used to help prevent the outbreak of fires.
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