IB Computer Science HL - Topic 6: Resource Management

primary memory, secondary storage, processor speed, bandwidth, screen resolution, disk storage, sound processor, graphics processor, cache, network connectivity

Types of computer system:

• Mainframe • Servers • PCs • Sub-laptops • Cell phones • Tablets • PDAs • Digital cameras

Processor: Thousands of cores

Primary memory: Vast amounts

Secondary memory: Vast amounts

Common use: • Used in large companies • Used for weather/financial models and predictions • Used to 'virtualize' smaller computers • Main players: CRAY/IBM

Processor: Many high spec PCs running in parallel (3-4GHz) Primary memory: Big capacity (32GB+ per machine)
Secondary memory: Terabyte per machine
Common use: • Used to 'serve' networks • Used as data centers for 'cloud storage' • Size varies according to use

Processor: Single processor (multiple cores) 1-4 GHz
Primary memory: 2-16 GB
Secondary memory: 256 GB to 2 TB
Common use: • Used in companies/schools (where portability is not needed) • Can be expanded by adding expansion cards (graphics cards) • Used to be the most common type of personal computer

Processor: Single/multiple core (1-2 GHz)
Primary memory: 1-2 GB
Secondary memory: Normally SSD - 16- 128 GB
Common use: • Fueled by 'netbook boom' of early 2000s (before tablets) • Runs stripped down OS (Linux, Chrome OS) • Portability and battery life are key features

Processor: Single/Multicore
Primary memory: 1-3 GB
Secondary memory: Usually limited, but can be upgraded (MicroSD card)
Common use: • Most common personal computing device in the world • Getting more capable, rivaling PCs/laptops • Biggest constraint is screen size and input options (lack of physical keyboard)

Processor: Single/Multicore
Primary memory: 1-4 GB
Secondary memory: Usually limited, but can be upgraded (MicroSD card)
Common use: • Very common for media consumption • Getting more capable, rivaling PCs/laptops • Biggest constraint is lack of physical keyboard

Processor: Single core (<1GHz)
Primary memory: Limited (<500MB)
Secondary memory: Limited (<128MB)
Common use: • Not used that much any more • Used for calendars/emails • Was overtaken by smartphones and mobiles in early 2000s
DON'T confuse with Siri/Cortana!

Processor: Single core
Primary memory: Limited
Secondary memory: Expandable through use of memory cards (SD/Compact flash/Memory Stick)
Common use: • For higher end photography • Most digital cameras now integrated in mobile phones/laptops/tablets

Single processor computers may not be able to render 3D graphics as effectively as multi core / systems with a GPU.