2024-09-27 14:00:03 +01:00
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---
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2024-09-27 15:00:03 +01:00
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tags: [computer-history]
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created: Friday, September 27, 2024
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2024-09-27 14:00:03 +01:00
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---
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2024-10-18 20:00:02 +01:00
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# Mainframe computers
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A mainframe computer, also known as a "big iron" is a high performance computer
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used for resource-intensive tasks that require greater security and availability
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than smaller scale machines. They are typically used for centralised rather than
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distributed computing.
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2024-09-27 15:00:03 +01:00
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The heyday of mainframes was before the mini- and micro-computer revolution but
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they are still used.
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IBM remains the main manufacturer and service provider for mainframes. Example
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use cases include banks who need to process large volumes of transatction and
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high frequency tranding; government departments, the military and internal
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revenue who require huge databases.
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