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Mainframe computer facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
IBM 704 mainframe
An IBM 704 mainframe

Mainframes (also called "big iron") are powerful computers used for large information processing jobs. They are mainly used by government institutions and large companies for tasks such as census, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and financial transaction processing. Mainframe computers are specially used as servers on the World Wide Web (WWW). They are distinct from supercomputers.

The term originally referred to the large cabinets that housed the central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Later the term was used to distinguish very big computers from less powerful ones ("minicomputers" or "personal computers").

Images for kids

  • IBM Z15 mainframe

    A single-frame IBM z15 mainframe. Larger capacity models can have up to four total frames. This model has blue accents, as compared with the LinuxONE III model with orange highlights.

  • IBM z13 and LinuxONE Rockhopper

    A pair of IBM mainframes. On the left is the IBM z Systems z13. On the right is the IBM LinuxONE Rockhopper.

  • IBM System Z9 (type 2094 front)

    An IBM System z9 mainframe

  • IBM System Z9 (type 2094 inside)

    Inside an IBM System z9 mainframe

  • IBM 701console

    Operator's console for an IBM 701

See also

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