What is the difference between a workstation and a mainframe?

Answer 1

A network is a group of interconnected communicating devices (computers, portable devices, routers, modems, printers etc.)

While a mainframe is a centralized server which provides primary services to a network or multiple networks. Typically, the term 'mainframe' is differentiated between 'server' by way that a mainframe provides service to dummy or smart terminals. Terminals do little or nothing by themselves, and require an established link to the mainframe to boot or function basically.

A dummy terminal has no processing capability and boots off the mainframe over the network. IE, it's little more than a network card, monitor, and keyboard. Most ATMs and credit-card machines are dummy terminals- If the mainframe goes down, they become inoperable.

A smart terminal, which is more common, has it's own processing capabilities. A desktop computer is an example of a smart terminal, as it can function even if offline. Also, typically, smart terminals will load data from the mainframe then store it on the terminal itself, rather than running entirely from the mainframe.

Answer 2

Network of computers and mainframes are both used for a technique called virtualization. The difference is that a network of computers combines multiple physical computers to act as a single computer while mainframes splits a single computer to act as multiple virtual computers.

Answer 3

A workstation is a high-end personal computer. They are used primarily by a single person for computationally difficult work, such as engineering or video editing. A mainframe is a large server that multiple users log into to work on data and run programs. It is more useful in large corporate environments like in accounting or banking.

Answer 4

* laptops are usually single user systems while mainframes may be multi user systems * laptop computers are slower than mainframes on account of lower clock speed and RAM * laptops are com[pact while mainframes are usually bulky * laptops are more versatile than mainframes

Answer 5

The desktop computer can act for one or a muti storage of networks with a limit, the mainframe can act as a area for hundreds or thousands of networks to connect to a internet or local intranet.