Using Workstations

Astrophysicists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics use Sun Microsystems workstations for their engineering work. They routinely sketch graphs and diagrams on the screen using computer-aided drafting software, as well as sophisticated calculation software to test mathematical equations. They also exchange ideas and information with each other in electronic messages. One project they have worked on in cooperation with NASA is the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility. It is an observatory in space that will measure cosmic X-rays, which are invisible on earth. The astrophysicists hope that the information provided will help them understand better how the universe was formed and what its eventual fate will be.

The Sun workstation performed an additionally important task: helping gather visual and textual information into a comprehensive report for NASA to explain how an X-ray telescope would function aboard the observatory. Using electronic publishing software, they combined graphics screens, mathematical equations, and textual explanations into a document that took just six hours to prepare. Previously, it would have taken two days. Equally important, the report's professional preparation made it much easier for the NASA people to understand.

While most workstation applications are oriented to science and engineering, here is one that is designed for creative people. The William Morris Agency has installed an "interpersonal network" of NeXT workstations at its offices in Beverly Hills, New York, London, and Nashville. William Morris's clients are people in the entertainment business, including motion picture and television actors, directors, writers, producers, news anchors, and musicians. It's important that the agents — creative but very busy people — share ideas and information throughout the organization. The NeXT workstation was chosen because its graphical interface and advanced design make using the database and exchanging electronic messages from one workstation to another extremely easy. The agents can send each other client information and look at talent profiles on the screen. In addition, using a special application called "Who's Calling?", they can schedule meetings with other agents and clients and track previous phone calls. They can also work with multimedia project material that includes text, visual images (including full-motion video), and high-fidelity stereo sound recordings. When completed, the system will have 250 NeXT workstations in five countries.

Knowledge Check

1. What is the primary difference between a personal computer and a

workstation?

2. How were the first workstations used?

3. What are the three markets or uses for workstations?

4. Name two ways workstations can be used in the office.

5.What is the study of human factors in the use of computers called?

The Minicomputer

A notable event in computer history occurred on a sunny fall day in 1957: the founding of Digital Equipment Corporation by Kenneth H. Olsen in an abandoned woolen mill in Maynard, Massachusetts. He created the minicomputer and developed a company that is the second largest computer company in the world, with annual revenues in excess of $12 billion. Olsen has helped make computer history; in 1986, Fortune magazine featured him on the cover as “the most successful entrepreneur in history”. After leading Digital for 35 years, Olsen retired in 1992.

The minicomputer, or mini, is a versatile special- or general-purpose computer designed so that many people can operate it at the same time. Minis operate in ordinary indoor environments; some require air conditioning while others do not. Minis also can operate in less hospitable places such as on ships and planes and in manufacturing shops. Minis cost more than personal computers, typically $20,000 to $500,000, but they are also more powerful. Up to 200 people can use the minicomputer at the same time.

Like all computers, the minicomputer is designed as a system. There is a system unit containing the CPU and main memory. There are multiple keyboards and monitors which in combination are called a terminal. All system components, including storage devices and printers, can be purchased separately to design a specific system or to upgrade an existing one.

Mini systems are more mobile, easier to set up and install, and more versatile than mainframes. It is common to see a minicomputer system combined with specialized equipment and peripherals and designed to perform a specific task. These are called original equipment manufacturer (OEM) systems, which means a company buys various hardware from original manufacturers, customizes it with hardware add-ons and software tailored to a specific business or task, and markets it all together as a system. OEM systems are used in publishing, brokerage houses, hospitals, manufacturing, and hundreds of other ways.