What is a Workstation Computer? A computer is an electronic machine that is used for mathematical calculations. Mainly any computer consists of two main components. One of these is the physical part, while the other is logical. The physical component consists of substantial parts and is largely known as “hardware,” The logical part is the operative instructions given to this hardware to perform accordingly. That logical part is developed using some algorithm known as “software.”
Types of computers
Multiple different types of computers are used for different purposes by different users. These types are according to their architecture and functionality. Types of computers include:
Super Computers are the largest, extremely fast computers used to solve complicated, mostly scientific problems within seconds. These are rare and are just used in a few places.
At the same time, the second-largest computer which many big business organizations use is Main Frame computers. These are the central source of processing and data storage.
Dumb terminals are the other end of mainframe computers with no processing power or memory. These terminals are just used to input data by using a keyboard and mouse, which is transferred to the mainframe server where that data is processed, and output is displayed on the display screen of these dumb terminals. Main Frame computers and Dumb Terminals are networked computers.
Workstation Term
The term workstation is used in two different meanings, first is termed “WS,” which means a higher specs computer than a PC with higher performance and better hardware configuration. While in other meaning, the workstation term is used for a computer that is part of any Local Area Network (LAN).
Workstation
A workstation is basically like a personal computer but is more powerful in processing. The term workstation is also used in a computer network environment in some other meanings.
A computer network is a collection of many computers interlinked with one another using a connectivity medium like physical cable or wireless fidelity, commonly known as WIFI.
In a network environment, the main computer is called the server, which is a full part of a network and is used for the administration and management of the network. In contrast, another part is called a workstation which is the computer used by the common users for their work under the security domain of that particular server.
Each Workstation computer has its processor, RAM, and storage used for its full independent working. That means the workstation depends on its server for data processing because every machine has its processing resources. If we said that a workstation is the opposite of a dumb terminal, it would be perfect.
Use of workstation
One user can use the workstation simultaneously, or a group can use a single one. With the help of the latest multiuser operating systems, it becomes easier to use a single workstation by multiple users when they need it.
Workstations are mainly used to run heavy applications in a network environment for the centralization of data and many other different reasons. 3D animation and graphics programs, AutoCAD, and many other heavy applications like these are executed using workstations in a network environment or even without a network.
Key Features of a workstation
The following are some features that are mostly found in a workstation, and due to these features, a workstation is become separated from personal computers.
Error Correcting Code Main Memory (ERR RAM)
Main memory is the basic component of a computer. Workstation computer is equipped with ERR main memory or RAM, which makes these computers more stay-able and reliable.
Because this type of memory can automatically correct and fix any memory error before affecting our system. Due to this, our system is prevented from crashes like Blue Screen errors due to main memory.
Multicore processor
In the latest technology, multiple cores are implemented on a single chip instead of multiple processors. With this, the computer’s size is reduced due to the removal of multiple CPU sockets, and power consumption is also reduced.
On the other hand, in performance, multicore CPU performance is almost equal to multiple processors because each of these cores also has its cache memory and other components.
So, as many as the number of CPU cores, as many multitasking options on a computer. A typical workstation must support and have a multicore processor.
Faster Storage
Faster storage is another feature of a workstation. In most workstations, non-mechanical storage is used, which is electrical instead of mechanical and is in the form of a memory card.
This type of storage is called SSD (Solid State Drive). Due to missing mechanical parts, it is much faster to read and writes operations as RAM.
Single or Multiple displays
A workstation must have a good quality display for displaying the output of processed data attractively. Sometimes more than one display panel can be attached to a workstation for extended display. This feature of a workstation is also called a multi-monitor display.
High-Performance Graphics Card
High-performance Graphical Processing Unit or GPU must be part of the workstation. That graphics card can be either integrated, which shares the system memory for processing of graphics, or can be dedicated, which has its GRAM for processing heavy graphics.
RAID support
For reliability and protection against data loss, workstation storage supports the Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID).
RAID is a dynamic disk type in which multiple physically separated disks are logically bound together. Data is saved on these physically separated disks in different parts. In case of any disk failure, maximum data can be protected from loss.
Operating System
Some reliable featured and multiuser operating systems must be installed on the workstation. The multiuser operating system is the best for workstations, so multiple users can use that particular workstation in their own way. This feature is equally good for the network environment and a standalone workstation.
