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Basic Computer/IT QUESTION #11527
Question 1
What primary operational distinction separates a mainframe from a supercomputer?
  • Supercomputers are larger physically than mainframes
  • Supercomputers are smaller physically than mainframes
  • Supercomputers focus on executing few programs as fast as possible, while mainframes execute many programs concurrently✔️
  • Supercomputers focus on running many concurrent programs, while mainframes run single tasks fast
Correct Answer Explanation
Supercomputers are optimised to execute a small number of complex programs as fast as possible — used for weather forecasting, nuclear simulations, and scientific research. Mainframes run thousands of programs concurrently for large numbers of users — used in banking, airline reservations, and enterprise computing.