What is workstation
A workstation computer is a special type of computer which has more processing power than a normal PC. You can do more work than a normal PC can do. Normal PC can do stuff like browsing the internet, word processing, listening to music etc. But a workstation can do video editing, playing high graphics games, 3D animation, and complex simulation. They have higher RAM and multiprocessor support. A laptop cannot be considered as workstation because it cannot do CAD (computer-aided design), video rendering, and complex data analysis. There is a difference between node and workstation. A node can be any computer, tablet, laptop connected to the internet but a workstation is a special computer with high processing speed which is connected to the LAN (local area network) or connected to the internet.
There are some pros and cons of workstation that are explained below:-
Advantages of workstation
High performance:
This type of computers can give more performance than a normal computer. It is best suited for rendering complex graphics, financial analysis, and digital content creation.
Single user:
A single user can use this type of computer at a time and hence the speed of the system can be improved and there is no other user that can interfere with the performance.
Smart investment:
Investing in such computers is good because it increases our productivity and can do more work than the normal user can do. For example, if you want to edit any animation and then render it then it can be done rapidly.
Used in the entertainment and media sector:
These computers can perform best in entertainment sector where a lot of audio and video processing is needed. Also, such computers work great in the media sector where live broadcasting is done.
Reliability:
You can easily diagnose any problem in the workstation. The IT staff can repair your system if you get a blue screen, or workstation can become unresponsive. IT staff can attach keyboard, mouse, and video and identify the problem in the workstation even the workstation is off.
Large memory:
A workstation has a larger memory than a desktop PC. It has about twice the memory as compared to laptops, tablets, smartphone or other devices. By using larger memory it can do more work in a shorter time. There are nearly no errors in memory while performing any task.
Multiple processors support:
A workstation has multiple processors attached to it. By using multiprocessors you can run multiple applications at a time without any issue. Your system will not slow down by opening multiple applications. A workstation is used by professionals like engineers, scientists, analysts and designers.
Large hard drives and SSD:
A workstation has hard drives which can store terabytes of data so any type of job of any size can be stored in the hard drives. Additionally, SSD (Solid State Drives) are also attached in the workstation to speed up the overall performance of the system.
Easy to use:
The workstation has a large keyboard than a laptop and it is easy to use if you stay in one room.
Disadvantages of workstation
Portability:
It is difficult to move workstation from one place to another. On the other hand, if you use a laptop then you can move it easily from one place to another. For moving workstation, you have to plug out every time you plan to move.
Expensive:
Workstation is expensive than low capacity computers. The higher cost is because of higher RAM, hard drives and multiprocessor support.
High power usage:
The workstation uses more electricity than other devices like tablets, smartphone, laptops and desktop computers.
Examples of workstation
Some examples of the workstation are:-
- Apple Power Mac G5
- Hp Z series
- Dell Precision
- Sun Microsystems SparcStation
- Silicon Graphics IRIX Machines
- Apple Mac Pro
- Apple Macbook Pro