Small computer capabilities vs. large power-planning program requirements

摘要

The capabilities of relatively small computers are examined, and their usefulness for the large problems that must be studied by electric utility planning departments is discussed. Typical calculation needs, hardware capabilities, and supermicrocomputers are described. It is concluded that PCs (personal computers) require more care for program installations and will not be fully useful until higher resolution graphics and more RAM (random-access memory) are available for them. Workstations, on the other hand, are fully suitable today and are becoming an increasingly economical alternative to large mainframes in many utility environments.