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- Calculator Vs. Computer
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What are Minicomputers?
Minicomputers are among the most popular types of computers in terms of features and capabilities. This type of computer can support multiple users and offers the same functionalities as larger systems. Additionally, they are small but have high processing speeds, making them suitable for business applications and services, among other areas. Examples of minicomputers include the MV 1500, AS/400, and Motorola 68040.
What are Minicomputers?
Midrange computers, also called minicomputers, belong to a group of multi-user systems that are more compact and less powerful than mainframe computers. Despite being smaller, mini-computers can support several users simultaneously and are commonly used in business settings for functions like word processing, database handling, and networking.
Characteristics of Minicomputers
The characteristics are as follows −
- Minicomputers are smaller in size compared to mainframe computers
- They are cheaper than both supercomputers and mainframes
- Though less powerful than supercomputers and mainframes, minicomputers are more powerful than microcomputers
- Multitasking and multiprocessing are essential abilities
- Suitable for individuals and small businesses
- Easy to use and maintain
- Small and light, making them easy to carry
- Fast and dependable
History of Minicomputers
1950 − UNIVAC 1101 is developed as one of the early compact vacuum tube-based drum machines, which shared some characteristics of minicomputers.
1956 − Bendix G-15 and LGP-30 drum machines are introduced.
1960 − CDC 160 is introduced, a small transistorized machine but considered in the "small system" category due to its high price.
1964 − The PDP-8 by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) is launched, acknowledged as the first true minicomputer due to its compact size, versatile use, and relatively affordable price point.
Mid-1960s − The term "minicomputer" begins to gain traction, notably popularized by DEC.
1969 − Data General unveils the Nova, a 16-bit system that also incorporates the 7-bit ASCII character set.
Early 1970s − Minicomputers become commonplace across industries such as manufacturing and process control. Systems like the HP 2100, Honeywell 316, and TI-990 gain recognition.
Early 1970s − The oil and gas sector starts utilizing minicomputers, with notable models including Raytheon Data Systems’ RDS 704 and later the RDS 500.
1975 − The MITS Altair 8800 enters the scene and is initially referred to as a "minicomputer." However, the term "microcomputer" soon becomes standard for single-chip devices.
1976 − Tandem Computers releases the NonStop series, the first fully fault-tolerant cluster computer.
1977 − DEC introduces the VAX, a 32-bit "superminicomputer," sparking the transition to 32-bit architectures in the market.
Early 1980s − The era of 16-bit minicomputers begins to wane, giving way to 32-bit systems, and microcomputers catch up in terms of processing capability.
Mid-1980s − Minicomputers encounter growing competition from 32-bit microprocessors, contributing to the decline of the minicomputer market.
1989 − DEC releases the VAX 9000, a mainframe system that struggles commercially, leading to setbacks for the company.1990s
1990s − The introduction of Unix-based operating systems and clusters of PCs reduces the need for minicomputers in computational science.
1998 − DEC is acquired by Compaq, marking the end of one of the most influential minicomputer companies.
1997 − Tandem Computers is acquired by Compaq, and later merges with Hewlett-Packard in 2001.
2001 − Hewlett-Packard's NonStop product line continues, running on Itanium-based processors and later supporting modern development tools.
Present − Minicomputer architectures such as IBM's System/38 survive in the form of the IBM AS/400 platform, now replaced by IBM Power Systems running IBM i. Other architectures like DEC's VAX and Wang VS have been discontinued.
Minicomputer vs Microcomputer
The following table shows the differences between minicomputer and microcomputer −
| Minicomputer | Microcomputer |
|---|---|
| Minicomputers, first introduced in the 1960s, are used across various corporate and scientific fields. | Microcomputers, which came about in the 1970s, serve a wide range of personal tasks. |
| Minicomputers oversee the manufacturing process for these systems. | Microcomputers are mainly used for educational, presentation, and entertainment purposes. |
| Minicomputers are more advanced and pricier. | Microcomputers consist of a single processing unit for optimization and evaluation. |
| Minicomputers feature dual processing units for both evaluation and manipulation. | Microcomputers are less costly and simpler to operate. |
| Minicomputers are more difficult to operate compared to microcomputers. | Microcomputers are easier to operate than minicomputers. |
| Minicomputers are larger and store data in Terabytes (TB). | Microcomputers are smaller and store data in Gigabytes (GB). |
| Minicomputers are employed in process control, administrative tasks, and financial operations relating to industry. | Microcomputers handle word processing, database management, spreadsheets, graphics, and standard office tasks. |
| Minicomputers are more powerful than microcomputers. | Microcomputers are less powerful than minicomputers. |
| Minicomputers use magnetic discs and tapes for secondary storage, especially for read/write tasks. | Microcomputers utilize tapes and discs for their storage systems. |
| Minicomputers manage multiple users simultaneously and are quicker in performance. | Microcomputers are slower compared to minicomputers, which are faster due to their multiprocessing system. |
FAQs on Minicomputer
1. What is the size comparison of a minicomputer?
Its size falls between mainframes and microcomputers. It is larger than mainframe computers and smaller than microcomputers.
2. Can you provide examples of minicomputers?
Some popular minicomputers include the PDP-11, IBM's AS/400e, Honeywell 200, and TI-990.
3. Why is a minicomputer used?
Minicomputers, also known as mini PCs or small-form-factor (SFF) computers, offer impressive computing capabilities, high performance, connectivity options, portability, and versatility features.
4. What are the uses of minicomputers?
Minicomputers are widely used in scientific computations, engineering, business transaction processing, file handling, and database management.