minicomputer definition
<computer> A computer built between about 1963 and 1987,
smaller and less powerful than a mainframe, typically about
the size and shape of a wardrobe, mounted in a single tall
rack.
Minicomputers were characterised by short word lengths of 8
to 32 bits, limited hardware and software facilities and
small physical size. Their low cost made them suitable for a
wide variety of applications such as industrial control, where
a small, dedicated computer which is permanently assigned to
one application, is needed. In recent years, improvements in
device technology have resulted in minicomputers which are
comparable in performance to large second generation
computers and greatly exceed the performance of first
generation computers.
The processor was typically built using low integration logic
integrated circuits - TTL or maybe ECL, thus
distinguishing it from a microcomputer which is built around
a microprocessor - a processor on a single (or maybe a few)
ICs.
DEC's PDP-1 was the first minicomputer and their PDP-11
was the most successful, closely followed (in both time and
success) by the VAX (which DEC called a "super
minicomputer").
Another early minicomputer was the LINC developed at MIT in
1963.
Other minicomputers were the AS/400, the PRIME series, the
AP-3, Olivetti's Audit 7 and the Interdata 8/32.
[Others?]
(2004-05-12)
Nearby terms:
mind mouse « mind uploading « Minerva software « minicomputer » Mini Disc » minifloppy » minimal automaton
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