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minicomputer |
2 definitions found From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: minicomputer n : mid-sized digital computer From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (13 Mar 01) [foldoc]: minicomputerA 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 {bit}s, 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?]
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