Differentiate between Minicomputers and Microcomputers
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Minicomputers were developed in the 1960s as midrange computers, which boasted relatively high processing speed, but at a significantly smaller size and price compared to larger mainframe and supercomputers. But don't let the word "small" fool you. Some minicomputers still stood over 6 feet and weighed upward of 700 pounds.
Minicomputers became prevalent in academic institutions, companies and various industries, because of their affordability, size and ease of use.
However, during the 1970s, personal computing was markedly changed by the introduction of microcomputers. This new generation of even lower cost computers replaced bulkier and space-consuming older models of minicomputers by utilizing brand new microchip technology. Each chip contained a microprocessor, which controlled the CPU (also called the central processing unit). The CPU is generally considered the brain of a computer and is where all of the computing power lies in a system. It is made up of interconnected circuits containing thousands, and sometimes up to millions, of transistors.
Minicomputers became prevalent in academic institutions, companies and various industries, because of their affordability, size and ease of use.
However, during the 1970s, personal computing was markedly changed by the introduction of microcomputers. This new generation of even lower cost computers replaced bulkier and space-consuming older models of minicomputers by utilizing brand new microchip technology. Each chip contained a microprocessor, which controlled the CPU (also called the central processing unit). The CPU is generally considered the brain of a computer and is where all of the computing power lies in a system. It is made up of interconnected circuits containing thousands, and sometimes up to millions, of transistors.
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Microcomputers and minicomputers may sound similar, but they are very different types of computers. Microcomputers usually refer to laptop or desktop PCs that you use in a typical household, whereas minicomputers, which were primarily used from 1960 to 1980, are generally larger, but have limited functionality and slower processors.
examples of microcomputers
Modern desktop computers, video game consoles, laptops, tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices, including mobile phones, pocket calculators, and industrial embedded systems, may all be considered examples of microcomputers according to the definitiongiven above.
examples of minicomputers
List of some notable minicomputers
1)Control Data's CDC 160A and CDC 1700.
2)DEC PDP and VAX series.
3)Data General Nova.
4)Hewlett-Packard HP 3000 series, HP 2100series, HP1000 series.
5)Honeywell-Bull DPS 6/DPS 6000 series.
6)IBM midrange computers.
7)Interdata 7/32 and 8/32.
8)Varian 620 100 series.
examples of microcomputers
Modern desktop computers, video game consoles, laptops, tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices, including mobile phones, pocket calculators, and industrial embedded systems, may all be considered examples of microcomputers according to the definitiongiven above.
examples of minicomputers
List of some notable minicomputers
1)Control Data's CDC 160A and CDC 1700.
2)DEC PDP and VAX series.
3)Data General Nova.
4)Hewlett-Packard HP 3000 series, HP 2100series, HP1000 series.
5)Honeywell-Bull DPS 6/DPS 6000 series.
6)IBM midrange computers.
7)Interdata 7/32 and 8/32.
8)Varian 620 100 series.
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