minicomputer
1
5.2
- noun
- /ˈmɪnɪˌkəmˌpjuːtər/
- Archaic
:
minicomputadora
- The computer industry was still dominated by mainframes and minicomputers, and as a result, the most powerful companies were IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation.
- minicomputer and mainframe
- workstations and minicomputers
- minicomputer maker
Examples
-
Using the experience they gained, the two went on to refine an outdated computer-based mapping program into SiteMap, a laser surveying system that lets archaeologists quickly map site terrain on a handheld minicomputer.
Academic text (2004) -
In contrast, only 6 percent of the respondents reported centering their information systems around minicomputers, and only 8 percent used mainframe computers.
Academic text (1997) -
IBM's minicomputer position is fragile.
Academic text (1994) -
The PDP-8, made by Digital Equipment Corp., debuts and becomes the first minicomputer commercial success.
Blog text (21) -
In reality, data processing technology had merely evolved to the point that the minicomputer industry, led by the four Massachusetts firms of DEC, Data General, Prime, and Wang, had been taking business away from mainframe computers.
Blog text (19) -
Over half (56.5 percent) use microcomputers and 30.4 percent use minicomputers.
Academic text (1990) -
Daniela writes about the history behind Honeywell's space age-era Kitchen Computer, a very primitive $10,000 minicomputer that could suggest recipes.
Blog text (9) -
A network is a means of connecting microcomputers, minicomputers, and/or mainframe computers together so that software programs and databases can be shared by science students and information can be exchanged between the science teacher and the student.
Academic text (1990) -
I have written thousands of programs on mainframes, minicomputers, and PCs using Fortran, Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, Access, VBA, and C++.
Blog text (4) -
In our office, we use a minicomputer to manage our inventory efficiently.
How Powerful
- Specialized
28
5.5
- Specialized
59
5.3
- Archaic
1
5.2
- Specialized
2
4.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Minicomputer joins the prefix mini- meaning 'small', as in miniskirt, with computer. So a minicomputer is a medium-sized computer, smaller than a big mainframe but more powerful than a tiny microcomputer, which is why businesses and labs used them.