what is different between minicomputers, microcomputers and mainframes?

Answer 1

A microcomputer is a Mac or PC. A minicomputer is more or less the same thing these days, although traditionally they will run UNIX or VMS operating systems. A mainframe is a huge computer typically running AS/400 or MVS, typically produced by IBM.

Answer 2

Those are the names of different types of computers usually based on processing power and size. The order is Supercomputer, Mainframe, Minicomputer, Microcomputer.

A microcomputer is you're basic PC. very small. A single CPU and not that powerful. Yes that include Most gaming platforms. (unless you use a server class computer for gaming, which can be done.)

A minicomputer, not as common today since PC's have become so powerful, but the Server class Quad+ processor Xeon(Intel) or Opteron(AMD) computers would be considered minicomputers. Some dual processor computers would be considered low end minicomputers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer

Mainframes are a different class completely much faster and able to handle a much high workload. and are extremely reliable. They are still used in large business and universities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainframe_computer

Answer 3

A supercomputer is a computer that is considered, or was considered at the time of its introduction, to be at the frontline in terms of processing capacity, particularly speed of calculation

Minicomputer (colloquially, mini) is a largely obsolete term for a class of multi-user computers that lies in the middle range of the computing spectrum, in between the largest multi-user systems (mainframe computers) and the smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal computers). Formerly this class formed a distinct group with its own hardware and operating systems. While the distinction between mainframe computers and smaller computers remains fairly clear, contemporary middle-range computers are not well differentiated from personal computers, being typically just a more powerful but still compatible version of a personal computer. More modern terms for minicomputer-type machines include midrange systems (IBM parlance), workstations (Sun Microsystems and general UNIX/Linux parlance), and servers.

Although there is no single definition, a microcomputer (in the 1970s and 80s sometimes shortened to micro[2]) is most often taken to mean a computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Although the terms are not synonymous, many microcomputers are also personal computers (in the generic sense).[3][4]


Mainframes (often colloquially referred to as Big Iron) are computers used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, ERP, and financial transaction processing.

The term probably originated from the early mainframes, as they were housed in enormous, room-sized metal boxes or frames. [1] Later the term was used to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less powerful units which were often contained in smaller packages.

Answer 4

MINICOMPUTER
Medium-capacity computer that is larger than a microcomputer but smaller than most mainframes. A minicomputer can handle a larger amount of data than a microcomputer and can perform most of the functions of a mainframe.
Minicomputer (colloquially, mini) is a largely obsolete term for a class of multi-user computers that lies in the middle range of the computing spectrum, in between the largest multi-user systems (mainframe computers) and the smallest single-user systems (microcomputers or personal computers). Formerly this class formed a distinct group with its own hardware and operating systems. While the distinction between mainframe computers and smaller computers remains fairly clear, contemporary middle-range computers are not well differentiated from personal computers, being typically just a more powerful but still compatible version of a personal computer. More modern terms for minicomputer-type machines include midrange systems (IBM parlance), workstations (Sun Microsystems and general UNIX/Linux parlance), and servers.

MAINFRAME COMPUTER
Mainframes (often colloquially referred to as Big Iron) are computers used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, typically bulk data processing such as census, industry and consumer statistics, ERP, and financial transaction processing.
The term probably originated from the early mainframes, as they were housed in enormous, room-sized metal boxes or frames. Later the term was used to distinguish high-end commercial machines from less powerful units which were often contained in smaller packages.

MICRO COMPUTER
Although there is no single definition, a microcomputer (in the 1970s and 80s sometimes shortened to micro[2]) is most often taken to mean a computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Although the terms are not synonymous, many microcomputers are also personal computers

Answer 5

microcomputer is the smalest, leest expensive of all computers

Besides the size and capability, the single most distinguishing characteristics of the mini computer is the manner in which they are used. It is quite common in a company for the finance, personnel and accounting department to share the resources of a mini computer or mainframe, possibly all at the same time. Mainframe computers, with their expanded processing capabilities, provide a computing resource that can be shared by an entire company, not just a single user.

Besides the obvious difference in the speeds at which they process data, the major difference between mini computers and other mainframe computers is in the number of remote workstations that they can service. As a rule of thumb, any computer that services more than 100 remote workstations can no longer be called a mini computer. Some super-computers, the fastest and most powerful of mainframes, provide service to over 10,000 remote workstations.

Answer 6

Size.

A mainframe computer usually fills an entire room, and is designed for use by a large corporation. Each user has a terminal (which is basically a monitor and keyboard) that does not have a processor in it. All commands are sent to the mainframe computer, which does the processing and returns the results. Mainframe computers are being "dinosaurs" in the computer world.

A microcomputer is a small mainframe. It is design for use in a single location rather then across an entire corporation. Again, it uses central processing for all of its work.

A minicomputer is almost a PC. Designed for a single desk, it does the processing right at that unit rather then sending the command to a central processing unit.

Answer 7

Mini computers: which we use at home generally...

Micro computers: which are used in some big machines, rockets, satilites in order to automate certain functions..

Mainframes: there are the computers which are used to process and complete huge tasks in short period, security is also embeded.

Answer 8

Mini computer :Small business purposes
Micro computer:education adn Development
Mainframe:for Organisation,Corporate,Global service