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Minicomputer: meaning, definitions and examples

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minicomputer

 

[ ˈmɪniˌkəmˌpjuːtə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

computing technology

A minicomputer is a mid-sized computer, smaller than a mainframe but larger than microcomputers. It was popular during the 1960s through the 1980s for business and academic applications. Minicomputers typically supported multiple users simultaneously and were used for tasks such as data processing and control of machines in industrial environments.

Synonyms

mid-range computer, mini computer

Examples of usage

  • The research lab upgraded to a new minicomputer for better data analysis.
  • Minicomputers paved the way for modern server technology.
  • In the 1970s, many universities adopted minicomputers for teaching.
  • A local factory utilized a minicomputer to monitor production lines.

Translations

Translations of the word "minicomputer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 minicomputador

🇮🇳 मिनीकंप्यूटर

🇩🇪 Minicomputer

🇮🇩 minikomputer

🇺🇦 мінікомп'ютер

🇵🇱 minikomputer

🇯🇵 ミニコンピュータ

🇫🇷 minordinateur

🇪🇸 minicomputadora

🇹🇷 minibilgisayar

🇰🇷 미니컴퓨터

🇸🇦 حاسوب صغير

🇨🇿 minipočítač

🇸🇰 minipočítač

🇨🇳 小型计算机

🇸🇮 minikompjuter

🇮🇸 mínitölva

🇰🇿 Миникомпьютер

🇬🇪 მინიკომპიუტერი

🇦🇿 minikompüter

🇲🇽 minicomputadora

Etymology

The term 'minicomputer' originated in the late 1950s and gained prominence in the 1960s, marking a significant shift in computing technology. As transistor technology advanced, smaller and more affordable computers became possible, allowing organizations to have their own computing power without the need for extensive resources associated with large mainframes. Companies such as Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Data General played pivotal roles in popularizing minicomputers, making them accessible to industries small and large. Often referred to as 'minis,' these computers operated on mid-range operating systems and had their own peripherals. The minicomputer era significantly influenced future computer designs and laid the groundwork for the development of personal computers, as it demonstrated the feasibility of producing compact, powerful, and cost-effective computing solutions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,881, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.