Minicomputer

Minicomputer (English minicomputer ) is a term for a class of computers. The term originated in the late 1960s, when the first "small" computers were built. Klein then meant that the computer no longer filled rooms, but consisted only of one or more cabinets. Some minicomputers were so small that one had been on a stable desk can provide.

The systems designed for commercial applications of these models computer class formed the Medium Data technology.

From the technical aspect minicomputer of the second and third generation of computers are attributable.

In order to create a smaller and priced cheaper option to the mainframe computers, developed by the American company Digital Equipment Corporation ( DEC) in the 1960s, the PDP -1. This first minicomputer was about the size of a cupboard. On March 22, 1965, the much smaller PDP-8 was introduced in New York. It cost about $ 16,000, and ran at a clock frequency of 1 megahertz. The first PDP -8 series was built entirely with discrete semiconductor technology (second generation). From 1970, the PDP-11 family was joined added. The first PDP-11 already built on integrated circuits. Both computers families have been extended several times and also found in newer technologies. There are 8 PDP and PDP -11 microprocessors. It can therefore be said that the last models of the PDP were not really minicomputer more. Use was made of the PDP series, especially in universities, as well as larger companies and authorities who finally saw the opportunity to integrate computer technology in research, teaching and other activities.

In the 1980s, minicomputers were ousted by the building on 32- bit microprocessor technology machines of the fourth generation, resulting in significant losses in the respective manufacturers. It is not assumed that home users would use personal computers on a large scale. But it was different, and especially DEC and IBM overslept this development, what profit losses of up to several billion dollars were not uncommon.

By the early 1990s, the market had to be restructured. Many companies such as Philips, Nixdorf, Data General and Wang oriented to new or disappeared completely.

Selection of mini computers

  • DEC PDP
  • Prime Computer
  • Data General Nova
  • IBM AS/400 and iSeries
  • Nixdorf 820
  • HP 3000 Series
  • Norsk Data NORD -1, NORD -10 and NORD -100
  • Honeywell Series 16
Wang Laboratories Hewlett-Packard NORD-1 NORD-10 Superminicomputer
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