9 Mar
2023
9 Mar
'23
2:05 p.m.
On Mar 9, 2023, at 4:51 PM, Steve Lewis via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
Not to open a huge can of worms.... but...
I always considered a mainframe to basically be a "fully decked out"
minicomputer.
A minicomputer has a core CPU and memory (or racks of memory), then is
"decked out" with data storage (racks of wall-sized tape decks), printers,
pick-your-typewriter input (or two, or three), and maybe cabinets for
serial IO or modem of some sort.
So, sometimes I say mainframe when I really mean minicomputer (generally
because mainframe just sounds cooler than "mini-computer" -- that is,
mainframe clearly conveys the notion of "some big ass computer" whereas
minicomputer just needs more clarification).
What do you guys think? Or is a mainframe one of those giants so large,
you walk inside its CPU?
As so often this would be a matter of taste, so I'll just give my view.
The term "minicomputer" is a marketing term introduced (or at least popularized)
by DEC. It roughly seems to mean a computer that's inexpensive by the standards of
the day, moderately powerful, and often suitable for use for a single purpose, or by a
single person at a time.
A minicomputer as a rule doesn't require specialist personnel, nor special power or
cooling. (VAXen push that a bit, especially the earlier large ones.)
Conversely, a mainframe tends to be locked in a room with raised floors, special power and
cooling systems, and dedicated operators to keep the machine running efficiently.
I wonder if the term "mainframe" appeared around the same time as
"minicomputer" to distinguish the two. Way before when all computers were big
and hairy you wouldn't need a specific name for them.
Obviously there are computers that could have been called "minicomputer" but
predated the term, like the LGP-30, Electrologica X1, and others -- machines that were
similar in size to a PDP-11, and could be powered and cooled in something resembling a
normal office space.
paul