8 Sep
1998
8 Sep
'98
11:03 a.m.
On Tue, 8 Sep 1998, Tony Duell wrote:
The rule I use is simple :
Oh boy, taxonomy again! OK, here's my stab:
Microprocessor: a single-chip CPU.
Microcomputer: a computer based on a single microprocessor.
Personal computer: an interactive computer small enough to fit on a desk
and inexpensive enough to be owned by a single average person.
Workstation: a computer designed to run Unix with a bitmapped display.
Minicomputer: a timesharing computer that can support fewer than 100
simultaneous users.
Mainframe: a timesharing computer than can support 100 or more users
simultaneously.
Supercomputer: a superscalar computer typically optimized for vector
operations.
and some finer grain classes:
Single-board computer: a computer with CPU, memory, and I/O support on a
single board.
Programmable calculator: a computer without general-purpose alphanumeric
data processing and display facilities.
Embedded computer: a computer that requires cross-development in order to
reprogram.
All-in-one computer: a computer with built-in display, keyboard, and
storage device.
Portable computer: an all-in-one computer designed to be easily
transportable by a single average person.
Laptop computer: a portable computer weighing less than 12 lbs.
Notebook computer: a laptop computer with A4 (8.5x11) dimensions or
smaller.
Handheld computer: a notebook computer weighing less than 2 lbs.
-- Doug