According to

  http://searchenterpriseservers.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid25_gci212577,00.html

(sorry for the wrap), we have:

Minicomputer

A minicomputer, a term no longer much used, is a computer of a size
intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe.  Typically, minicomputers
have been stand-alone computers (computer systems with attached terminals and
other devices) sold to small and mid-size businesses for general business
applications and to large enterprises for department-level operations.  In
recent years, the minicomputer has evolved into the "mid-range server" and is
part of a network.  IBM's AS/400e is a good example.

In an ascending hierarchy of general computer sizes, we find:

* An embedded systems programming computer, which is embedded in something and
  doesn't support direct human interaction but nevertheless meets all the other
  criteria of a microcomputer

* microcomputer

* workstation, as used to mean a more powerful personal computer for special
  applications

* Minicomputer

* mainframe or mainframe computer, which is now usually referred to by its
  manufacturers as a "large server"

* Supercomputer, formerly almost a synonym for "Cray supercomputer" but now
  meaning a very large server and sometimes including a system of computers
  using parallel processing

* A parallel processing system is a system of interconnected computers that
  work on the same application together, sharing tasks that can be performed
  concurrently

HTH,
Ted
--
Ted Ashton ([log in to unmask]) | From the Tom Swifty collection:
Southern Adventist University    | "Thank you for shredding the cheese," said
Deep thought to be found at      | Tom gratefully.
http://www.southern.edu/~ashted  |

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