In article <[log in to unmask]>,
Arthur Frank  <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> What REALLY makes a minicomputer a minicomputer?  In what ways is a
> mini preferable to the alternatives?  Are Un*x boxes considered minis?

When I was in college, a micro had the entire ALU implemented in no more
than one chip, a mini had it implemented in one board, and a mainframe
fit it in one rack (frame). But I don't think that's been that useful since
DEC and Cromemco ran their competing ads over whether the J-11 was really
a mini or a micro, back in the early '80s.

I think these days a minicomputer is something that doesn't run Windows or
UNIX, or if it runs UNIX it's bigger than an end-table. The terminology has
become less than useful.

--
 `-_-'   In hoc signo hack, Peter da Silva.
  'U`    "A well-rounded geek should be able to geek about anything."
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