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." -- [log in to unmask] Disclaimer: WWFD? * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, * * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *