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Difference between Microcomputer and Minicomputer
Computers are of different types like micro, mini, mainframe, and super. All types of computers have different functions. Some of them are used as personal computers while some are used as servers, web servers, etc. In this article, we will discuss the difference between microcomputers and minicomputers.
What is Microcomputer?
Microcomputers can be used as personal computers which consist of a single-chip CPU, memory, I/O buses, etc. Microcomputers can be used as desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. Only one user can use these computers at a time.
Uses of Microcomputers
Microcomputers have different uses and we will; discuss about them here.
- Gaming Systems ? Xbox and PlayStation are the popular gaming microcomputers which can be used to play games.
- Internet of Things (IoT) ? Many Internet of Things (IoT) devices are currently available in the market and are being used at many places. These devices may include home appliances, wearable devices, remote monitoring, and many more.
- Industrial Control Systems ? Microcomputers are used in industries to keep track on machinery and manufacturing processes.
- Personal Computers ? Personal computers like desktops and laptops are being used widely. Different types of operating systems like Linux, Windows, etc. are installed on them as system software. Many applications software are also installed so that users can use them to write, paint, and do a lot of other things.
- Point of Sale System ? Point of Sale are the microcomputers in which retail settings are used. These settings are beneficial for inventory management and sales transactions.
What is Minicomputer?
Minicomputers are larger than microcomputers and can be used for different purposes as they have more capabilities and features than microcomputers. Multiple users can use a system at a time. Because of its multiprocessing abilities. It can be used for business applications, online processing, batch processing, etc.
Uses of Minicomputers
Minicomputers have different uses and we will discuss them here.
- Scientific and Engineering Applications ? The performance of minicomputers is very fast and they have the ability to process data at a very fast speed. The scientific applications that can run on these computers include data analysis, simulations, etc.
- Large-Scale Data Processing ? Data centers are a type of minicomputer and their job is to process and store a large amount of data. Such computers are used in financial institutions, health care industries, manufacturing industries, etc.
- Radar Systems ? Minicomputers can be used in radar systems, missile guidance systems, etc. as they can easily run applications related to military and defense.
- Telecommunications ? Telecommunications is a field in which a large amount of data has to be stored and processed. This process can be done by minicomputers.
- Network Servers ? There are many services like email, sending messages, database management, etc. All these network servers use minicomputers for data processing.
Difference between Microcomputers and Minicomputers
There are a lot of differences between microcomputers and minicomputers and they can be found in the table below.
| Microcomputers | Minicomputers |
|---|---|
| Microcomputers were introduced in 1970 and can be used for office work and other small purposes. | Minicomputers came into the picture in 1960 and their usage was to operate businesses. |
| Microcomputers are suitable for education, entertainment, office work, and many more. | Companies use minicomputers to manage inventories and control manufacturing. |
| Single-processing optimization can be found in microcomputers. | Double optimization can be found in minicomputers. |
| Microcomputers consist of a single processor. | Minicomputers consist of multiple processors. |
| Storage capacity is low and data can be stored in Gigabytes | Storage capacity is high and data storage can be done in Terabytes |
| Database management, word processing, spreadsheet, etc. applications can run on microcomputers. | Financial applications, accounting systems, military applications, etc., can run on minicomputers. |
| Microcomputers can be used easily | Minicomputers are comparatively difficult to use. |
| Microcomputers are comparatively available at low cost. | Minicomputers are comparatively available at a high cost. |
| The performance of microcomputers is comparatively slow. | The performance of minicomputers is comparatively fast. |
| Storage devices used in microcomputers are disks and tapes. | Magnetic disks or tapes are used as secondary storage devices. |
Conclusion
Computers are of different types and in this article, we have discussed the difference between microcomputers and minicomputers. Microcomputers use single processors and are used for word processing, spreadsheets, entertainment, and many other types of applications. Their speed and performance are slower than minicomputers.
Minicomputers perform at a fast speed and are used in defense systems, database management systems, and many other types of industries. Minicomputers have many processors due to which their performance speed is very high.
FAQs on Microcomputers Vs. Minicomputers
1. Storage capacity of which computer is better?
The storage capacity of minicomputers is better than microcomputers. Microcomputers use disks and tapes for storage while these are secondary storage devices for minicomputers.
2. Which computer is available at a low price?
Microcomputers are available at low price in comparison to minicomputers. Microcomputers are used for word processing entertainment etc. The price of Minicomputers is high and is used in different industries.
3. What is the measurement of the storage capacity of microcomputers and minicomputers?
The storage capacity of microcomputers is low and the data is stored in Gigabytes. The storage capacity of minicomputers is high and is measured in terabytes.
4. How many processors are available in microcomputers and minicomputers?
Microcomputer has only a single processor due to which its performance is slow in comparison to minicomputers which have multiple processors.
5. When were microcomputers and minicomputers introduced?
Minicomputers were introduced in 1960 while microcomputers were introduced in 1970.
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