Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers

Hello, readers welcome to the new learning module. In this tutorial, we will discuss the Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers. These two modules are different types of laptops but mainframe computer provides larger features and high capability as well as memory than minicomputers with high speed. Mainframe computers were created to handle the process mostly used for services.

After that minicomputers were created having small sizes that operate as individual and high-end devices. In this post, we will discuss both and find their differences. So let’s get started, the Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers. So let’s get started, the Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers.

What is a mainframe computer?

• The mainframe computer is a type of computer that has a larger structure high speed, and high memory size.

• The size of this computer can occupy your complete bedroom. This computer is mostly used at the central point of any application that has a CPU attached to many points like input and output devices. This feature makes it useful that many users can use this one unit of CPU
• This computer is also called a multiprogramming and multiuser computer. It has features to handle thousands of users
• Its common applications are railways airline backing and some commercial uses since their huge data is handled
• There are two types of terminals used for mainframe computers, dumb and intelligent terminals. The dump terminal comes with input and output devices but no data is stored at these this terminals
• Intelligent terminals have input and output devices but process data. These two terminals can not store data

Features of Mainframe Computer

• These computers need trained operators and certain space to operate
• This computer can control the operation of many devices and users
• Through this computer, you can handle high data and millions of operations
• The faults existing in this computer can be easily solved without having any impact on the operation
• It has compatibility with larger size memory unit

What is a Minicomputer

• The minicomputer is called Mini is a type of small computing module. It was created at mid of the mid-1960s.
• These computer comes in small sizes but is equipped with all the features of larger-size computers.
• Minicomputers are mid-level computers between mainframe and microcomputers, that has a larger size than a microcomputer and less than a mainframe

• There are two or more processors that exist in the minicomputer which is known as a multiprocessor computer.
• These computers are used in different organizations and offices to perform basic operations like billing, inventory, accounting, etc
• These computers are known as minicomputers since their circuits consist of transistors and core memory
• Common types of minicomputers are Tablet PC Desktop Mini PC iPad

Features of Minicomputer

• Some features and characteristics of a minicomputer are discussed here
• These computers used by any single person and small offices
• This computer performs multitasking
• it is smaller in size than a mainframe computer
• Their prices are also lessened main frame and other high computers
• It is less powerful than a mainframe but high powerful than a minicomputer

Advantages of Minicomputer

• The main benefits of this computer are discussed here
• It has a highly reliable operation
• High-speed computer
• Can be transferred to any other place since it is portable
• It is small in size and easy to repair

Disadvantages of Minicomputer

• With benefits, it has some drawbacks
• Their display screen is smaller so some tasks that need larger screens can’t be performed on this computer
• Their memory is less and store limited data
• Their keyboard is small in size
• It cannot easy to use since having different types of operating systems
• It did not support the CD/DVD
• Some minicomputers also do not have USB ports

Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers

• The mainframe is a server-based computer. That has high processing power, a larger memory, and can handle larger operations. While a minicomputer is a small-sized computer that has fewer features than a mainframe computer. That was used in the 1960s
• Process speed is high, high reliability, and mainframe computers do durable operation while minicomputers are high prices, less weight, easy to take to another place, high speed perform multitask,.
• The architecture of the main computer is server or hub, while a minicomputer is small in size, then mainframes but performs numerous operations and provides batch processing
• Common applications of mainframes are ERP, banks, Education systems, airlines, hospitals, military, and applications of Minicomputers are data retrieval, file handling, database, and engineering problem solutions
• IBM zSeries, System z9 and System z10 servers Are mainframe computers and IBM’s AS/400e, Honeywell200, TI-990 minicomputers.

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That is all about the Difference between Mainframes and Mini Computers all details have been explained That will help you to find the basic differences between a mainframe and a minicomputer.