Page 16 - UNI 101 Computer Science Handout.

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in large companies to describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions every day.

Mainframes store vast amounts of information.

Figure 6 Mainframes

1.2.3 Minicomputer

This type of computer is smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers but more powerful than
microcomputers (personal computers). Minicomputers usually cost much less than mainframes, making

them affordable for medium-sized companies and organizations.

They are often used for tasks such as managing databases, processing business transactions, or
supporting multiple users at the same time. A minicomputer can support from 10 to several hundred

users simultaneously, depending on its configuration.

Although they are not as fast as mainframes or supercomputers, minicomputers are reliable and

efficient for medium-scale operations. Famous examples of minicomputers include the PDP series by

Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and IBM’s midrange systems.

Today, the traditional minicomputer category has mostly disappeared, as modern servers perform the

same functions more efficiently.

16 Academic Year 2025/2026