Samuel Chiltern answered
The term 'Miniframe' is a combination of 'miniature' and 'mainframe'.
In short, a Miniframe computer is a small version of a Mainframe computer system (which would typically have thousands of Central Processing Units (CPUs) running in parallel).
Miniframe computers fill the gap in the market created by organisations that require a machine with more processing power than a typical desktop computer, but which don't need an entire room full of computers.
Typical applications might involve running large databases, or detailed statistical analyses.
Similarities Between Mainframe and Miniframe Computers
Both systems will run a dedicated Mainframe Operating System (OS), which will have features and operating procedures that are entirely distinct from a typical desktop OS.
The level of specialism required in order to operate such a system creates the requirement for a trained technician, however - as this is not a system that a typical Windows user could manage.
Miniframe and Mainframe computers provide support for multiple users accessing multiple applications simultaneously. They are even capable of running multiple OS instances simultaneously, allowing users with dramatically different software requirements to use the same integrated system.
Differences Between Mainframe and Miniframe Computers
Whereas a Mainframe computer could easily fill a room, a Miniframe machine would typically be about the same size as a large refrigerator. Also, the power requirements of a Miniframe would be substantially lower, and it would need far less cooling than a Mainframe.
Having fewer components would provide less emergency capacity, in the event of component failure, (otherwise known as redundancy), but a Miniframe computer would have far fewer parts to replace overall.
In short, a Miniframe computer is a small version of a Mainframe computer system (which would typically have thousands of Central Processing Units (CPUs) running in parallel).
Miniframe computers fill the gap in the market created by organisations that require a machine with more processing power than a typical desktop computer, but which don't need an entire room full of computers.
Typical applications might involve running large databases, or detailed statistical analyses.
Similarities Between Mainframe and Miniframe Computers
Both systems will run a dedicated Mainframe Operating System (OS), which will have features and operating procedures that are entirely distinct from a typical desktop OS.
The level of specialism required in order to operate such a system creates the requirement for a trained technician, however - as this is not a system that a typical Windows user could manage.
Miniframe and Mainframe computers provide support for multiple users accessing multiple applications simultaneously. They are even capable of running multiple OS instances simultaneously, allowing users with dramatically different software requirements to use the same integrated system.
Differences Between Mainframe and Miniframe Computers
Whereas a Mainframe computer could easily fill a room, a Miniframe machine would typically be about the same size as a large refrigerator. Also, the power requirements of a Miniframe would be substantially lower, and it would need far less cooling than a Mainframe.
Having fewer components would provide less emergency capacity, in the event of component failure, (otherwise known as redundancy), but a Miniframe computer would have far fewer parts to replace overall.