On Fri, 10 Mar 2023, Kevin Anderson via cctalk wrote:
I always thought of the distinctions this way (from my basis of exposure
from late 1970s through the 1980s) and from a higher educational setting
primarily:
Mainframe = repairs required multiple technicians, some possibly there
full-time; regular operator(s) present, and a locked door located between you
and the machine; entire specialized room with raised flooring, extra-high
amperage specialized power sources and wiring, and significant air conditioning
Minicomputer = Vendor still provides a technician (just one) for repairs, who
drives in out in a station wagon; only a part-time operator only; an user can
be located in the same room; 240-volt wiring, but not particularly outlandish
Microcomputer = Computer can sit on a desk or in a "normal" room; broken
computer taken by user to someplace to be repaired or self-repaired; typically one user,
and only 120-volt household or office power needed.
Supercomputer = a really fast and specialized version (primarily focusing on
high-speed mathematical computations) of a mainframe.
extension cord / dedicated circuit / dedicated pole transformer
Which machines needed 3-phase?
