1. Micro Computer :
Micro Computer, as name suggests, is a personal computer that is specially designed for personal use and generally consists of single chip that is CPU, data memory, I/O buses, etc. It can be used by one person at a time. Its type includes tablet and smartphone microcomputers, desktop micro computers, workstation and server microcomputers, etc.
Example : Laptop, desktop, IBM-PC, etc.
2. Mini Computer :
Mini Computer, as name suggests, is a type of computer that offers most features and capabilities that large computer generally offers. It generally supports multiple users at a time so one can say that it is a multiprocessing system. It is a smaller computer designed for business applications and services, and also can do time-sharing, batch processing, online processing, etc.
Example : AS/400 computers, Motorola 68040, MV 1500etc.
Difference between Micro Computer and Mini Computer :
Micro Computer | Mini Computer |
|---|---|
| It is a personal computer introduced in 1970 and used for general purpose. | It is small computer introduced in 1960 and used for operating business and scientific applications. |
| These computers are used by people for education and entertainment. | These computers are used by companies for manufacturing control of process. |
| It is composed of single processing optimization. | It is composed of double processing optimization. |
| It uses single microprocessor for CPU that performs all logic and arithmetic operations. | It uses Multiple processors. |
| Storage capacity is in terms of Gigabyte (GB). | Storage capacity is in terms of Terabyte (TB). |
| They are primarily used for word processing, managing databases or spreadsheets, graphics and general office applications. | They are primarily used for process control, performing financial and administrative tasks, such as word processing and accounting. |
| It is more cost effective and easy to use as compared to minicomputer. | It is more costly and difficult to use as compared to microcomputers. |
| It is very slower in speed and performance as compared to mini computers. | It is faster in speed and performance as compared to microcomputers because it contains multiprocessing system that is capable of handling different users simultaneously. |
| It uses tapes and disks as storage devices. | It uses magnetic disks or tapes for secondary storage. |
| It is less powerful as compared to mini computers. | It is more powerful as compared to microcomputers. |
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