Path: utzoo!mnetor!tmsoft!dptcdc!torsqnt!david
From: david@torsqnt.UUCP (David Haynes)
Newsgroups: comp.arch
Subject: Re: What is a Mainframe?
Keywords: micro mini main
Message-ID: <355@torsqnt.UUCP>
Date: 26 Jun 89 18:03:57 GMT
References: <125@ssp1.idca.tds.philips.nl> <20752@winchester.mips.COM> <4400@ficc.uu.net> <187@uvacs.cs.Virginia.EDU>
Reply-To: david@torsqnt.UUCP (David Haynes)
Distribution: comp.arch
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems (Canada) Ltd., Toronto, Ontario
Lines: 21

In article <187@uvacs.cs.Virginia.EDU> mac@uvacs.cs.Virginia.EDU (Alex Colvin) writes:
>Micro-, mini-, & main- frames:
>
>Someone did this by weight - mini < 50 pounds, main > 500.
 [ other examples deleted ]

 My favourite measuring stick is:

	If it lets you run off the end of memory and doesn't complain,
	its a micro.

	If it lets you run off the end of memory and complains, its a 
	mini.

	If, when you try to run off the end of memory, it swaps in more,
	its a mainframe.

Yes, this does mean that you can make a slow mainframe using chips like
the Motorola 6800!

-david-