TechReflect 9/3/09

What is the difference between a mainframe and a microcomputer?

A mainframe computer were computers used for difficult computing jobs. They are still used in banks and airlines. Today mainframe computers use mirocprocessors which makes them smaller and cheaper. The cost of a mainframe computer today is around a million US dollars. MAinframe computers are used for business transactions and can communicate with several users simultaneously, using timesharing.


A microcomputer or PC, personal computer is created only to have one user at a time. It enhances productivity. PC's can be laptops, desktop computers, or workstations. It uses a microprocessor as its central prossessing unit, and is smaller than a mainframe computer.