Workstation def

[pd at pd]

>>>>> On 31 May 91 14:32:33 GMT, cazier at mbunix.mitre.org (Cazier) said:
Cazier> Originator: cazier at mbunix.mitre.org
Cazier> Nntp-Posting-Host: mbunix.mitre.org

Cazier> I would like to get a feel for what netters consider a "workstation."
Cazier> Since the DOS and Mac's have increased in power with the development of the
Cazier> '386 and 030's, it would appear that the PC vs. workstation lines are
Cazier> a bit blurred.

Cazier> Would a good definition of a workstation include or exclude the PC and
Cazier> Mac's? Can a workstation be a server or multiuser system and still be
Cazier> considered a workstation?

Cazier> Would the following definition adequately fit "workstation"?

Cazier> A configuration of a high performance, microcomputer-based hardware and 
Cazier> software functional unit providing an integrated desktop service to one or
Cazier> more users at a time.

I belive that the classic workstation definition used to be:
	>= 1 Meg of RAM
	>= 1 Meg of Pixels 
	Networking hardware and software

The memory restriction might be considered too little now that 4 or 8
or 16 Mb of RAM is the norm.

I think a large area of screen real estate is an important part of the
concept.

Cazier> Does "workstation" include the IBM 3270 terminals? 

IHMO No, smart terminals are smart terminals, I would not class X
terminals as workstations in the computer science sense either.  A
workstation should be able to locally process data in many ways.

IHMO High end PCs and MACs running a mutli-tasking, multi-user
operating system do qualify as workstations, but would require at
least VGA graphics.

Cazier> Are workstations only
Cazier> single-user systems, although capable of multi-user use?

I think a workstation is primarily designed for single user use, but
in a multi-user environment, eg sharing data, resources etc. The
potential for simultaneous multi-user use, whether via ethernet or
serial lines should be supported in the operating system

It needn't be put to its designed use to be a workstation.
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