Minicomputers

Minicomputers

by Peter C. Sanderson
Released May 2014
Publisher(s): Newnes
ISBN: 9781483192239

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Book description


Minicomputers illustrate some of the potential pitfalls and benefits that can be gained if a minicomputer system is chosen wisely. This book is divided into five chapters—introduction, software, programming, selecting the minicomputer system, and applications. This text specifically discusses the advantages of the minicomputer, peripheral devices for minicomputer systems, arithmetical software, and operating systems. The nature of programming language, typical minicomputer assembly language functions, and feasibility study are also elaborated. This monograph likewise covers the preparation of tender, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) applications, and unusual applications of minicomputers. This publication is beneficial to all potential users such as scientists, research workers, process control engineers, and business managers, including educationalists concerned with computer education.

Table of contents

  1. Front Cover
  2. Minicomputers
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Table of Contents
  5. Preface
  6. Chapter 1. Introduction to Minicomputers
    1. Advantages of the minicomputer
    2. History
    3. Current uses
    4. Factors resulting in low cost
    5. Core storage
    6. Semiconductor storage
    7. Organisation of storage
    8. Instruction set
    9. Addressing techniques
    10. Interrupts
    11. Input and output transfers
    12. File storage
    13. Output
    14. Terminals
  7. Chapter 2. Software
    1. Operating systems (1/2)
    2. Operating systems (2/2)
    3. Emulators
    4. Loaders and other systems utilities
    5. Engineering Diagnostic Software
    6. Arithmetical software
    7. Program development ('debugging') software
    8. Compilers and assemblers
    9. Applications software
  8. Chapter 3. Programming
    1. First stages in designing a program
    2. The nature of programming language
    3. Machine code and assembly language
    4. Typical minicomputer assembly language functions
    5. Minicomputer assembly language addressing
    6. High-level languages and the minicomputer
    7. Languages for real-time processing
    8. Program development
    9. Desk checking
  9. Chapter 4. Selecting the Minicomputer System
    1. The feasibility study
    2. Use of consultants
    3. Preparation of tender
    4. Evaluation of manufacturers (1/2)
    5. Evaluation of manufacturers (2/2)
  10. Chapter 5. Applications
    1. Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) applications
    2. Process control (1/2)
    3. Process control (2/2)
    4. Numerical control of machine tools
    5. Laboratory and research applications
    6. Patient monitoring system
    7. The minicomputer and data communications
    8. Minicomputers in education
    9. Unusual applications of minicomputers
    10. The minicomputer and commercial data processing (1/2)
    11. The minicomputer and commercial data processing (2/2)
  11. Index

Product information

  • Title: Minicomputers
  • Author(s): Peter C. Sanderson
  • Release date: May 2014
  • Publisher(s): Newnes
  • ISBN: 9781483192239