cazier@mbunix.mitre.org (Cazier) (05/31/91)
I would like to get a feel for what netters consider a "workstation." Since the DOS and Mac's have increased in power with the development of the '386 and 030's, it would appear that the PC vs. workstation lines are a bit blurred. Would a good definition of a workstation include or exclude the PC and Mac's? Can a workstation be a server or multiuser system and still be considered a workstation? Would the following definition adequately fit "workstation"? A configuration of a high performance, microcomputer-based hardware and software functional unit providing an integrated desktop service to one or more users at a time. Does "workstation" include the IBM 3270 terminals? Are workstations only single-user systems, although capable of multi-user use?
de5@ornl.gov (Dave Sill) (06/01/91)
In article <1991May31.143055.24859@linus.mitre.org>, cazier@mbunix.mitre.org (Cazier) writes: > >Would a good definition of a workstation include or exclude the PC and >Mac's? In gereral, it would allow them, but only if they meet the criteria. >Can a workstation be a server or multiuser system and still be >considered a workstation? Absolutetly, a combination screwdriver/wrench doesn't cease to be a screwdriver just becuase it meets the definition of a wrench. >Would the following definition adequately fit "workstation"? > >A configuration of a high performance, microcomputer-based hardware and >software functional unit providing an integrated desktop service to one or >more users at a time. No. You need to include: - multitasking - "large" graphically-oriented, preferably bitmapped, display - a graphical input device, e.g., mouse, trackball, light pen, etc. - a windowing system - networking capabilities - and probably more things, but I can't think of any Of course, some folks will say you need a UNIX box with a megapixel display, or better, 8MB+ RAM, the X Window System, TCP/IP over Ethernet, ... But I'm inclined to use a broader definition. >Does "workstation" include the IBM 3270 terminals? I don't know, but I doubt it. >Are workstations only >single-user systems, although capable of multi-user use? No, they're often multiuser systems, especially with X allowing remote users to run graphical applications. -- Dave Sill (de5@ornl.gov) It will be a great day when our schools have Martin Marietta Energy Systems all the money they need and the Air Force Workstation Support has to hold a bake sale to buy a new bomber.