workstation
Computer intended for use by one person, but with a much faster processor and more memory than an ordinary personal computer. Workstations are designed for powerful business applications that do large numbers of calculations or require high-speed graphical displays; the requirements of CAD/CAM systems were one reason for their initial development. Because of their need for computing power, they are often based on RISC processors and generally use UNIX as their operating system. An early workstation was introduced in 1987 by Sun Microsystems; workstations introduced in 1988 from Apollo, Ardent, and Stellar were aimed at 3D graphics applications. The term workstation is also sometimes used to mean a personal computer connected to a mainframe computer, to distinguish it from “dumb” display terminals with limited applications.
workstation
(1) A high-performance, single-user computer typically used for graphics, CAD, software development and scientific applications. A workstation may be a RISC-based computer that runs under some version of Unix or Linux, the major vendors being Sun, HP, IBM and SGI. It may also refer to a high-end PC using Intel or AMD CPUs from any PC vendor. In all cases, the term implies a machine with a fast CPU and large amounts of memory and disk that is geared toward the professional user rather than the consumer.
(2) A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or "mainframe."
(3) In the telecom industry, a combined telephone and computer.
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| For years, workstations such as these from Sun, Compaq and SGI (top to bottom) were used for CAD, medical imaging and scientific visualization. Combined with large, high-resolution monitors, they were traditionally Unix based and pushed the envelope in performance. However, Windows PCs have made significant inroads in this market. (Images courtesy of Sun Microsystems Computer Company, Compaq Computer and SGI.) |
| (computer) | workstation - A general-purpose computer designed to be used by
one person at a time and which offers higher performance than
normally found in a personal computer, especially with
respect to graphics, processing power and the ability to carry
out several tasks at the same time. | |