Workstation

Workstations and their corresponding programs are designed by programmers and organizations that require a faster, more efficient microprocessor, a larger amount of RAM (random access memory) and other special features. Workstations were introduced in a time when UNIX operating systems were used for a similar purpose. Other companies who have successfully developed this technology include HP (Hewlett-Packard), Sun Microsystems, IBM and DEC. On IBM platforms, workstation is a term that relates to any individual PC location connected to a mainframe computer. The term was also referred to as a programmable workstation for IBM systems. It was used to make a distinction between a standard terminal and a display terminal. In modern corporate networks, a workstation is simply defined as a personal computer connected to a LAN (local area network). In this regard, it allows resources of one or more computers to be shared. Since it is essentially a PC, a workstation can also be used independent of a mainframe if a user has their files or applications installed on a storage medium.