A minicomputer is a type of computer that is smaller than a mainframe but larger than a microcomputer. It was popular in the 1960s and 1970s for business and scientific applications. Minicomputers typically support multiple users and can handle a variety of tasks, making them suitable for medium-sized organizations. These computers often use a multi-user operating system, allowing several people to work on different tasks simultaneously. While they have largely been replaced by more powerful systems like servers and personal computers, minicomputers played a crucial role in the evolution of computing technology.