Minicomputers are mid-sized computers that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, designed to serve multiple users simultaneously. They are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers but more capable than personal computers. Minicomputers were widely used in business and academic settings for tasks like data processing and scientific calculations. These systems typically support a range of applications and can connect to various peripherals. Notable examples of minicomputers include the PDP-8 and VAX series from Digital Equipment Corporation. Although largely replaced by more advanced technology, minicomputers played a crucial role in the evolution of computing.