workstation - technical definition

(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.