Final answer:
Minicomputers are not the same as personal computers; this statement is false. Minicomputers were designed for multiple users, while personal computers, which became popular with the invention of the microprocessor, are intended for individual use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that mini-computers are often called personal computers is false. Minicomputers and personal computers are distinct categories of computing devices, each with their unique characteristics and historical developments. Minicomputers were first developed in the 1960s and were smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers, but they were nonetheless designed to serve multiple users simultaneously and were commonly used by small companies and research institutions.
On the other hand, the evolution to personal computers, which began in earnest with the development of the microprocessor in the 1970s, led to affordable computing devices intended for individual users. The release of the Altair 8800 in 1975 was a significant event in the history of personal computers, spurring competition and the creation of more user-friendly computer systems from companies such as Apple, Commodore, and Tandy. The term personal computer is thus specific to this latter group of devices that are designed for use by a single individual, typically offering a user-friendly interface and being suitable for a wide range of tasks.