Which term describes a large, powerful computer used for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transactions?

The term that accurately describes a large, powerful computer used for critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transactions is "mainframe." Mainframes are designed to handle and process vast amounts of data at impressive speeds, making them ideal for industries that require reliable and high-volume transaction processing, such as banking, insurance, and government systems. They excel in environments where uptime is crucial and where large-scale computations or data storage are necessary.

In contrast, a supercomputer, while also powerful, is typically used for complex scientific calculations and simulations rather than transactional processes. A personal computer is intended for individual use and lacks the capacity and power needed for bulk data processing. A workstation, though more powerful than a standard personal computer, is still designed for a single user and focused on tasks like graphics design or software development, rather than the large-scale operations typically handled by mainframes.