
Generally, a microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor (µP) as its central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Desktop computers, video game consoles, laptop computers, Tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices are all examples of microcomputers. Most of the equipment used by a microcomputer is tightly integrated within a single case, although some equipment may be connected at short distances outside the case, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. In general, a microcomputer will not get much bigger than can be put onto most tables or desks. By contrast, bigger computers like minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers may take up some portion of a large cabinet (computer) or even an entire room. Most microcomputers serve only a single user at a time, but some, in the form of PCs and workstations running e.g. a Unix(-like) operating system, may cater to several users concurrently. The µP does most of the job of calculating on and manipulating data that all computers do. Along with the CPU, a computer comes equipped with two types of data storage, a very high-speed, volatile device known as random-access memory, and lower-speed non-volatile devices known as computer storage. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include its power supply, and various input/output devices that are used to convey information to and from a human operator (Computer printer, Computer display, human interface devices). ==History== The world's first commercial microprocessor was the Intel Intel 4004, released on November 15 1971. The 4004 processed 4 binary digits (bits) of data in parallel; in other words, it was a 4-bit processor. At the turn of the century 30 years later, microcomputers in embedded systems (built into home appliances, vehicles, and all sorts of equipment) most often are 8-bit, 16-bit or 32-bit. Desktop/consumer microcomputers, like IBM PC compatibles, are mostly 32-bit, while some science/engineering workstations as well as database and financial transaction servers are 64-bit (with one or more CPUs). The :Category:Early microcomputers of microcomputers, for engineering development and hobbyist personal use, was launched in the mid-1970s; the Altair 8800 being the most well-known example. 1977 saw the introduction of the second generation, known as home computers. These were considerably easier to use than their predecessors, whose operation often demanded thorough familiarity with practical electronics. It was the launch of the VisiCalc spreadsheet (initially for the Apple II family) that first turned the microcomputer from a hobby for computer enthusiasts into a business tool. After the 1981 release by IBM of their IBM PC, the term Personal Computer became generally used for microcomputers compatible with the IBM PC architecture (PC compatible). ==See also== * List of microcomputers * Minicomputer * Mainframe computer * Supercomputer * History of computing hardware (1960s-present) Microcomputers
This page should be fleshed out and rewritten with more stuff on the actual microcomputers, and maybe divided into tentative "generations" for ''consumer computers'', a la: #gen.: hobbyist micros, like MITS Altair 8800, IMSAI 8080 &c #gen.: home computers (a. 8-bit, b. 16-bit); 16-bit IBM PC compatibles? #gen.: ubiquitous 32-bit PC clones In addition to consumer computers we mustn't forget workstations and industrial computers. Also, some coverage of microcomputers as the vital building blocks of embedded systems should naturally fit in here. : User:Wernher 21:45 21 Sep 2003 (CET DST)
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Words begining with Microcomputer:
Microcomputer
Microcomputer
Microcomputers
Microcomputers
Microcomputer_software
Microcomputer_stubs
Microcomputer
Generally, a microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor (µP) as its central processing unit. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space. Desktop computers, video game consoles, laptop computers, Tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices are all examples of microcomputers. Most of the equipment used by a microcomputer is tightly integrated within a single case, although some equipment may be connected at short distances outside the case, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. In general, a microcomputer will not get much bigger than can be put onto most tables or desks. By contrast, bigger computers like minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers may take up some portion of a large cabinet (computer) or even an entire room. Most microcomputers serve only a single user at a time, but some, in the form of PCs and workstations running e.g. a Unix(-like) operating system, may cater to several users concurrently. The µP does most of the job of calculating on and manipulating data that all computers do. Along with the CPU, a computer comes equipped with two types of data storage, a very high-speed, volatile device known as random-access memory, and lower-speed non-volatile devices known as computer storage. Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system include its power supply, and various input/output devices that are used to convey information to and from a human operator (Computer printer, Computer display, human interface devices). ==History== The world's first commercial microprocessor was the Intel Intel 4004, released on November 15 1971. The 4004 processed 4 binary digits (bits) of data in parallel; in other words, it was a 4-bit processor. At the turn of the century 30 years later, microcomputers in embedded systems (built into home appliances, vehicles, and all sorts of equipment) most often are 8-bit, 16-bit or 32-bit. Desktop/consumer microcomputers, like IBM PC compatibles, are mostly 32-bit, while some science/engineering workstations as well as database and financial transaction servers are 64-bit (with one or more CPUs). The :Category:Early microcomputers of microcomputers, for engineering development and hobbyist personal use, was launched in the mid-1970s; the Altair 8800 being the most well-known example. 1977 saw the introduction of the second generation, known as home computers. These were considerably easier to use than their predecessors, whose operation often demanded thorough familiarity with practical electronics. It was the launch of the VisiCalc spreadsheet (initially for the Apple II family) that first turned the microcomputer from a hobby for computer enthusiasts into a business tool. After the 1981 release by IBM of their IBM PC, the term Personal Computer became generally used for microcomputers compatible with the IBM PC architecture (PC compatible). ==See also== * List of microcomputers * Minicomputer * Mainframe computer * Supercomputer * History of computing hardware (1960s-present) Microcomputers
Microcomputer
This page should be fleshed out and rewritten with more stuff on the actual microcomputers, and maybe divided into tentative "generations" for ''consumer computers'', a la: #gen.: hobbyist micros, like MITS Altair 8800, IMSAI 8080 &c #gen.: home computers (a. 8-bit, b. 16-bit); 16-bit IBM PC compatibles? #gen.: ubiquitous 32-bit PC clones In addition to consumer computers we mustn't forget workstations and industrial computers. Also, some coverage of microcomputers as the vital building blocks of embedded systems should naturally fit in here. : User:Wernher 21:45 21 Sep 2003 (CET DST)
See other meanings of words starting from letter:
M
MA | MB | MC | MD | ME | MF | MG | MH | MI | MJ | MK | ML | MN | MO | MP | MR | MS | MT | MU | MW | MX | MY | MZ |Words begining with Microcomputer:
Microcomputer
Microcomputer
Microcomputers
Microcomputers
Microcomputer_software
Microcomputer_stubs
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