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A computer whose central processor unit is a microprocessor is known as a microcomputer. A microprocessor is typically one single IC integrating the entire central processor, although some early microprocessors required a "chip set" of several ICs in the same microprocessor family. Typical ICs in a "chip set" implemented specific units of the central processor (e.g. arithmetic logic unit, microcode sequencer unit, interrupt prioritization unit, memory management unit) and/or were "bit slices" allowing the designer of a specific microcomputer to customize the word size of the microprocessor for his specific application. Prior to microprocessors, central processors were designed and built from individual logic gate ICs, discrete transistors, magnetic amplifiers, or vacuum tubes; such central processors typically consisted of tens of thousands of individual parts (instead of a handful at most, as in a microcomputer) and occupied many cubic feet of space. The smallest minicomputers (built from individual logic gate ICs) were only slightly smaller than a 2 drawer file cabinet and weighed 80 to 90 pounds; the smallest modern microcomputers can be easily held in one hand and often weigh less than an ounce, many of these tiny microcomputers actually contain several different microprocessors each dedicated to different functions.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoThat depends on the microprocessor used as well as the memory and peripherals attached.
Some microcomputers have very minimal capabilities, but many microcomputers actually have several orders of magnitude more capabilities than the "supercomputers" of the 1960s and 1970s had (while costing many orders of magnitude less).
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThat is the computer you are most likely using right now. Any home desktop or laptop is a Micro Computer.
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Classification of computers according to capabilities?
There are numerous classifications of computers based on their capabilities. They can broadly be classified into Supercomputers, Mainframe Computers, Minicomputers and Microcomputers.
What has the author Helena Sturridge written?
Helena Sturridge has written: 'Microcomputers' -- subject(s): Computers, Juvenile literature, Microcomputers 'Microcomputers (Science in action)'
Why can't Unix be run on microcomputers?
Many versions of Unix can be run on microcomputers. Xenix, Solaris, Mac OS X, and IRIX all run on microcomputers.
What organization developed microcomputers?
Microcomputers were introduced in 1975 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Computers are also know as microcomputers?
A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.A desktop is one kind of microcomputer. Not all microcomputers are desktops. There are other devices that could also be described as microcomputers, like laptops and tablet devices.
What has the author Inabeth Miller written?
Inabeth Miller has written: 'Microcomputers in school library media centers' -- subject(s): Automation, Microcomputers, Media programs (Education), School libraries 'An examination of microcomputers in educational settings with particular focus upon library/media operations' -- subject(s): Microcomputers, Education, Data processing 'Microcomputers and the media specialist' -- subject(s): Bibliography, Microcomputers, Education, Data processing
How do you xxplain microcomputers and identify application area?
Briefly explain microcomputers and identify application area?
What has the author Brian D Strong written?
Brian D. Strong has written: 'Microcomputers in plain English' -- subject(s): Microcomputers
What has the author M E Sloan written?
M. E. Sloan has written: 'Introduction to minicomputers and microcomputers' -- subject(s): Microcomputers, Minicomputers
What has the author Marjorie T Paterson written?
Marjorie T. Paterson has written: 'Microcomputers and microprocessors' -- subject(s): Bibliography, Microcomputers, Microprocessors
was the first microcomputers introduced in 1980?
yes
What are embedded computers also known as?
microcomputers
