Lesson 1 : Microcomputer
1.1. Learning Objectives
On completion of this lesson you will be able to describe :
i) What is a microcomputer
ii) Different types of microcomputer.
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1.2. Microcomputer
A computer is an electronic machine that stores, retrieves and manipulates or processes data. Microcomputers are microprocessor based small computer. The brain of a microcomputer is the microprocessor, a silicon chip containing the necessary circuits to perform arithmetic and logic operations and to control input-output operations. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit consisting of thousands of transistors squeezed onto a tiny chip of silicon. The chip is packaged as a single integrated circuit. Adding input-output capability and a memory to the microprocessor, a microcomputer system is formed.
Early microcomputers had a limited processing potential and limited choice of input-output devices. Present day microcomputers have wider processing capabilities and support a wide range of input-output devices. In addition to general-purpose computations, microcomputers are used for special purpose applications in automobiles, airplanes, toys, clocks, appliances etc.
High-end super micros are known as workstations. The workstation represents the bridge between the microcomputers and minicomputers. It is a microcomputer with many of the capabilities of larger minicomputers hut costing much less. Initially designed for use by engineers and designers, and today they are popular for general uses. These workstations can run more than one application for a user. This is known as multitasking. A workstation is also a multi-user system that can be shared by several users at the same time.
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