Microcomputer

Although there is no rigid definition, a microcomputer (sometimes shortened to micro) is most often taken to mean a computer with a microprocessor (µP) as its CPU. Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space.

Related Topics:
Computer - Microprocessor - CPU

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Desktop computers, video game consoles, laptop computers, tablet PCs, and many types of handheld devices may all be considered examples of microcomputers according to this technical definition.

Related Topics:
Desktop computer - Video game console - Laptop computer - Tablet PC - Handheld device

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However, everyday use of the expression (and in particular the "micro" abbreviation) has declined significantly from the mid-1980s onwards, and is no longer commonplace. It is most commonly associated with the first wave of all-in-one 8-bit home and small business microcomputers (such as the Apple II, Commodore 64 and BBC Micro). Although—or perhaps because—an increasingly diverse range of modern microprocessor-based devices fit the definition of "microcomputer" given above, they are no longer referred to as such in everyday speech.

Related Topics:
1980s - 8-bit - Home - Apple II - Commodore 64 - BBC Micro

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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 or even an entire room.

Related Topics:
Minicomputers - Mainframes - Supercomputers - Cabinet

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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.

Related Topics:
UNIX - Operating system

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Along with the CPU, a microcomputer will come equipped with at least one type of data storage, a very high-speed, volatile device known as RAM. Although some microcomputers (particularly early 8-bit home micros) can perform simple tasks using RAM alone, some form of secondary storage is normally desirable. In the early days of home micros, this may have been something as simple as a cassette deck (in many cases as an external unit). Later, there was a tendency for secondary storage (particularly in the form of floppy and hard disk drives) to be built in to the microcomputer case itself.

Related Topics:
RAM - Secondary storage - Cassette deck - Floppy - Hard

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Other devices that make up a complete microcomputer system can include its power supply, and various input/output devices used to convey information to and from a human operator (printers, monitors, human interface devices).

Related Topics:
Printers - Monitors - Human interface devices

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