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Microprocessor vs Microcomputer - What's the difference?

microprocessor | microcomputer |

In computer hardware terms the difference between microprocessor and microcomputer

is that microprocessor is the entire CPU of a computer on a single integrated circuit (chip) while microcomputer is a computer designed around a microprocessor, smaller than a minicomputer or a mainframe.

microprocessor

English

(wikipedia microprocessor)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (computer hardware) the entire CPU of a computer on a single integrated circuit (chip).
  • * 1992 , Michael A. Miller, The 68000 Microprocessor Family: Architecture, Programming, and Applications (page 47)
    • When the microprocessor decodes the JSR opcode, it stores the operand into the TEMP register and pushes the current contents of the PC ($00 0128) onto the stack.

    See also

    * integrated circuit * microchip

    microcomputer

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (computer hardware) A computer designed around a microprocessor, smaller than a minicomputer or a mainframe.
  • * 1956 , Isaac Asimov, Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction , v 11, July 7, New York: Fantasy House, p 9:
    • In recent years, it had become the hallmark of the scientist, much as the stethoscope was that of the physician and the microcomputer that of the statistician.
  • * 1985 , Micro Communications
    • The operation has installed nine Cygnet CoSystems, computerphones that send memos, letters, and even whole files from one microcomputer to another.

    Synonyms

    * PC * personal computer