Download VTech Write It Right Computer Specifications

Appendix 4: Glossary of Computer Terms
As with any industry, the computer world seems to have a
language all its own. Listed below are some of the most
common words and phrases you will see in relation to personal
computers.
8087 Coprocessor
The 8087 is a computer chip designed to work with the
computer's main microprocessor. The 8087 chip is designed
specifically to speed up mathematical calculations for large
spreadsheets, etc.
8086
The 8086 is a main microprocessor chip. This chip could
be considered the "brain" of an IBM or compatible com­
puter because the 8086 chip processes all of your
computer's commands. When you program your computer
to do something, the 8086 chip receives your commands,
and executes them.
8086-1
The 8086-1 chip is an improved version of the 8086 chip.
The 8086-1 replaces the 8086 and performs the same
functions that the 8086 chip does. However, the 8086-1 is
a "turbo" computer chip. The 8086-1 can run at a speed
of either 4.77 MHz or the turbo/faster speed of 10 MHz.
Some IBM software programs are designed to run only at
4.77 MHz. To run these programs, your computer would
need a microprocessor that runs at 4.77 MHz. However,
many software titles written today are more flexible. You
can run them at either 4.77 MHz, or you can run them
at "turbo speed". The advantage to owning a computer
with a turbo chip like the 8086-1 is that your computer
can execute commands and work for you faster when
software allows it to. Happily, almost all IBM software
these days lets you take advantage of this turbo speed
feature.
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