Understanding Microcomputers

Abstract

The modern business microcomputer is a device of very considerable complexity compared even with a colour television set or a modern car. The question ‘how does it work?’ can be answered at so many levels that the first response has to be ‘why do you want to know?’ Thus the operation of a microcomputer may be considered from the viewpoint of the single application user, the general user, high level language programmer, low level language programmer or system designer. At this stage the approach is taken from the viewpoint of the general user who wishes to gain an insight into the topic before perusing manufacturers’ brochures. The first section attempts to place the major components of a complete microcomputer system into perspective and to indicate the relationships between them; this is followed by a highly simplistic view of microcomputer operations, to provide an overview of the total system. The function of the major system components is then described and finally the question ‘can it make a mistake?’ is tackled.