Tutorial Summary

The following points summarize the key concepts in this tutorial.

The CPU (central processing unit)-a microprocessor-is the centerpiece of today's computers.
Clock speed is only one determining factor in identifying overall performance of a processor.
Processors are generally defined by their speed, the size of the external data bus, and the size of the address bus.
The development of the 80286 processor introduced the concepts of real and protected modes and allowed the use of up to 16 MB of memory.
The development of the 80386 processor brought about 32-bit processing and allowed up to 4 GB of memory.
The 80486 processor is a souped-up version of the 80386 and introduced the use of cache memory.
The Pentium chip began a new line of processors and technology, incorporating RISC and true multithreading capabilities in an Intel microprocessor for the first time.
The Intel Pentium III further extended PC performance with advanced cache technology and streamlined code handling.
Today's standard processor is the Pentium III, with processor speeds of 500 MHz and greater.

It is important for a computer technician to know the technological advances made by each successive generation of computers.
Simply upgrading the CPU can often lengthen the lifespan of a computer.