The spread of electronic digital computers into all areas of our society has forced an awareness of their presence. The development of the microprocessor, begun in 1972, has brought computer equipment down in price and has allowed the application of microprocessors in automobiles, home appliances, time clocks, intelligent controllers and data acquisition equipment. The general purpose computer has come down in price to the point that a home computer can be bought for less than $500.

Because engineers are confronted with a vast range of potential applications of microprocessors, it is no longer possible for them to remain indifferent to microprocessors and microcomputers. This paper is an introduction to the workings of microcomputers and to the jargon used in the field.