Microcomputers are programmable electronic information processing machines whose controlling circuits are combined into one solid state (entirely nonmechanical) component called a central processing unit (CPU). Microcomputers can perform complex arithmetic and logic operations faster and more reliably than is possible manually. Some machines fitting this description carry other names, such as programmable calculators and microcontrollers, but the most familiar microcomputers are the general purpose personal computers, which include desktop, laptop, notebook, and hand-held models. In addition, specialized microcomputers are used in automobile ignitions, telephones, microwave ovens, video recorders and games, robots, public safety vehicles (fire, police and emergency medical), cash registers, warehouses, vehicle fleet management, heating and cooling systems, elevators, weapons systems, and many other devices. Growing microcomputer use has produced new occupations and increased the educational requirements for many already existing jobs.

Like other general-purpose computers ( mainframe computers, minicomputers, and supercomputers) most microcomputers handle information in digital...