The computer you are using to read this page uses a microprocessor to do its work. The microprocessor is the heart of any normal computer, whether it is a desktop machine, a server or a laptop. The microprocessor you are using might be a Pentium, a K6, a PowerPC, a Sparc or any of the many other brands and types of microprocessors, but they all do approximately the same thing in approximately the same way.

A microprocessor -- also known as a CPU or central processing unit -- is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip. The first microprocessor was the Intel 4004, introduced in 1971. The 4004 was not very powerful -- all it could do was add and subtract, and it could only do that 4 bits at a time. But it was amazing that everything was on one chip. Prior to the 4004, engineers built computers either from collections of chips or from discrete components (transistors wired one at a time). The 4004 powered one of the first portable electronic calculators.

 

Windows 7 is Microsoft's latest operating system for desktops, laptops, netbooks and media center PCs.  Since its release in October 2009, Windows 7 has been receiving heaps of praise (especially in comparison to its predecessor, Vista) for its stability, intuitive interface and performance enhancements.  However, the problem facing many users is deciding which edition of the operating system they should purchase.  

A hot topic of debate seems to be the ongoing conversation of eco friendly behaviour, with green being the new black as we all know. As we witness electric cars starting to populate our roads and solar panels beginning to be set up proudly on our roofs, we cannot help but ask ourselves – what are we doing to contribute to this initiative to lower our carbon footprint and help out our fellow man? You do not have to go out and buy an electric car or transform your home into a green sanctuary to do your part, however. There are small actions that you can complete daily and we suggest that you begin with technology and more specifically, your computer.