Essential Guide to Computing: The Story of Information Technology, The

Chipsets

There are more parts to a computer than those described so far. Some, like mice and keyboards, are obvious to the average user. But these also don't have much to do with core computer technology and, in consequence, won't be discussed here. The Suggestions for Further Reading provides references that will be helpful for those who want to know how these minor peripherals work. The chipset, however, is a central element of computing.

Chipset (also chip set) is a somewhat loosely used term that refers to a critical part of a microcomputer (all computers have something analogous). The chipset performs what is known as glue logic—an interesting and descriptive term for chips that bind different parts of the computer together. For example: ...