Dual Core Processors Explained
A computer processor takes the instructions written in computer programs and turns them into action. A dual-core processor is able to process more information in the same amount of time than a traditional processor, allowing faster computing.
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Function
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Every instruction in every program running on your computer gets funneled to the processor "core." The core reads and executes those instructions---but it can only do so one instruction at a time.
Problem
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When you have more than one program running, the core has to switch back and forth, taking and interpreting streams of data. This, coupled with the one-thing-at-a-time nature of the core, limits how fast your computer can work.
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Benefits
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A dual-core processor has two cores, allowing it to divide the incoming streams of data and send separate blocks of instructions to each core. Each still interprets instructions one at a time, but they can do twice the work in the same amount of time.
Alternatives
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Dual-core chips are just one type of "multicore" processor. Quad-core processors have four cores, and a hexacore processor has six.
Consideration
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To get the benefits of multicore processors, computer software must be able to recognize them---and as the MIT Technology Review says, writing programs that can work efficiently on multiple cores isn't easy. That can limit the speed advantage of dual-core processors.
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References
- Photo Credit computer chips and microprocessors isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
