Home IT Management 16-Bit Webopedia Staff December 1, 1997 Updated on: May 24, 2021 Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Refers to the number of bits that can be processed or transmitted in parallel, or the number of bits used for single element in a data format. The term is often applied to the following: microprocessor: indicates the width of the registers. A 16-bit microprocessor can process data and memory addresses that are represented by 16 bits. bus : indicates the number of wires in the bus. A 16-bit bus transmits 16 bits in parallel. graphics device, such as a scanner or digital camera : specifies the number of bits used to represent each pixel. operating system: refers primarily to the number of bits used to represent memory addresses. Windows 3.x is a 16-bit operating system, whereas Windows 95 and Windows NT are 32-bit operating systems. expansion board: refers to how much data can be sent to and from the card in parallel. 8-bit cards are sometimes called half-size cards whereas 16-bit cards are referred to as full-size cards. Webopedia StaffSince 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page. Top Articles The Complete List of 1500+ Common Text Abbreviations & Acronyms Social Media Vangie Beal - April 6, 2021 1 From A3 to ZZZ we list 1,559 SMS, online chat, and text abbreviations to help you translate and understand today's texting lingo. Includes Top... Read more Windows Operating System History & Versions Operating Systems Vangie Beal - January 16, 2012 0 The Windows operating system (Windows OS) refers to a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft Corporation. We look at the history of Windows... Read more How to Create a Website Shortcut on Your Desktop Browsers Vangie Beal - April 6, 2021 0 Website Shortcut on Your Desktop reviewed by Web Webster This Webopedia guide will show you how to create a website shortcut on your desktop using... Read more Generations of Computers (1st to 5th) Computers Vangie Beal - April 6, 2021 0 Reviewed by Web Webster Learn about each of the 5 generations of computers and major technology developments that have led to the computing devices that... Read more Related Articles Definitions Blockchain Blockchain is one of the core technologies behind cryptocurrency. Blockchain is a system... Ali Azhar - October 15, 2021 0 Read more Definitions Cached Data Cached data is designed to improve the user experience when browsing the internet... Ali Azhar - October 15, 2021 0 Read more Definitions CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) A CCTV or closed-circuit television is a system of interconnected cameras that capture... Chika C Uchendu - October 15, 2021 0 Read more
