INTEL FEATURE: 1971: Intel's first microproccessor, the 4004. This breakthrough invention powered the Busicom calculator and paved the way for embedding intelligence in inanimate objects as well as the personal computer.

1972: The 8008, which was twice as powerful as the 4004.

1974: the 8080 microprocessor which became the brains of the first personal computer. Within months, it sold tens of thousands, creating the first PC back orders in history.

1978: The 8086-8088 microprocessor with a pivotal sale to IBM's new personal computer division making the 8088 the brains of IBM's new hit productthe IBM PC.

1982: The 286 was the first Intel processor that could run all the software written for its predecessor. This software compatibility remains a hallmark of Intel's family of microprocessors. Within six years of its release, there were an estimated 15 million 286-based personal computers installed around the world.

1985: The Intel 386TM microprocessor featured 275,000 transistorsmore than 100 times as many as the original 4004. It was a 32-bit chip and was multi tasking, meaning it could run multiple programs at the same time.

1989: Intel486TM DX CPU Microprocessor. The 486TM processor generation really meant you could go from a command-level computer into point-and-click computing.

1993: Pentium Processor which allowed computers to more easily incorporate 3real world2 data such as speech, sound, handwriting and photographic images.

The name Pentium, mentioned in the comics and on television talk shows, became a household word soon after introduction.

1995: Pentium Pro Processor, designed to fuel 32-bit server and work station applications, enabling fast computer-aided design, mechanical engineering and scientific computation and boasts 5.5 million transistors.

1997: Intel's 7.5 million-transistor Pentium II incorporates Intel MMXTMtechnology, which is designed specifically to process video, audio and graphics data efficiently.

It was introduced in innovative Single Edge Contact (S.E.C) Cartridge that also incorporated a high-speed cache memory chip. With this chip, PC users can capture, edit and share digital photos with friends and family via the Internet; edit and add text, music or between-scene transitions to home movies; and, with a video phone, send video over standard phone lines and the internet.

2001: Intel XeonTM Processor The Intel XeonTM processor is targeted for high-performance and mid-range, dual-processor workstations, dual and multi-processor server configurations coming in the future.

2001: ItaniumTM Processor is the first in a family of 64-bit products from Intel.