[ong_1988]

What are dual core and quad core processors? What impacts and differences would they make as compared to the past processor?

[Joe the answer man]

Multiple processors on the same chip. This enhances the computers ability to do more than one thing at a time.get more info from the wikihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_core

[chicagoegypt26]

dual processors means a set of 2 processors.quad means 4.Rather than having a single processor, if you have 2 or 4 or more, then the processor (aka CPU) control different processes (or applications).Lets say one is hogging the CPU because it requires it for a long time, then the other one takes over and thus you have more CPU usage available for other things.It is much better in the sense that you are using more resources than you would if you just had one.

[Titus W]

I'll try to keep this simple...The processor is the primary "computing" part of the computer.The vast majority of computers have a "single core" processor. The thing runs so fast for most applications that when doing multiple applications, such as opening up several windows/programs, it appears as if everything is happening at the same time. But, in reality, it is doing what is called, "multitasking." The processor gives some time to this application, sort of puts a bookmark where it left off, goest to the next application, sort of puts a book mark where it left off, etc., until each process has had a share of time, then it goes back to the book mark of the first process, and the cycle continues.Dual core processors are capable of true parallel processing, which means doing 2 applications at the same time. To effectively use this, the operating system and software have to be able to perform this. Windows XP can do it, but again, the application software needs the ability.Quad core processors means 4 parallel processes running simultaneously. The same considerations are given to the operating system and software capabilities.Both dual and quad processors have all the processors on the same chip, which means things execute quicker than if there are 2 or more separate processors on the same motherboard. It takes longer to process with separate processors because the information has to run on the system bus, with speed limitations due to several factors. I hope this helps.