Description

This article is from the Apple II Csa2 FAQ, by Jeff Hurlburt with numerous contributions by others.

01.018 What is "8 bit" and "16 bit"?

         Number of bits usually indicates how big a chunk of data a computer's main
microprocessor can manipulate. The Apple IIgs is based on the 65C816
microprocessor and is considered to be a 16-bit machine. Previous Apple ]['s
are based upon pure 8-bit microprocessors such as the 6502 and 65C02. These are
considered to be 8-bit machines. Sometimes II+ or IIe or IIc software is called
"8-bit software".

     The 65C816 is a member of the 6502 family which includes expanded
registers and adds many new commands while retaining the ability to go into 8-
bit mode. So; the GS can run most 8-bit wares designed for older Apple II
machines as well as newer 16-bit wares. Meanwhile, 8-bit machines are pretty
well limited to 8-bit wares. --Rubywand
    

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