RISC

ALSO CALLED: Reduced Instruction Set Computer Microprocessors, RISC Microprocessors, Star Processors, Reduced Instruction Set Computer, RISC Processors, and Reduced Instruction Set Computing
DEFINITION: RISC (reduced instruction set computer) is a microprocessor that is designed to perform a smaller number of types of computer instructions so that it can operate at a higher speed (perform more millions of instructions per second, or MIPS). Since each instruction  … 
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RISC DEFINITION (continued): …  type that a computer must perform requires additional transistors and circuitry, a larger list or set of computer instructions tends to make the microprocessor more complicated and slower in operation.

John Cocke of IBM Research in Yorktown, New York, originated the RISC concept in 1974 by proving that about 20% of the instructions in a computer did 80% of the work. The first computer to benefit from this discovery was IBM's PC/XT in 1980. Later, IBM's RISC System/6000, made use of the idea. … 
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