16-bit computing refers to a type of computer architecture where the processor handles data in 16-bit chunks. This means it can process 16 bits of information simultaneously, allowing for more complex calculations and larger memory addressing compared to earlier 8-bit systems. Common in the 1980s and early 1990s, 16-bit processors enabled more advanced software and improved performance for tasks like gaming and data processing. Popular examples of 16-bit systems include the Intel 8086 and the Motorola 68000. These processors supported operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows 3.1, which were widely used during that era. The transition to 32-bit and 64-bit computing eventually led to even greater capabilities in modern computers.