The Intel 8088 is a microprocessor introduced by Intel in 1979. It is an early member of the x86 family and features a 16-bit architecture, allowing it to process data in 16-bit chunks. The 8088 has a 20-bit address bus, enabling it to access up to 1 megabyte of memory. This processor was widely used in the original IBM PC, which helped establish the standard for personal computers. The Intel 8088 operates using a clock speed of 4.77 MHz, making it suitable for basic computing tasks of its time. It supports a variety of instructions and can run multiple software applications, contributing to the growth of the personal computing industry. Its design laid the groundwork for future processors in the x86 series.