A note on microprocessor typology

Abstract Our intentions is to simply show the usefulness of certain classic statistical tools in domains where such tools are rarely used. Certain of these tools bring about a new vision of a set of complex objects or systems: we have chosen, as a first step, to illustrate their potential on a simple set of micro-processors. It would be possible, in a further step, to apply those same techniques in other domains of computer science, in particular in the field of software metrics. The paper is divided in two parts: (1) Illustation of the techniques, through a practical example, which permit to reveal the essential characteristics of a family of micro-processors. (2) A short theorical summary of the statistical tools used.