Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

Microsoft Extended

(MSX) A Range of computers created in an attempt by the industry to create a standard for home computers, similar to VHS did with home video.

The basic MSX machine contained a Z80 CPU working at 3.58MHz.

MSX machines were produced by such giants as Sony, Yamaha, Panasonic, Toshiba, Daewoo, and Philips.

The MSX standard was designed by a company called ASCII in cooperation with Microsoft who provided a firmware version of its BASIC for the machine. Because this BASIC version was an extended version of MicroSoft Basic, it was called "MicroSoft eXtended BASIC"; Hence "MSX".

Microsoft also produced MSX-DOS - a stripped-down version of MS-DOS.

Extensions to the MSX included MSX2, MSX2+ and TurboR.

FAQ.