Can somebody explain what "Dual Core Processor" means?

My home PC has a Pent. 4 2.6 GHz, but my new MBP has 2.16 GHz Dual Core processor.

Is it as simple as one being better then the other, or is it more complicated? I have just heard about the Dual Cores floating around, but what does it mean?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_core

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Core_duo

2 cores = 2 threads at 2.16 ghz. its like having 2 pentium 4s

imacmatt09 said:

2 cores = 2 threads at 2.16 ghz. its like having 2 pentium 4s

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That depends etirely on memory speeds, bandwidth, bus speeds, etc.

At the same clock speed, 2 Pentium 4's will outperform a single Dual Core processor 95% of the time.

spiccy said:

That depends etirely on memory speeds, bandwidth, bus speeds, etc.

At the same clock speed, 2 Pentium 4's will outperform a single Dual Core processor 95% of the time.

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yes i know that and i was just making a point that its like haveing 2 processors.