Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), pronounced as /ˈsɛntrəl ˈproʊsɛsɪŋ ˈjuːnɪt/, is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.
Etymology
The term "Central Processing Unit" is derived from the word "central" meaning "principal" or "of most importance", "processing" meaning "to deal with or manage", and "unit" meaning "a single thing or person". The term was first used in the computer industry in the early 1960s to describe the part of a computer where most calculations take place.
Function
The CPU interprets and carries out the instructions of a computer program, and it coordinates the activities of all the hardware resources in the computer. It is responsible for executing a sequence of stored instructions called a program.
Related Terms
- Microprocessor: A microprocessor is a CPU located on a microchip. It is a multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output.
- Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. The CPU, memory, hard drives, and other ports and expansion cards all connect to the motherboard directly or via cables.
- Random Access Memory: Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly. The CPU uses RAM as a short-term memory where it stores data that it will process.
- Graphics Processing Unit: A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device.
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