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CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer is the main processor which operates the computer - ie it carries out the instructions of the program being run.

The CPU has three main parts...

  • The A.L.U. (Arithmetic and Logic Unit) which performs all the calculations.
  • The Control Unit - which controls the flow of data round the computer by sending out control signals.
  • Memory - which is used to store data.


A microprocessor
Microcomputers would have a single CPU but parallel computers have a number of processors which share the processing tasks.

 
Exercise : CPU
CPU stands for   

The three main parts of the CPU are

[1] The which controls the flow of data round the computer.

[2] The    which is used to store data.

[3] The which performs all the arithmetic and logical calulations.
(Green indicates success)