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== Definition ==
The central processing unit ([[CPU]]) of a [[computer]] is actually made up of several different elements -- the [[control unit]], the [[arithmetic/logic unit]] ([[ALU]]), the [[register]]s, and the basic [[input/output]] ([[I/O]]) unit, and often other [[hardware]] closely linked with these elements.
 
   
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The '''central processing unit''' ([[CPU]]) is
Early [[CPU]]s were composed of many separate components but since the mid-1970s CPUs have typically been constructed on a single [[integrated circuit]] called a [[microprocessor]].
 
   
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{{Quote|is a traditional [[processor]] with the circuitry necessary to perform and [[execute]] [[instruction]]s from [[program]]s on a [[computer]].<ref>"Supercomputer Glossary" ([http://www.doe.gov/articles/infographic-everything-you-need-know-about-supercomputers full-text]).</ref>
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== Overview ==
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A [[CPU]] is made up of several different elements &mdash; the [[control unit]], the [[arithmetic logic unit]] ([[ALU]]), the [[processor register|register]]s, and the basic [[input/output]] ([[I/O]]) unit, and often other [[hardware]] closely linked with these elements.
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Early [[CPU]]s were composed of many separate components but since the mid-1970s [[CPU]]s have typically been constructed on a single [[integrated circuit]] called a [[microprocessor]].
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== References ==
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<references />
 
[[Category:Technology]]
 
[[Category:Technology]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
 
[[Category:Hardware]]
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[[Category:Definition]]

Latest revision as of 01:57, 29 September 2013

Definition[]

The central processing unit (CPU) is

{{Quote|is a traditional processor with the circuitry necessary to perform and execute instructions from programs on a computer.[1]

Overview[]

A CPU is made up of several different elements — the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), the registers, and the basic input/output (I/O) unit, and often other hardware closely linked with these elements.

Early CPUs were composed of many separate components but since the mid-1970s CPUs have typically been constructed on a single integrated circuit called a microprocessor.

References[]

  1. "Supercomputer Glossary" (full-text).