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| + | == Definition == |
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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 [[processor register|register]]s, and the basic [[input/output]] ([[I/O]]) unit, and often other [[hardware]] closely linked with these elements. |
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 [[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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| + | == Overview == |
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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]]. |
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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[[Category:Technology]] |
[[Category:Technology]] |
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[[Category:Hardware]] |
[[Category:Hardware]] |
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| + | [[Category:Definition]] |
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Revision as of 20:01, 16 October 2010
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 registers, and the basic input/output (I/O) unit, and often other hardware closely linked with these elements.
Overview
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.