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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 |
+ | 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. |
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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Revision as of 06:40, 2 January 2009
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.
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.