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== Definition ==
 
== 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 [[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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The '''central processing unit''' ([[CPU]]) of a [[computer]] is generally a [[computer chip]] 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.
   
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==

Revision as of 15:52, 18 January 2012

Definition

The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is generally a computer chip 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.