component of a computer hardware system that combines control unit, storage unit, and arithmetic unit. The control unit interprets the instructions given to the computer. Internal storage is where the program of instructions is kept and where data from the input devices are sent. External storage can consist of disk and tapes. The arithmetic unit actually does the calculation required by the program.
part of a computer where arithmetic and logic operations are performed and instructions are decoded and executed. The CPU controls the operation of the computer. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit that contains a complete CPU on a single chip.
main processing unit of a computer. The CPU executes computer programs and performs arithmetic functions.
