What is a Processor

The processor is the brain of the computer. It handles all the processes and transactions done by a personal computer. CPU and processor are used interchangeably. CPU or processor is housed in a single chip called microprocessor.

Components of CPU: The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations. The control unit (CU), which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and execute them, calling on the ALU when necessary. CPU was housed inside a silicon chip called microprocessor. Microprocessor has three basic characteristics which are: Instruction set - The set of instructions that the microprocessor can execute. Bandwidth - The number of bits processed in a single instruction. Clock speed - Given in megahertz (MHz or GHz), the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the processor can execute.