The architecture of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The purpose of the CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most important hardware component in a computer. It has two main functions:
- to process data and instructions
- to control the rest of the computer system
All programs and data processing are run in the CPU and all hardware components are, to some extent, controlled by it.
A A computer designed to be able to carry out a wide range of instructions. is a computer that is designed to be able to carry out many different tasks. A PC is an example of a general purpose computer. Among other things, it can be used to:
- access the internet
- browse the world wide web
- use word processing The programs, applications and data in a computer system. Any parts of a computer system that aren't physical.
- play games
- communicate via email and social media
- design and build web pages
- store and retrieve Units of information. In computing there can be different data types, including integers, characters and Boolean. Data is often acted on by instructions.
- play videos and music
Each of these tasks is called an A software program that allows a user to perform a specific task.. Any computer that can have many applications, such as those listed, is a general purpose computer.
Apart from PCs and laptops, the following devices are also classed as general purpose computers:
- tablets - like PCs, they can run a variety of applications
- smartphones - today's smartphones can also run a variety of applications
- games consoles - as well as games, modern consoles also allow users to watch videos, play music and browse the internet
- media systems in cars - allow users to navigate, listen to music and connect to a smartphone
Hardware and software
General purpose computers consist of The physical parts of a computer system, eg a graphics card, hard disk drive or CD drive. and software. Hardware is the physical components of the computer, such as the Central processing unit - the brain of the computer that processes program instructions. , A device used to store large amounts of data. , A screen that displays output from a computer., keyboard and mouse. Software is the Sequences of instructions for a computer. that run on a computer.
The general purpose computer model
All general purpose computers follow the same basic model.
The diagram illustrates the flow of data within a computer. Data is input, processed and then either output or sent to Non-volatile memory external to the CPU and used for long-term storage of programs and data.. It is held in primary The part of a computer that stores data. while it is being processed.
The CPU receives A single action that can be performed by a computer processor. and data from an Data which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage. or memory. The instructions and data are processed by the CPU and the results are either sent to an Data which is sent out of a system. or transferred to secondary storage.
Input is from an A device used to input data or information into a computer, eg a keyboard, mouse, scanner or microphone., such as a keyboard, mouse, camera or scanner. Output is to an A device used to output data or information from a computer, eg a monitor, printer or speakers., such as a monitor, printer or speaker.
