Instructions stored in main computer storage control the operations which occur within the central processing unit. The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of the computer system. It contains the electronic circuitry which actually causes processing to occur. The CPU interprets the instructions in a computer program, performs the calculations and the moving of data as specified by the program, and controls the input/output operations of the system.
The central processing unit, of course, is a part of the processor unit. The CPU consists of two major components: the arithmetic/logic unit and the control unit.
The arithmetic/logic unit contains the electronic circuitry necessary to perform arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also contains the circuitry required to perform logical operations such as comparing one number to another and indicating the results of that comparison.
The control unit directs and coordinates the entire computer system. Its tasks Include controlling the Input/output units, controlling the opera tions of the arithmetic/logic unit in the CPU, and transferring data to and from main computer storage.
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