2. CPU

The CPU is often described as the 'brain' of the computer (although that isn't a technical term so don't write it in an exam). The CPU is an electronic chip called a microprocessor. The purpose of this chip is to process data. It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating and decision making takes place within the computer.

The CPU fetches program instructions from memory. It then decodes them and executes them.

So no matter what you do on your computer, whether it be writing an essay, looking at your photographs or checking your emails, the CPU has dealt with all of the data and processing required to make these tasks possible.

The CPU has several components

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
• Control Unit
• Memory (registers)