What is a CPU?

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the part of a computer that carries out instructions. It is often called the brain of the computer because every task passes through it.

What the CPU Does

The CPU reads instructions from programs, processes data and sends results back. Every click, keystroke and calculation depends on the CPU.

Main Parts of a CPU

• Control Unit (CU): Directs the flow of instructions.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs maths and logic operations.
• Registers: Very fast, small memory inside the CPU.
• Cache: Quick-access memory that speeds up repeated tasks.

Speed and Cores

CPU speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Modern CPUs have multiple cores, which means they can handle several tasks at the same time.

Why It Matters

A faster CPU means smoother performance for tasks like video editing, programming and gaming. Understanding the CPU helps students choose the right computer for their needs.