A computer processor, also known as a Central Processing Unit is the "brain" of each computer, responsible for carrying out the processes and tasks of computer functions and programs. The CPU requires the use of all the other hardware in the computer, such as the RAM and graphics card, to carry out whatever directions it is given. While they all serve the same function, there are multiple types of CPUs with different speeds and purposes.
Operation
The processor is responsible for carrying out instructions given to it by the user and by different programs. The processor is essentially what commands the rest of the computer hardware to perform according to what action is being taken. The processor is arguably the most important part of a computer's operation, since without it, the rest would not be functional at all.
CPU Speed
CPUs are designed with different speeds measured in Gigahertz; 1 GHz is equivalent to 1,000,000,000 cycles (computer instructions) per second. Processors with faster speeds are more expensive, but are appropriate for computers that will be undertaking lots of heavy work, video games, etc. You can often choose what processor you want in your computer when buying a new one, and if you build one yourself, you'll have even more options.
Single and Multiple Cores
Processors can now be built with multiple cores, which greatly increases a computer's ability to handle a larger number of processes at once. With a single core, all activity is channeled through the same core and can get slowed down, but with multiple cores, different activities can be taken care of by each separate core. Multiple core processors are best used for computers that will be doing plenty of multi-tasking with processor-intensive work.
Considerations
Processor technology is improving every day, but in most cases you shouldn't need to worry about upgrading or getting top of the line technology unless you're really pushing your computer to the limit. A single-core processor should work for everyday operations, but if you're going to be doing more heavy work, consider a different type. If you're going to run a bunch of applications at once, look into a multi-core processor, but if you're going to focus on single, processor-intensive tasks (such as games) look into a higher-powered single-core processor. Multiple cores only really help when you're running different operations at the same time, while faster processors are better for running single operations.
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