What Is the Definition of CPU?
A CPU is a central processing unit, the core of a computer's functionality. The CPU is the main part of a computer that processes the mathematical calculations necessary for a computer's functions. CPUs are commonly called the "brains" of a computer because it cannot function without its CPU component.
History
The first CPU was the ENIAC, developed in the 1940s. It was completed and revealed to the general public at the University of Pennsylvania on Feb. 14, 1946. The ENIAC was used for more than nine years. The ENIAC set the stage for the development of many more CPUs, and these early CPUs were custom produced. The next major computer developed was the EDVAC, which was used to perform operations. It advanced beyond the ENIAC, which was a fixed-program computer, by having memory storage. The EDVAC was the first stored-program computer.
Productivity and advancement was enhanced when the CPU was designed for mass production, yielding a more standardized design for several types of usage, instead of its former custom design. CPUs were further enhanced over time with integrated circuits, or ICs, which led the way for the development of more intricate CPUs.
CPUs have also decreased in size from its original form as the ENIAC. Older CPUs occupied an entire room, while CPU devices now can fit in a pocket. The evolution of the CPU, both in size and function, has allowed its incorporation into everyday electronic devices, providing computer functions on the go. From laptops to cell phones to automobiles, CPUs bring the technology of computing into our daily lives.
Function
CPUs are designed to execute a program's instructions. Programs are stored as number sequences in the computer's memory. When a program is accessed, the CPU processes the program's instructions.
CPUs carry out programming instructions in the same format as the original stored-program computer developed by John von Newmann. The instructions are executed in four steps -- fetch, decode, execute and writeback. CPUs fetch by getting the program's instructions, then the instructions are decoded. As the CPU decodes the instruction, it sorts and prioritizes the program's information in preparation for execution.
Execution is where the CPU completes the program's instructions. Upon completion of a program's execution, the CPU writes back the execution results so that it is stored in its internal register or computer memory. When the program is accessed again, the CPU may access the program's write-back information.
Types
There are many CPUs available, however, the two most-popular, most-reliable brands are the Intel and AMD CPUs. Intel CPUs are the most compatible CPUs on the market, and most software programs are designed to work on Intel CPUs. As the market leader of CPUs, Intel produces the Pentium, Centrino, Centrino 2, Core 2, and Pentium CPUs.
AMD is the next leading producer of CPUs in the market. They are very reliable and are as fast as, or faster than the Intel CPUs, and they lead the market in most graphic applications. AMD produces the Phenom, Sempron, Athlon and Turion CPUs.
Significance
From the first CPUs to the ones of today's standards, they were designed to interject simplicity into arduous, repetitive tasks, and to speed up calculated processes to increase productivity. At the beginning, they only offered computerized calculations, which was a major advancement from the errors often encountered in human calculations.
CPUs now offer a vast array of functions beyond mere mathematical calculations. The functionality of CPUs have improved to more complex, advanced levels, and the software designed to operate on CPUs are available for every field, profession and interest.
CPUs are continuously improved to offer a higher level of functionality and capability in design. Increasingly they offer high performance and throughput, a decrease in power usage, and affordability in price. Furthermore, connectivity and specialization is increased to enhance CPU performance in business productivity systems. Designers of the CPUs are constantly studying ways to design a smaller, more efficient CPU for the market.
Considerations
CPUs, or computer processing units, have dramatically impacted the way information, operations and services are performed today. CPUs lend the ability of thinking on a higher level as it carries out basic to more complex tasks. Rather than spending a great deal of time on simple or repetitive operations, CPUs provide the capability of completing numerous functions in a fraction of the time. Through the CPU, many have been able to learn, educate, conduct business, and research information through the computer. As the core of the computer, CPUs have made computing possible throughout the world.
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