central processing unit
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The relationship between the three main areas of a computer's central processing unit. The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) does the arithmetic, using the registers to store intermediate results, supervised by the control unit. Input and output circuits connect the ALU to external memory, input, and output devices.
Older name for the main component of a computer, the part that executes individual program instructions and controls the operation of other parts. It is now known simply as the processor or, when contained on a single integrated circuit, microprocessor.
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