What is the full form of CPU

CPU: Central Processing Unit

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It is also known as a brain of the computer. It carries out instructions and computer programs and performs all the basic arithmetical and logical operations. CPU is installed in the motherboard on a specific area known as CPU socket.

Traditionally the term CPU refers to a processor which includes control unit and arithmetical logical unit.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) = Arithmetical Logical Unit (ALU) + Control Unit (CU)

Components of CPUs

Arithmetical Logic Unit: This is a key part of the CPU. This is responsible of performing all the logical and arithmetical operations.

Control Unit: It is the most important part of the CPU. It instructs the complete computer system to carry out a particular task.

Registers: Registers are the special type of memory devices. They store the data that have to be processed and already processed by the processor.

Types of CPUs

CPUs can be divided in three major categories:

• Transistor CPUs
• Small Scale Integration CPUs
• Large Scale Integration CPUs

History

The term CPU was first used in Computer industry in the early 1960's. Initially the term CPU was used to define a device for software execution and it came with the advent of the stored program computer.