central processing unit (CPU)
unit which performs data processing and controls all units of a computer, "brain" of a computer | ||||
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Central processing unit definition was found in categories: Computer & Internet(6) Language, Idioms & Slang(3) Science & Technology(3) Entertainment & Music(1) Encyclopedia(1)
Central processing unit Definition from Computer & Internet Dictionaries & Glossaries
| FOLDOC |
central processing unit
<architecture, processor> (CPU, processor) The part of a computer which controls all the other parts. Designs vary widely but, in general, the CPU consists of the control unit, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and memory (registers, cache, RAM and ROM) as well as various temporary buffers and other logic.
The control unit fetches instructions from memory and decodes them to produce signals which control the other part of the computer. This may cause it to transfer data between memory and ALU or to activate peripherals to perform input or output.
A parallel computer has several CPUs which may share other resources such as memory and peripherals.
The term "processor" has to some extent replaced "CPU", though RAM and ROM are not normally considered as part of a processor. This is particularly true of common modern microprocessors though there have been microprocessors which include RAM and/or ROM on the same integrated circuit.
The CPU Info Center lists many kinds of CPU.
(1998-10-21)
<architecture, processor> (CPU, processor) The part of a computer which controls all the other parts. Designs vary widely but, in general, the CPU consists of the control unit, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) and memory (registers, cache, RAM and ROM) as well as various temporary buffers and other logic.
The control unit fetches instructions from memory and decodes them to produce signals which control the other part of the computer. This may cause it to transfer data between memory and ALU or to activate peripherals to perform input or output.
A parallel computer has several CPUs which may share other resources such as memory and peripherals.
The term "processor" has to some extent replaced "CPU", though RAM and ROM are not normally considered as part of a processor. This is particularly true of common modern microprocessors though there have been microprocessors which include RAM and/or ROM on the same integrated circuit.
The CPU Info Center lists many kinds of CPU.
(1998-10-21)
| A Glossary of Internet & PC Terminology |
| Multimedia Glossary |
central processing unit
CPU, the brain of the computer which contains a microprocessor that controls the computer
CPU, the brain of the computer which contains a microprocessor that controls the computer
| WebGuest Web Glossary |
CPU - Central Processing Unit
The brains of your computer. In fact, the main silicon chip that runs the operating system and programs, and controls essential operations.
The brains of your computer. In fact, the main silicon chip that runs the operating system and programs, and controls essential operations.
| Jensen's Technology Glossary |
CPU
Central Processing Unit that encompasses a computer's RAM, processing, and control circuitry, including the arithmetic-logic (ALU) unit. Both the ALU and the control units are wholly contained on the microprocessing chip whereas the primary storage is on the mother board or the expansion bus. For test comparisons of Intel Pentium, PowerPC, and Mips R4X00, and DEC Alpha, see Montgomery (1994) . Montgomery ranks Pentium and Mips highest in terms of file servers. He ranks Pentium higher on most graphics and business applications criteria except for price since PowerPC is a cheaper alternative. There are, of course, other considerations. The PowerPC currently performs better than Pentium in terms of temperature, speed, and price, but all these advantages are expected to disappear when Intel introduces its upgrade versions of the Pentium. The PowerPC, however, will not perform as well using DOS and Windows operating systems. (See also Alpha processor , Pentium , MIPS , PowerPC , CISC , RISC , Operating system , and Motherboard )
Central Processing Unit that encompasses a computer's RAM, processing, and control circuitry, including the arithmetic-logic (ALU) unit. Both the ALU and the control units are wholly contained on the microprocessing chip whereas the primary storage is on the mother board or the expansion bus. For test comparisons of Intel Pentium, PowerPC, and Mips R4X00, and DEC Alpha, see Montgomery (1994) . Montgomery ranks Pentium and Mips highest in terms of file servers. He ranks Pentium higher on most graphics and business applications criteria except for price since PowerPC is a cheaper alternative. There are, of course, other considerations. The PowerPC currently performs better than Pentium in terms of temperature, speed, and price, but all these advantages are expected to disappear when Intel introduces its upgrade versions of the Pentium. The PowerPC, however, will not perform as well using DOS and Windows operating systems. (See also Alpha processor , Pentium , MIPS , PowerPC , CISC , RISC , Operating system , and Motherboard )
| Electronic Music Glossary |
Central processing unit (CPU)
A microprocessor or computer which is used to perform complex task-related functions. Within an electronic musical instrument, it is a dedicated computer system for handling the many performance and control-related messages and commands that must be processed in real time.
A microprocessor or computer which is used to perform complex task-related functions. Within an electronic musical instrument, it is a dedicated computer system for handling the many performance and control-related messages and commands that must be processed in real time.
Central processing unit Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
| WordNet 2.0 |
central processing unit
Noun
1. (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing; the CPU and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached
(synonym) CPU, C.P.U., central processor, processor, mainframe
(hypernym) electronic equipment
(part-holonym) computer, computing machine, computing device, data processor, electronic computer, information processing system
(part-meronym) CPU board, mother board
(classification) computer science, computing
Noun
1. (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing; the CPU and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached
(synonym) CPU, C.P.U., central processor, processor, mainframe
(hypernym) electronic equipment
(part-holonym) computer, computing machine, computing device, data processor, electronic computer, information processing system
(part-meronym) CPU board, mother board
(classification) computer science, computing
| hEnglish - advanced version |
central processing unit
central processing unit
n : (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing; the cpu and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached [syn: cpu, c.p.u., central processor , processor, mainframe]
central processing unit
n : (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing; the cpu and the memory form the central part of a computer to which the peripherals are attached [syn: cpu, c.p.u., central processor , processor, mainframe]
| Concise English-Irish Dictionary v. 1.1 |
CPU
central processing unit: láraonad próiseála
central processing unit: láraonad próiseála
Central processing unit Definition from Science & Technology Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Telecommunication Standard Terms |
| Abbreviation Airbus A340 |
CPU
Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit
| RF Electronics |
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The main operating portion of a computer that performs all system functions as directed by the user or a peripheral.
The main operating portion of a computer that performs all system functions as directed by the user or a peripheral.
Central processing unit Definition from Entertainment & Music Dictionaries & Glossaries
| English to Federation-Standard Golic Vulcan |
Central processing unit (CPU)
svitan-patorau-kebi (t'tum-vel)
svitan-patorau-kebi (t'tum-vel)
Central processing unit Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
| Wikipedia English - The Free Encyclopedia |
Central processing unit
A central processing unit (CPU), or sometimes simply processor, is the component in a digital computer capable of executing a program. It interprets computer program instructions and processes data. CPUs provide the fundamental digital computer trait of programmability, and are one of the necessary components found in computers of any era, along with primary storage and input/output facilities. A CPU that is manufactured as a single integrated circuit is usually known as a microprocessor. Beginning in the mid-1970s, microprocessors of ever-increasing complexity and power gradually supplanted other designs, and today the term "CPU" is usually applied to some type of microprocessor.
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