Central+Processing+Unit+(CPU)

**Definition:**  " central processing unit: the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions. **" ** ([]) **"**A microprocessor -- also known as a **CPU** or central processing unit -- is a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a single chip.**"** ([])

**Description of Function and Purpose:** The CPU can be thought of as the brain of the computer, initiating technical responses throughout the computer using electrical signals, similar to the way in which physical responses are sent through the nervous system of the human body. Although it is does not carry out operations itself, the CPU sends signals to the appropriate operators in order to execute a program.

**Recommendations:** For students, I would recommend using a computer with either a dual-core or multi-core processor, because multiple processors can enhance both performance and memory capacity. 

media type="youtube" key="oOSuXuAHyAc" height="315" width="560" []

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**References Hyperlinks:** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">[] <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">[]