What Is A CPU
What Is A CPU ??
CPU stand for "Central Processing Unit" The computing part of the computer. Also called the "processor," it is made up of the control unit and ALU. Today, the CPUs of almost all computers are contained on a single chip.
The CPU, clock and main memory make up a computer. A complete computer system requires the addition of control units, input, output and storage devices and an operating system.
From the Mainframe Point of View
Computer professionals involved with mainframes and minicomputers often refer to the whole computer as the CPU, in which case, CPU refers to the processor, memory (RAM) and I/O architecture (channels or buses).
ALU
ALU stand for "Arithmetic Logic Unit" The high-speed CPU circuit that does calculating and comparing. Numbers are transferred from memory into the ALU for calculation, and the results are sent back into memory. Alphanumeric data is sent from memory into the ALU for comparing. The results are tested by GOTOs; for example, IF ITEMA EQUALS ITEMB GOTO UPDATE ROUTINE.
Some chips have multiple ALUs that allow for simultaneous calculations. For example, Chromatic Research's Mpact media processor chip has 450 of them. It allows audio, video and other multimedia processes to be performed simultaneously.
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