Computers 101 – CPUs

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n today’s day and age, technology is taking over. Almost everyone owns either a PC or a laptop. But what makes these things tick. What is the component that makes them work? I will be helping you to understand the terminology used when it comes to computers and laptops.

Let’s begin with the basics.

What is a CPU?

CPU stands for central processing unit. A CPU is an electronic circuit within a computer that carries out orders given to it through a computer program. It performs basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output operations specified by the instructions.

CPU Chips:

CPU’s can also be referred to as a processor. CPUs need to be fast or else your command will take forever to be carried out because we need speed CPU needs to be upgraded on a regular basis to keep up with the consumer needs.

The latest CPU’s are from Intel, which are known as the Skylake series. Modern CPUs are microprocessors which are single integrated circuit chip. A multi-core processor is a single chip containing two or more CPUs known as “cores”.

CPUs have many components, however, we are sticking to the basic components.

1. Arithmetic logic unit (ALU):

The ALU performs simple and logical operations.

2. Control unit (CU):

The CU reads and interprets the instructions from the memory and transforms them into a series of signals that activates parts of the computer.

Where is the CPU located?

The CPU is located on the motherboard. The motherboard has a socket that differs from the processor to processor. CPUs warms up so it will need a cooling system. A cooling system can be a fan or a heat sink. With advanced technology come forth the liquid cooling system which is still a stay-away-zone to most because of the lack of information.

Motherboard:

But let’s not get too technical here. So in basic terms a CPU makes your computer come alive and follows orders.

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