Definition of CPU (Processor)

Common name includes Processor & CPU

Abbreviation for Central Processing Unit

The CPU (Processor) is the brain of every computer. Every calculation and process made by a computer is executed by the CPU.

The processor performs calculations by using bits (definition of bit), which can have a value of 1 or 0.

The most common processor is a 32-bit, but 64-bit processors are becoming more popular in newer computers. You can read here what's different between 64 & 32 bit processors.

Moore's Law from 1965 predicts that processing power should double every 18 months, but was revised in 1975 to every 2 years. This prediction was made on the basis that the circuitry, resistors, and other processor parts are being made smaller and smaller.

Currently, an average CPU can have processing speeds from about 2.0 GHz to 3.4 GHz, with the manufacturers fast approaching the 4.0 GHz mark.

In addition to this definition of CPU, for more information on a CPU (Processor), check out these pages:

Installing a CPU - Computer processor reviews