Often called simply 'the brain' of a computer, the CPU, or central processing unit is essentially that. It is the component in the computer that interprets instructions and processes data. Computer processors basically process the information coming into the computer and provide the fundamental trait of programmability.
The basic operation performed by most computer processors is to execute programs. Programs are represented as a sequence of numbers. The steps a computer processor uses in its operation are: fetch, decode, execute and writeback. Fetch is essentially retrieving an instruction. This determines what the computer processor is to do. Then the CPU decodes the instructions so that it can determine what instructions to follow and in what order.
The instructions are broken down to parts that are significant to certain portions of the CPU. Once the fetch and decode functions are completed, the computer processor performs the execute step. The various portions of the computer processor are connected to perform the required operation. Finally, the writeback step is performed. This is simply the CPU reporting back what is has done to some form of memory.
Computer processors have something called a clock rate. This is the rate in cycles per second, measured in hertz at which a computer performs its basic operations. The faster the clock rate, the faster the computer processor.
Since computer processors perform some of the most intense functions in a computer, they produce a lot of heat. This heat must be dissipated or the CPU will have a shorter lifespan or may malfunction. This is usually accomplished using heatsinks to disperse the heat energy, fans and in some cases, softcoolers which halt computer operations when not in use or by underclocking the computer processor.
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