what is microprocessor

A microprocessor, sometimes called a logic chip, is a computer processor on a microchip.

The brain or engine of the PC is the processor (sometimes called microprocessor), or central processing unit (CPU). The CPU performs the system's calculating and processing. This chapter introduces you to the history of the CPU, and gives a detailed explanation of how your computer's tiny brain actually works.

The microprocessor contains all, or most of, the central processing unit (CPU) functions and is the "engine" that goes into motion when you turn your computer on. A microprocessor is designed to perform arithmetic and logic operations that make use of small number-holding areas called registers. Typical microprocessor operations include adding, subtracting, comparing two numbers, and fetching numbers from one area to another. These operations are the result of a set of instructions that are part of the microprocessor design.

When your computer is turned on, the microprocessor gets the first instruction from the basic input/output system (BIOS) that comes with the computer as part of its memory. After that, either the BIOS, or the operating system that BIOS loads into computer memory, or an application progam is "driving" the microprocessor, giving it instructions to perform.

Q:

Are there different types of microprocessors?

A:

QUICK ANSWER

There are two different types of microprocessors; they are ARM processors and X86 processors. X86 processors are named for the instruction set they use, while ARM processors are named after the company that designs them.

Q:

What are microprocessors used for?

A:

QUICK ANSWER

Microprocessors are used in servers, desktop computers, laptops and mobile devices. They are popular in embedded devices, which traditionally use microcontrollers. Microprocessors were named to set them apart from larger processors used in the middle of the 20th century

Q:

How do microprocessors work?

A:

QUICK ANSWER

Microprocessors serve as the central processing unit in a computer system and are involved in the actual execution of machine instructions. Instructions stored in the memory of a computer tell the microprocessors what to do and how to do it. A component of the microprocessor called the arithmetic/logic unit performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Microprocessors also transfer data from one memory location to another.