1.3 Processors

• A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is also referred to as the "Processor".
• The main function of a CPU is to compute instructions, commands, and calculations.
• A computer works by manipulations of electric signals to its hardware.
• Computation Flow: Series of Binary Instructions (0/1) are executed by the hardware.
• Almost all of the tasks done by a computer will go through the processor, therefore, a stronger processor is well recommended when completing a computer build.
• Intel and AMD are the powerhouses of the CPU manufacturing business.
• Choosing an Intel or AMD based processor will determine the rest of the computer build.
• Both Intel and AMD companies produce processors with their own advantages and disadvantages.
• Speed determines how many calculations a processor can calculate per second.
• Unit (Hz) is a measure of frequency, where 1 Hz equals a single calculation per second.
• MegaHertz (MHz) is a unit of measurement for million instructions per second.
• GigaHertz (GHz) is a unit of measurement for billion instructions per second.
• Most processors nowadays are "multi-core" processors, meaning a single processor will have multiple cores to handle multiple instructions at once.
• Dual-Core: 2 Cores
• Quad-Core: 4 Cores
• The processor is the brain of the computer, handling all tasks from opening a window to complex animations.
• The motherboard connects the processor to other components, enabling communication and data transfer.
• The socket is crucial for transmitting energy from the motherboard to the processor.
• Cores determine the processing speed, allowing for multitasking without system overload.
• The clock frequency directly affects the execution time, with higher frequencies resulting in faster processors.
• The cache plays a significant role in processor speed by storing frequently accessed data for quick execution.
• Computers perform four basic functions: input, storage, processing, and output.
• Input devices are responsible for converting external input, such as keystrokes or sensor data, into binary information that computers can process.
• Memory plays a crucial role in storing the binary information received from input devices, providing quick access to data for the CPU to process.
• The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of the computer, taking the binary information, performing calculations, and coordinating the execution of instructions.
• Output devices convert binary signals into physical output, such as displaying information on screens, playing sound through speakers, or controlling physical motion.
• Modern computers require more processing power and memory for complex tasks due to the increasing amount of information being input and output, such as 3D graphics or high-definition movies.
• Advancements in technology have led to new types of input and output, expanding the ways in which computers can interact with the physical world, opening up possibilities for innovation and creativity.