The Processor
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 A processor is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes the basic instruction that drive a computer.

The term processor has generally replaced the term central processing unit (CPU). The processor in a personal computer or that is embedded in small devices is often called a microprocessor.


A fascinating look inside the world of computers and the Internet.



Main
Memory
Input
Unit		ProcessorOutput
Unit
Auxiliary
Storage

Computers have input devices for reading data into main memory, a CPU for processing the data, output devices for outputting information, and auxiliary storage devices for permanent storage of programs and data.
Heart of it all
 The CPU is that little device located on your motherboard that seems to be the heart of the system. Your CPU has several jobs but only one primary objective, that is take simple tasks and do them FAST!
  • It controls the transmission of data from input devices to memory.
  • It processes the data held in main memory.
  • It controls the transmissin of information from main memory to output devices.
Clock speeds
 Processors are measured in Mhz (Megahertz) which is an expression of millions, or GHz (Gigahertz) that is thousand millions. A 400 MHz can do 400 million operations a second. A 1.5GHz processor can do 1500 million operations a second.
The looks
 On most processors you will find millions of transistors packed onto a square rectangle casing (Socket 7). Some of this casing is made of ceramic material to rid itself of heat better. Some processors even have silk screening so to etch a serial number on it. This is to try and prevent stealing and so on.

In Pentium systems, especially newer ones such as Pentium II, Celeron, and Xeon, the processor is a little different. The processor is packed into a black plastic module. This is what is called a SEC (Single Edge Connector) and is good for getting rid of heat and a better connection than the Socket 7. The processor can also pack more circuitry like L2 cache which is superfast memory.

 Intel Pentium III

Website Design
Rose Anne
 This site was designed by Ms. Rose Anne Xerri from Qala, Gozo.

Rose Anne is a Computer Studies and Information Technology teacher at Agius de Soldanis School (Victoria, Gozo, Malta).
Building
Websites
 I learnt HTML through A Beginner's Guide to HTML when I was a University Student. Some other websites built by me are the following:

Reference
 It is envisioned that this tutorial will be like a web based textbook. The tutorial text is be based:
  • on information found in 'A' Level Computing 4th edition by P.M. Heathcote (2000, chapters 1, 17 and 40).
  • on relevant material found on multiple sites on the Internet.
  • on articles read in PC Plus magazine issues.
Contact Me
 If you have any suggestions, comments or corrections regarding this site, please contact me at raxerri@schoolnet.gov.mt.

You can also visit my personal site that was designed using Flash 5 to learn more about me.