Central processing unit (CPU)

The CPU acts as the brain of the computer. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. It is built into a single chip, a small piece of silicon with a complex electrical circuit called an integrated circuit.

• The control unit

  Řídící jednotka = A part of the CPU which coordinates all the other parts of the computer system
  examines the instructions in the user’s program, interprets each instruction and causes the rest of the components to execute the functions specified.

• The arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

  Aritmeticko-logická jednotka = A part of the CPU which performs the actual arithmetic and logical operations asked for by a program
  consists of a series of special registers and circuits which are able to perform the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparison, data shifting, etc. The ALU can distinguish positive, negative, and zero values, perform calculations, make logical decisions, and transfer the results to other units of the computer.
• The registers are high speed units of memory used to store and control data.