Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the part of the computer that executes software programs, including the operating system. Nearly all PCs contain a type of CPU known as a microprocessor. The microprocessor often plugs into the motherboard using one of many different types of sockets. IBM PC compatible computers use an x86-compatible processor, usually made by Intel, AMD, VIA Technologies or Transmeta. Apple Macintosh processors were initially built with the Motorola 68000 family of processors, then the Power PC (a RISC architecture), but as of 2005, Apple has used x86 compatible processors from Intel.