Is Processor A Hardware or Software in Computer System

The Processor or a CPU [Central Processing Unit] is the most essential and vital part of any computer system. It is also called “Heart or Brain of Computer”. All the tasks and operations are managed and handled by this piece of hardware, generally termed Processor or CPU. The Processor is hardware which is the core architecture of any computer system without CPU; the system is like a dead duck. Let us find out is processor a hardware or software in computer system?

What is a Processor or CPU in Computer System?

The CPU is called Central Processing Unit, or Microprocessor or Microcontroller. This Processor is responsible for handling every task and operation performed inside the computer system. 

This is an electronic chip that handles any computer’s input and output system for better usability and performance.

The CPU is a small part of the computer, a small chip installed on the computer motherboard. It can process every set of instructions to present human-readable outputs.

The computer devices work along with Processor for acquiring better results.

The CPU performs arithmetical, logical and input/ output operations. The speeds of mini and mainframe computers are measured in MIPS (Millions of instructions per second) and BIPS (Billions of instructions per second).

Different Types of Processor

• Single Core
• Dual Core
• Quad-Core
• Hexa Core
• Octa-Core
• Deca Core

Is Processor a Hardware or Software?

A processor is a Hardware Device that is installed on the computer motherboard.

The Functions of CPU {Central Processing Unit}

• The Processor acts according to the inputs given to the computer system.
• CPU is responsible for controlling and processing every operation and task.
• CPU also performs arithmetic and logical operations at high speed and incredible accuracy.
• It acts as a bridge between input devices and output devices.
• The information, instructions and data are stored in the memory with a unique address that is further used and utilised by Processor for quick response. The fetching of data is done with incredible speed and accuracy.
• All the instructions are translated from assembly to binary language to provide output in human-readable form. This entire process is called decoding.
• The information and data are fetched from memory with the help of ALU and the control unit.
• Later these instructions and information are stored in computer memory for further use.

Components of CPU [Central Processing Unit]

• Arithmetic Logic Unit.
• Control Unit
• Logic Unit
• Memory Storage

What is Hardware in Computer?

The computer hardware’s are the physical entities that can be seen, touched, and felt. The hardware’s are inexpensive compared to software.

There are two types of hardware.

• Internal Hardware
• External Hardware 

Some examples of hardware are

• Monitor
• Cabinet
• CPU
• Hard Disk
• RAM
• DVD-RW

What is Software in Computer System?

The Computer software is a collection of multiple programs designed and developed to achieve the desired result. A software developer writes this set of instructions according to the requirement of users.

There are different types of software

• System Software
• Application Software
• Utility Software

System Software 

This software is essential for a computer system; without a system, the software can not work to its full potential.

Examples of system software are

• Operating System
• Device Drivers
• Firm wares

Application Software's

Application software is handy in our day to day tasks like ms-word is used to create our document file, excel is used to create spreadsheets and so on.

Examples of Application Software's are

• MS-Word
• MS-Excel
• MS-PowerPoint
• Tally

Utility Software's

These are software designed and developed on the special requirement of users.

Advantages of Microprocessor

• Processors can perform operations with incredible speed (Trillions of instructions per second).
• Not only speed, but they can also work with almost 100% accuracy.
• They are compact.
• They are inexpensive.
• Modern processors support GUI based operating to support large programs and software.
• They can work with the latest technology like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• They do not have compatibility issues.
• They have enhanced the overall performance of computer systems.

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Difference Between Hardware and Software

#	Hardware	Software
1	Hardware can be touched and seen.	The software cannot be touched.
2	Hardware is comparatively cheaper	Software’s are more expensive.
3	Hardware is essential for the computer system.	Utility software’s are optional.
4	Computer viruses and malicious programs can not harm the computer system.	Viruses and malicious are built to corrupt software.
5	They are designed and developed in manufacturing companies.	They are developed in software firms and companies.
6	Hardware cannot be transferred online.	The software can be shared online.
7	Ex: Monitor, RAM, CPU, Motherboard, etc.	Ex: MS-Office, Pagemaker, Coreldraw, etc.

List of CPU Manufacturing Companies?

• AMD
• Intel
• NVIDIA
• Qualcomm
• Hewlett-Packard
• Acer INC.
• Motorola
• Media Tek
• Cyrix
• Via
• Atmel

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