A central processing unit (CPU), or sometimes simply processor, is the component in a digital computer that interprets instructions and processes data contained in computer programs. CPUs provide the fundamental digital computer trait of programmability, and are one of the necessary components found in computers of any era, along with primary storage and input/output facilities. A CPU that is manufactured using integrated circuits is known as a microprocessor. Since the mid-1970s, single-chip microprocessors have almost totally replaced all other types of CPUs, and today the term "CPU" is usually applied to some type of microprocessor.

The phrase "central processing unit" is, in general terms, a description of a certain class of logic machines that can execute complex computer programs. This broad definition can easily be applied to many early computers that existed long before the term "CPU" ever came into widespread usage. However, the term itself and its initialism have been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s . The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation has remained much the same.

Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger, usually one-of-a-kind, computer. However, this costly method of designing custom CPUs for a particular application has largely given way to the development of inexpensive and standardized classes of processors that are suited for one or many purposes. This standardization trend generally began in the era of discrete transistor mainframes and minicomputers and has rapidly accelerated with the popularization of the integrated circuit (IC). The IC has allowed increasingly complex CPUs to be designed and manufactured in very small spaces (on the order of millimeters). Both the miniaturization and standardization of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones to children's toys.

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Forbes.com: Collecting News

Beautiful Baumeister
Nina P. West, Artfact.com Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:55:11 -0000
An abstract painting by an artist Hitler labeled a ''degenerate'' sells at auction for over half a million dollars.
Gilding The Water Lily
Nina P. West, Artfact.com Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:15:00 -0000
One of Monet's iconic aquatic landscapes sells for over $80 million.
Game On
Nina West, Artfact.com Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000
Over in Toronto, a pristine Victorian game box beat the odds and scored an impressive $8,800 at auction.

Today's Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Exhibitions and Events

Jul 25: Guided Tours - Introduction to Museum Collections
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:52:24 -0500
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM One-hour tours, given by Museum-trained guides, feature masterpieces from the collections. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details(c) 2006 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Jul 25: Guided Tours - Art of Asia
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:52:24 -0500
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM One-hour tours, given by Museum-trained guides, feature masterpieces from this collection. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details Related Collection: Art of Asia, Oceania and Africa(c) 2006 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Jul 25: Guided Tours - Art of Europe
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:52:24 -0500
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM One-hour tours, given by Museum-trained guides, feature masterpieces from this collection. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details Related Collection: Art of Europe Language: English(c) 2006 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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