CPU

1.       What is the function of the CPU?

      A central processing unit controls the functions of most electronic products. This component accepts input data, processes information and sends it to whatever component that is in charge of executing the action. CPUs are also known as microprocessors and are at the center of any computer system. Although CPUs are most often thought of as a computer chip, they can also be found in many other electronic devices including cell phones, handheld devices, microwaves, television sets and toys.

2.       What was the name of the first CPU?

       In November, 1971, the first CPU was introduced by Intel.

3.       Referring to the graph on page 2 of the article, describe how the speed of CPU’s has changed.

    

4.       What does MIPS measure?

       A unit of computing speed equivalent to a million instructions per second.      

5.       Research (Google it) what is a dual core processor, what is multitasking and how do the two work together.

A dual core processor is a CPU with two separate cores on the same die, each with its own cache. It's the equivalent of getting two microprocessors in one.
A dual core processor is different from a multi-processor system. In the latter there are two separate CPUs with their own resources. In the former, resources are shared and the cores reside on the same chip. A multi-processor system is faster than a system with a dual core processor, while a dual core system is faster than a single-core system, all else being equal.

Multitasking:

The simultaneous execution of multiple tasks (programs) under the control of an interrupt-driven operating system; The practice or capability of handling more than one task at the same time.