Computer processing is the series of actions that a computer's central processing unit, otherwise referred to simply as a CPU, takes in response to commands that a user requests. This chip unit allows a computer to properly and accurately execute tasks fed to it via programs installed on its hard drive and funneled into its random access memory (RAM).
CPUs consist of a variety of different transistors that perform basic logical and mathematical operations that, as a whole, create a computer's processing ability.
The chip has a control unit that directs the computer to carry out all instructions, and the arithmetic and logic unit, or ALU, has the actual electronic circuitry that works to execute all arithmetic and logical operations. In addition to the main unit that allows for computer processing to take place, there are other units that contribute to different types of processing and capabilities.
For instance, computers have a graphics processing unit that allows them to display photos or videos, and they may also have chips that allow audio processing functionality or application downloading.

Why is computer processing important?

Computer processing is important for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it's the core component that allows a computer to function. Without this chip unit, a computer can't respond to commands, perform operations, download programs or run any software. Computer processing also allows computers to interpret commands and communicate with other devices that may be installed on a computer, such as memory chips, which is typically a critical part of using a computer.
The speed at which a computer processing unit runs at is also important. This is because it can perform different operations and functions based on its speed. A CPU's clock speed, measured in megahertz or gigahertz, determines how quickly a computer responds to and processes certain commands or information.
The number of cores found in the CPU's chip is also an important part of computer processing because this aspect determines how many commands the computer can run in parallel with other cores

How computer processing works

Learning how computer processing works can be a simple process if you learn about the basics of a CPU and how it relates to a computer's functionality. There are certain steps that a CPU follows to allow computer processing to occur. Before computer processing can take place, the computer itself requires information and program instructions to exist within its internal memory.
Once this happens, a cycle called the machine cycle, which consists of four important steps, takes place for computer processing to occur. From there, the instruction time, otherwise known as I-time, can occur.
Once this happens, the CPU collects the instruction in question from its memory, decodes the specific instruction and uses this information to direct the required data to move to the arithmetic and logic unit. The next steps, known as the execution time, or E-time, involve the arithmetic and logic unit and the execution of the specific instruction based on the data it's received.
This unit stores the results from the operation in the computer's RAM. The control unit then directs memory to let go of the result and store it in a secondary storage device.