Main structural components of single-processor computer and multicore computer

• Central Processing Unit - controls the operations of the computer. Performs data processing operations.
• Main Memory - stores data
• I/O - provides a mean of communication between the computer and its external environment.
• System Interconnection - buses - comprises of lines of wires that provide interconnection between various computer components.

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

Its major structural components are:

• Arithmetic and Logic Unit - performs computer data processing operations
• Control Unit - controls the operations. of the cpu and hence the computer.
• Registers - provides storage internal to the CPU.
• CPU Interconnection - provides a mechanism of communication between the ALU, control unit and registers.

Most modern computers consist of multiple processors. When these processors are reside on a single chip, the term Multicore computer is used.

• Central Processing Unit - fetches and executes instructions.
• Core - an individual processing unit on a processing chip.
• Processsor - a physical piece of silicon that consists of one or more cores.