what is the CPU
the main component for processing data
control unit
directs the flow of instructions/data and coordinates the other parts of the CPU. it generates clock ticks or controls the clock
ALU (arithmetic logic unit)
performs mathematical calculations and logical operations in the CPU
registers
fast access storage locations on CPU where data is temporarily stored
program counter
a counter that keeps track of the memory address of the instruction to be executed next
what is memory address register
stores the address in the main memory that is currently being read or written