Computer Concept Courses (CCC) Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer is to execute instructions of a computer program. The CPU acts as the brain of the computer, performing calculations, making decisions, and managing the flow of data within the system. It processes instructions stored in memory and carries out the tasks necessary to run software applications.

When a program is executed, the CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them to understand what actions need to be performed, and executes those instructions, which may involve arithmetic operations, logical operations, control flow, or accessing data from memory. This process is critical, as it enables the computer to perform a wide range of functions, from running simple applications to complex computations.

The other choices relate to different aspects of computer functionality, but they do not capture the essence of what the CPU specifically does. For instance, providing storage space for data is a function of memory and storage devices, managing input and output devices is handled by the motherboard and peripheral controllers, and connecting peripherals involves the use of ports and interfaces that facilitate communication between the CPU and external devices.