A computer processor, also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), is the main component of a computer that performs calculations and executes instructions. It acts as the brain of the computer, processing data and managing tasks. The speed and efficiency of a processor are measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many cycles it can perform per second. Processors come in various types, including multi-core processors, which have multiple cores that allow for simultaneous processing of tasks. This enhances performance, especially for demanding applications like gaming or video editing. Modern processors also include features like hyper-threading, which enables each core to handle multiple threads, further improving multitasking capabilities.