CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often referred to as the brain of the computer. Its primary role involves executing instructions and processing data, which encompasses performing calculations, running programs, and managing tasks that occur within the system. It interprets and executes program instructions, effectively controlling all operations of the computer. This processing power is what allows software applications to function and respond to user commands, making it an essential component of any computing system.

In contrast, the other options serve different functions within a computer. Storing data permanently is the role of non-volatile storage devices, such as hard drives and SSDs. Connecting and managing network devices falls under the functionality of network interface cards and other networking hardware, while displaying visual output is the job of the graphics processing unit (GPU) and display hardware. Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall operation of a computer, but it is the CPU that is specifically tasked with executing instructions and processing data.