Programs

The rubber meets the road with programs. The CPU has a large number of coded instructions and programs used to provide instructions on how to handle specific requests. Some of these programs are hardwired into the CPU while others can be configured as the need arises. Hardwired programs may include the specific method by which data moves from a
memory location to a register, how the status of the processor is stored, what specific steps need to occur when an error happens, and hundreds of other activities. Without these programs, the CPU will not know how to respond when powered on. These programs are very complicated and form the basic characteristics of the operation of the CPU. Additionally, most CPUs allow changes to these microprogram by the manufacturer or operating system provider. In this manner, you can upgrade a CPU without physically replacing it.