What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

The primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is to execute instructions from computer programs. The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it carries out the fundamental operations required for processing data and controlling the flow of information within the system.

When a program is run, the CPU fetches instructions from memory, decodes them to understand what action is required, and then executes the appropriate operations. This includes performing arithmetic calculations, logical operations, and making decisions based on conditional statements. By efficiently executing millions of instructions per second, the CPU enables the computer to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple calculations to complex data processing.

The other functions mentioned are important aspects of a computer system but do not represent the primary role of the CPU. While storing information is a task attributed to memory units such as RAM, and managing memory allocation involves the operating system and memory management units, controlling input and output operations pertains to peripheral management handled by controllers or interfaces. Thus, the most accurate characterization of the CPU's function is its role in executing instructions from computer programs.