what is the difference between "processor (CPU)" and "microprocessor" in the sense of computer architecture? These terms confuse me.
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The difference is purely historical. In the old days of lore, the CPU used to sit in a separate enclosure, like here:
A microprocessor is a particular implementation of processor which happens to fit in a single electronic component (chip) package:
Clearly, nowadays all processors are microprocessors, so the distinction is completely blurred.
