Imagine the processor as the really smart classmate that can quickly do any form of mathematics you throw at it. They don’t know why they are doing the equations. They just get the equations and do them.
The equations and what to do with them are on a piece of paper. On a device, this would be something like ROM (read only memory) or other storage (like an SSD).
If you want to make a toaster, you get a processor, and feed it instructions to make toast.
If you want to make a missile, you get a (possibly the same) processor and give it instructions on how to fly and read GPS data.
LofiLute t1_iyee7ma wrote
Reply to ELI5 How specialised microchips can be altered to suit another purposed. For example a home appliance processor into a missile. by Bullinach1nashop
Imagine the processor as the really smart classmate that can quickly do any form of mathematics you throw at it. They don’t know why they are doing the equations. They just get the equations and do them.
The equations and what to do with them are on a piece of paper. On a device, this would be something like ROM (read only memory) or other storage (like an SSD).
If you want to make a toaster, you get a processor, and feed it instructions to make toast.
If you want to make a missile, you get a (possibly the same) processor and give it instructions on how to fly and read GPS data.