Final answer:
The microprocessor is the device that performs a computer's data processing functions, handling storage and manipulation of data for a wide array of tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microprocessor performs the computer's data processing functions. This integrated circuit implements a computer's processor capabilities, allowing it to store and manipulate data to perform a variety of functions. Early computers in the 1950s required complex data management systems and had to transfer data from paper to microfilm for rapid processing. With technological advancements, today's computers use microprocessors that can easily handle large sets of data and perform complex calculations. A parallel can be drawn between the brain and a computer, where the brain processes sensorial information, much like a computer processes binary data. The microprocessor has revolutionized the way we operate, communicate, and use computers in various fields such as science, engineering, and everyday life.