Final answer:
The 'brain' of the computer is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), acting as the main processor performing calculations and managing information, similar to the human brain's role in the nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hardware device commonly referred to as the "brain" of the computer is the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Just as the human brain controls practically everything from breathing and heartbeat to reasoning, memory, and language, the CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information through a computer system, much like a brain manages the processes of the nervous system. Unlike a quantum computer, which uses quantum bits for processing at near-absolute zero temperatures, a traditional digital computer uses binary coding, which the CPU interprets and acts upon to perform tasks.
When comparing different components, the Random Access Memory (RAM) acts as a short-term memory where data is temporarily stored for quick access. In contrast, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) serves as long-term storage, retaining data even when the computer is turned off. The Motherboard is a printed circuit board that connects the CPU, memory, and other hardware components, functioning like the body's nervous system but is not the 'brain' itself.