Final answer:
A component is any part of a computer system used by a computer program, including the microprocessor and memory. The microprocessor is an integrated circuit that processes and stores data, fitting into a small silicon microchip. This has allowed the transformation of computers from large machines to compact personal devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
A component is any part of the computer system, including memory, storage devices, and the microprocessor, that can be used by a computer program. The microprocessor is an integrated circuit that implements the core functions of a computer processor. It consists of millions of tiny electronic circuits etched onto a small piece of silicon, making it a microchip. This level of integration has allowed computers, once massive machines, to become small enough to fit on a desk or to be held in the hand. Memory in a computer acts as an information processing system, storing instructions and data that the microprocessor can retrieve and execute.
Advancements such as the integrated circuit have propelled the proliferation of the personal computer and enabled electronic devices to process substantial amounts of information efficiently. Over time, the increase in power and decrease in size of these components have led to the ubiquitous presence of computers in appliances, vehicles, and many other areas of daily life.