What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer?

The primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer is to execute instructions and process data. The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it performs all the essential operations needed to run programs and manipulate data. When a computer runs software, the CPU retrieves the instructions from memory, decodes them, and performs the necessary computations or data manipulations. This core role is critical for the functioning of applications and the overall performance of the system.

In contrast, storing data permanently is the function of storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives. Managing user input devices is a task handled by the operating system and specific hardware drivers, rather than the CPU itself. Facilitating network communication involves the network interface card and protocols, which operate alongside but separate from the CPU's main functions. Thus, while all these tasks are important in a computer system, the execution of instructions and data processing is central to the CPU’s purpose.