The CPU contains two main components - the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit. The control unit coordinates all computer activities and passes instructions to the ALU for arithmetic and logic operations. The CPU also contains registers for temporarily storing instructions and data during processing. Common types of memory include ROM for basic input/output and RAM for user programs and data, which the CPU can access much faster than the hard disk. Major CPU manufacturers include Intel, AMD, and Motorola, and some important CPU models introduced over time are the 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486, and Pentium.