What does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) of a processor do?

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) of a processor is responsible for carrying out the core functions of computation within the CPU. Specifically, it performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations including comparisons (such as greater than or less than) and boolean operations (like AND, OR, and NOT). This functionality is crucial for executing instructions in programs, allowing the processor to manipulate data effectively.

The other options refer to different components or functions within a computer system. For instance, managing input and output operations falls under the control of the I/O controller, while handling network communication protocols is the responsibility of network interface cards or controllers. Additionally, data storage is performed by storage devices such as hard drives or SSDs, rather than the ALU, which focuses solely on calculations and logic processing.