Which part of a computer system performs operations on data from all applications run by the computer?

ROM is a type of non-volatile memory that stores firmware and system-level instructions necessary for booting the computer. Unlike the CPU, ROM does not perform calculations or operations on data. Its primary function is to retain essential system information that remains unchanged during normal operations.

RAM serves as temporary storage that holds data and instructions currently in use by the CPU. While it facilitates quick access to operational data, it does not perform operations on this data itself. Instead, RAM provides the CPU with the necessary information to execute applications efficiently, making it a supportive component rather than a processing unit.

The GPU is specialized hardware designed to accelerate rendering graphics and images, primarily in gaming and visual applications. Although it performs calculations related to graphics data, it does not handle general data processing for all applications. The GPU complements the CPU by offloading specific tasks but does not replace its overall role in data operations.