A register is a tiny, fast storage memory that’s part of the central processing unit (CPU) or arithmetic logic unit (ALU) in a computer. It’s utilized for a variety of functions in handling instructions and data.
A specialized type of memory, it’s used to store a small amount of data or a set of values that can be accessed quickly and easily by the CPU. Registers are also sometimes called “microprocessor memory,” although this term is more generally reserved for large, mainframe computers.
In sociolinguistics, a register is the socially prescribed usage of a language that’s used in particular communicative situations or for specific purposes. For example, a speaker of English might use an elevated register when speaking in public or when interacting with colleagues, by following prescriptive norms for formal usage, such as pronouncing words ending in -ing with a velar nasal instead of an alveolar nasal (e.g. walking vs. walkin) and using formal vocabulary (father vs. dad, child vs. kid).
The MAR or address register, for instance, stores the location of memory where the data word to be used in an arithmetic operation is stored. It also drives the address bus, which is a collection of wires that connects to the memory address decoder in RAM or ROM. This decoder translates the address in the MAR into a binary value that’s read from RAM.
This value is then loaded into the ALU’s pipeline register, which controls what ALU operations to execute next (see Fig. 6.7). The pipeline register is also loaded with the architectural name of the register that the ALU will be reading from or writing to; for example, the architecture register r20 may refer to a window on a physical register file that has hundreds of entries.
Registering your business is an important step in laying the foundation for your legal and financial future. Choosing the right structure—whether it’s an LLC, C corporation or S corporation—and staying on top of important filing and compliance obligations will help you avoid costly penalties and disruptions to your business.
Registering your business also helps to create a legal entity that exists separate from its owners, founders and shareholders, which can provide stability and continuity even as the ownership or leadership of the company changes. In addition, registration in one state often requires registration in other states where you conduct business activities. Depending on your business structure, the cost of registering your business can range from $100 to $500. You may also be required to pay fees for filing and publication.