The Processor (CPU – Central Processing Unit) is the “brain” of the computer. It controls operations and executes instructions, performing arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations as directed by the program instructions.

Option A (Hard drive): Provides long-term storage, not operations control.

Option B (RAM): Stores data temporarily for quick access but does not control operations.

Option C (Graphics card): Handles rendering of images and video, but does not serve as the primary system controller.

Therefore, the processor is the component that carries out operations and manages execution.