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The Processor (aka CPU, Central Processing Unit) is located on the motherboard and is a very important part of a computer. The processor is a very complicated compilation of electrical circuits, which acts like a control center for all the computers data. The processor uses electrical signals that help the entire computer prefore a function, Just like your boss at work, Your boss tells you what to do, but isn't the one doing the work. The processor is the boss in the computer and it instructs the other components in the system what to do.

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Above are 3 common types (or series) of processors. The first one is called an Intel Pentium Processor, which are good processors, The second is made by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), these are generally called "AMD" Processors and are very good at high end and high demand computer programs, such as video games (I use AMDs). The Third type is called an Intel Celeron Processor, these are ok if you do not have any really high end needs on your computer, however, I have found these to be much slower, but cheaper, than the other 2.

Processors come in a variety of sizes, which also means that not any processor will fit in a particular processor slot. Motherboards are usually made for a specific type of processor, among the many different types are the slot processors which connect to a slot on the motherboard, which are no longer made, or the more common socket processors (known as pga or "pin grid array" processors) which have many little pins that slide into a usually square "socket" on the motherboard, the socket processors are attached to the motherboard via a special socket called a ZIF (Zero Isertion Force) which allows them to be inserted securely without applying any dangerous force to them.
Below are examples of Motherboards with slot, and with socket cpus on them.

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Example 1 is a picture of a motherboard with a slot 1 processor in it.
Example 2 is a picture of a Slot 1 Processor.
Example 3 is a picture of a Socket A motherboard, with processor under the large heatsink on right (the big fan is part of the heatsink)....

As mentioned above there are different size socket and slot processors, Socket A (462), Socket 478, Socket 7, Socket 370, Slot 1, Slot A, socket 939, socket 754, socket 775 ect... Which are all different sizes and do not fit in a Socket/Slot made for another size.

Here are some recommended links about processors:

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
Intel - go to products and look in processors.(under desktop, laptop, and server/ workstations all are different so check all)..
Tom's Hardware on CPUs