Cpu Motherboard

Do I have the same or something for my CPU for my motherboard?

I want a new processor, but I have an Abit motherboard very old. CPU must be the same or something so I did not reformat or lose my apps, for example?

CPU and motherboard can be of different manufacturers, but it must be the same socket type. Socket LGA 775 are traditional, 1156 and 1366 for Intel and AM2, AM2 + and AM3 processors from AMD.