Quantum information processors exploit the quantum features of superposition and entanglement for applications not possible in classical devices, offering the potential for significant improvements in the computation and communication. Experimental realization of large-scale quantum information processors remains a long-term vision. Recent theoretical and experimental advances show that cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) offers powerful possibilities for the deterministic control of atom-photon interaction which can be used to implement quantum gate operations. In this talk, I will introduce some basic ideas on the physical implementation of quantum information processors using cavity QED with atoms.