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Understanding Computer System Architecture
May 2, 2025
Computer System Architecture
Components of a Computer System
Hardware
: Physical components needed for a computer to function.
Examples: CPU, RAM, hard disk, keyboard.
Software
: Programs that run on the computer.
Examples: Operating system, spreadsheet applications, video games.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Role
: Acts as the brain of the computer.
Executes programs including operating systems and software applications.
Components
:
Control Unit
: Manages the operation of the CPU.
Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU): Performs calculations and logical operations.
Cache Memory
: Stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing.
Registers
: Small, fast storage locations within the CPU for specific tasks.
Von Neumann Architecture
Named after mathematician John Von Neumann.
Concept
: Digital computer with a central processing structure divided into specific functional areas.
Stored Program Concept
:
Programs consist of instructions and data stored in memory.
Instructions and data are transferred one at a time to the processor.
Memory Structure
: Data and instructions share the main memory space.
Importance
: Main memory must be large enough to store program instructions and data.
Bus System
Special connectors on the motherboard that connect components.
Types of Buses
:
Control Bus
: Transmits control signals between the CPU and other components.
Address Bus
: Carries the memory address of data or instructions.
Data Bus
: Transfers actual data to and from memory.
Addressable Memory
Analogy
: Like houses with addresses, each byte in memory has an address for locating data.
Process
:
Address of data is sent along the address bus.
Control bus specifies the operation (e.g., load or save data).
Data bus transfers the data accordingly.
Summary
A computer system integrates hardware and software elements.
CPU and Von Neumann architecture are central to operations.
Buses are integral for data and instruction transfer.
Understanding of addressable memory is crucial for program execution.
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