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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.