Introduction to Computer Architecture and Organization Flashcards
Is one of the most important subject especially for CS because it includes the foundational concepts and knowledge used in the design of a computer system.
Computer Organization and Architecture (COA)
The two parts of Computer Architecture and Organization
Architecture and Organization
Helps us to understand the functionalities of a system.
Defines the basic attributes of hardware components and their interactions, in order to achieve certain specified goals in terms of functions and performance.
Is considered as the blueprint
Answers the question “WHAT?”
Also refers to the conceptual design or abstracted view, and encompasses hardware components, their organization, and how they interact with one another
Computer Architecture
The functionalities or Operations of Computer System?
Inputting
Processing
Storing
Outputting
Controlling
A functionality of computer systems that is the process of entering new data, instructions, and information into the computer. It is performed with the help of input devices
Inputting
A functionality of computer systems that is the process of converting the raw data into useful information.
This process is performed by the CPU of the computer.
It takes the raw data from storage, processes it and then sends back the processed data to storage
Processing
A functionality of computer systems that stores the data before sending it to the CPU for processing and also store the processed data before displaying it as output.
Storing
A functionality of computer systems that is the process of presenting the processed data through output devices like monitor, printer, and speaker.
Outputting
A functionality of computer systems that is performed by the control unit that is part of the CPU. The Control Unit
ensures that all basic operations are executed in a right manner and sequence
Controlling
Is a computer architecture model that forms the basis for most modern computers.
The Von Neumann Architecture/Von Neumann model
The mathematician/physicist that first described the Von Neumann Architecture in the mid-20th century
John von Neumann
The key components/functional units of the Von Neumann architecture
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Memory
Input/Output Devices
Bus System
Implements the system architecture
All about organizing hardware components and their interconnections.
Answers the question: How does the computer works?
Based on computer architecture. It implements the system architecture.
Computer Organization
The three main components of a computer system
Hardware
Software
Users
The main component of a computer system that provides basic computing resources
Hardware
- Random Access Memory
- Central Processing Units
- Input/Output Devices
- Bus System
The main component of a computer system that provides programming instructions
Software
- Operating System
- System Software
- User Programs
Is a volatile memory and loses all its data when the power is switched off.
It is the main memory of the computer system that stores the data and instructions temporarily and allows the data to be accessed in any order.
Depends on the constant flow of electricity to hold data
Random Access Memory
Holds software called firmware that contains the instructions for booting the computer
Non-volatile memory
Read Only Memory (ROM)
The programming code that is used to start the computer and perform other necessary tasks like loading every piece of the operating system after the power is turned on and until the computer is ready for use.
Firmware
The most important part of a computer, the component around which everything else is centered.
In essence, this is the computing part of the computer. It carries out all the important functions of a computer.
It receives instructions from both the hardware and active software and produces
output accordingly.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Three components of a CPU
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)
Registers
The component of a CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The component of a CPU that directs the operation of the processor by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and executing them
Control Unit (CU)
The component of a CPU that is a small, high-speed volatile memory storage located inside or very close to the CPU. It temporarily holds frequently accessed data and instructions to speed up processing by reducing the time needed to access data from the main memory (RAM).
Registers
The main operations of the CPU include four phases:
- Fetching instructions from the memory
- Decoding the instructions to decide what operations to be performed.
- Executing the instructions
- Storing the results back in the memory
Types of CPUs:
Single Core CPU
Dual Core CPU
Quad Core CPU
These devices allow the computer to interact with the external environment by receiving input from the user and providing output
Input/Output (I/O) Devices
A communication system that transfers data between the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
Bus System
A bus system typically consists of:
Data buses
Address buses
Control buses
The bus that connects the RAM and CPU
Serves as a critical pathway for data transfer between these two vital components of a computer system.
Enables the CPU to access and retrieve data from the RAM for processing.
Memory bus/System bus
The big boss of the computer system, because it does everything.
Controls and coordinates use of hardware among various applications and users.
It controls the use of hardware through device driver, and it controls the use of other software.
Controls every file, device, section of main memory and nanosecond of processing time.
Technically speaking, it manages all hardware and software
Operating System
The two main categories of software
Application software
System software
The type of software that fulfills a specific need or perform tasks.
Also referred to as user programs and entertainment software
Application
The type of software that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and provides a platform for applications to run.
Also called utility software.
System software
How many nanoseconds are there in a second?
1,000,000,000 (one trillion) nanoseconds
A system that allows to represent any number using a set of combination of digits and alphabets.
Number System
The smallest unit of digital technology
Bit
A group of 8 bits
Byte
