Computer Architecture refers to the design and organization of a computer's core components, which includes:
How the hardware and software interact
How data is processed and stored
How instructions are executed by the CPU
It’s like the “blueprint” or “skeleton” of a computer system.
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The "brain" of the computer. It processes instructions.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – Performs calculations and logical operations.
CU (Control Unit) – Directs the flow of data and instructions.
Registers – Small storage inside the CPU for quick access to data.
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Stores data and instructions.
RAM (Random Access Memory) – Temporary memory for currently running programs.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) – Permanent memory for startup processes.
Cache – Very fast memory close to the CPU.
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Allows communication with the computer.
Input – Keyboard, mouse, microphone
Output – Monitor, printer, speakers
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Wires that transfer data between parts of the computer.
Data Bus – Carries data
Address Bus – Carries location (address) of data
Control Bus – Carries control signals (read/write)
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Most common architecture
Instructions and data share the same memory and bus
Simpler, but slower due to “bottlenecks”
Separate memory for instructions and data
Faster and more efficient
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The set of instructions the CPU can execute (like a language it understands)
Examples:
x86 (used in Intel CPUs)
ARM (used in smartphones and tablets)
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Clock speed (GHz)
Number of cores
Cache size
Pipelining (overlapping instruction execution)
Parallel processing (multiple tasks at once)
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Multicore processors
GPUs for parallel tasks
RISC vs CISC architecture debates
Quantum computing (early stages)
AI accelerators (e.g., Google's TPU)
A computer system is a complete setup that allows you to input data, process it, store it, and get results. It is made up of hardware components that work together.
The main body of the computer.
Contains important internal parts like the CPU, memory (RAM), motherboard, hard drive, and power supply.
Output device that displays what you see on the screen.
Input device used to type and move or select items on the screen.
Output device that lets you hear sound from the computer.
Input device that captures video or pictures.
Output device that produces physical copies of your digital files (documents, photos, etc.).
Portable storage device used to save and transfer files.
Input devices (keyboard, mouse, webcam) send data into the system unit.
Inside the system unit, the CPU processes the data.
The result is shown through output devices (monitor, printer, speakers).
Data can also be stored in memory or external devices like a flsh drive.