Computer Architecture, Languages & OS

1. Understand the role of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer. Understand what is meant by a microprocessor.

2. Understand the purpose of the components in a CPU, in a computer that has a Von Neumann architecture. Describe the role of each component in the process of the fetch–decode–execute cycle.

3. Understand what is meant by CPU core, cache and clock how they can affect the performance of a CPU.

4. Understand the purpose and use of a CPU instruction set.

5. Describe the purpose and characteristics of an embedded system and identify devices in which they are commonly used.