Topic 2

Computer Architecture Overview

  • Computer Architecture

    • Understanding the internal mechanisms of a computer.

    • Focuses on how various components such as the CPU, storage, and operating system work together.

Components of Computer Architecture

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

  • Often referred to as "The Brain" of the computer.

  • Responsible for processing all instructions and executing code.

  • Handles arithmetic, logical, and input/output operations.

Memory & Storage

  • Primary Memory

    • RAM (Random Access Memory):

      • Known as "Short Term Memory"; volatile storage which loses data when power is off.

      • Used for temporary data storage and execution of current tasks.

    • ROM (Read-Only Memory):

      • Non-volatile memory; retains data even without power.

      • Stores essential instructions like booting the computer (BIOS).

  • Cache:

    • Holds frequently used instructions from RAM.

    • Organized into levels, with L1 being the fastest and most expensive.

Secondary Memory

  • Hard Drive:

    • Functions as "Long-Term Memory"; persistent storage that holds all data not actively in use.

    • Data is transferred between secondary and primary memory as needed.

  • Virtual Memory:

    • A system that temporarily uses secondary memory when RAM is overwhelmed; operates slower.

    • Allows for efficient data handling by shifting information into "pages" as necessary.

Operating Systems

  • Definition: Software that manages computer hardware and resources while providing services for application programs.

  • Roles of Operating Systems:

    1. User Interface: Connects users with hardware (e.g., GUI, CLI).

    2. Memory Management: Monitoring storage allocation and usage.

    3. Peripheral Management: Interfacing with external devices.

    4. Multitasking: Allowing simultaneous execution of multiple processes based on priority.

    5. Security: Protecting user data and managing permissions.

Data Representation

Bits and Bytes

  • 1 Byte = 8 Bits.

  • Binary in Computing: Only two values are possible, 0 and 1.

Binary to Denary Conversion

  • Conversion from binary (base 2) to denary (base 10) using positional values.

Hexadecimal System

  • Base 16 system used for efficiently representing binary values.

  • Commonly used in memory addresses and color representations.

Logic Gates

  • Fundamental building blocks for processors.

  • Perform operations on binary inputs using logical functions (AND, OR, NOT).