Understanding PC Architecture: Processor, Memory, I/O, Storage, and Programs, Study notes of Computer Architecture and Organization

Download Understanding PC Architecture: Processor, Memory, I/O, Storage, and Programs and more Study notes Computer Architecture and Organization in PDF only on Docsity! CGS 3269 - COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE SPRING 2002 Basic Components of the PC Architecture There are five key parts to a computer. These include: • The Processor (also called the Central Processing Unit or CPU) • The Memory (of which there are several types) • The Input / Output circuitry • Disk storage • Programs Figure 1: The major components of a PC There also are other components that form part of the packaging and support for these basics, such as the power supply, the motherboard, and the peripheral cards. The Processor The purpose of the processor is to carry out a series of steps called a program. To carry out this job, the processor has certain capabilities. The first capability is the ability to read and write information in the computer’s memory. This is critical because both the program instructions that the processor carries out, and the data on which the processor works are stored in the computer memory. The next capability is to recognize and execute a series of commands or instructions provided by the programs. The last is the capability to tell the other parts of the computer what to do so that the processor can orchestrate the operation of the computer. Memory Memory is where the computer’s processor finds programs and data when it is doing its assigned task. The computer’s memory is just a temporary space (like a scratch pad or a chalkboard) where the computer scribbles while work is being done. Unlike our memories, the computer’s memory is not a permanent repository. Instead, the computer’s memory simply provides a place where computing can happen. While the computer’s processor makes a vital distinction between programs and data, the computer’s main memory does not. To the computer’s memory (and to many other parts of the computer) there is no difference between programs and data – both are information to be recorded temporarily. Note: Most of today’s systems come with dedicated processor cache memory which, for reasons of speed optimization, does distinguish between data that is program code and data that is the user’s content. However, your computer’s main RAM, which is what memory refers to in general, makes no such distinction.