Computer Organization
Understanding the basic structure and components of computer systems
Introduction
Computer organization refers to the way in which the components of a computer system are interconnected and operate together to execute programs. It deals with the hardware components and their relationships.
Key Components
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Memory Unit
- Input/Output Devices
- System Bus
CPU Organization
The CPU is the brain of the computer and consists of:
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Registers
Memory Hierarchy
Computer systems use a hierarchy of memory types:
- Registers
- Cache Memory
- Main Memory (RAM)
- Secondary Storage
Important Concepts
Understanding computer organization is crucial for:
- Optimizing program performance
- Understanding system limitations
- Designing efficient algorithms
- System troubleshooting