Computer Organization and Architecture Unit 2

Study Notes

Computer architecture encompasses three main components: Computer Hardware, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), and Computer Organization.
Hardware includes electronic circuits, displays, storage media (magnetic and optical), and communication facilities.
Instruction Set Architecture is the programmer-visible interface, incorporating elements like the instruction set, registers, memory organization, and exception handling, with CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) as its two primary approaches.
Computer organization refers to high-level design aspects, such as memory systems, bus structures, and internal CPU design.

Computers are fast electronic machines that accept digital input, process it via internal instructions, and output results.
Main classifications include:
- Micro Computer
- Laptop Computer
- Work Station
- Super Computer
- Main Frame
- Hand Held (PDA)
- Multi Core

Micro Computer: Personal computer dedicated to individual use, supports applications like word processing and internet access.
Laptop Computer: Portable and compact, functioning on battery or power supply; more expensive than desktops, also referred to as Notebooks.
Work Station: High-performance desktop computer for specialized tasks requiring significant processing speed, often connected to a local area network (LAN).
Super Computer: The fastest type, adept at handling complex calculations such as weather modeling and genetic sequencing.
Main Frame: Large and costly, capable of processing data for numerous users simultaneously, ideal for reliable and secure data management.
Hand Held (PDA): Pocket-sized, battery-operated devices for tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and calculations.
Multi Core: Contains multiple cores for parallel processing, typically seen in devices like the Sony PlayStation and Intel’s i3, i5, i7.