Computer organization

Computer Organization

How does a cpu actually work?

Big ideas in computer organization

This lecture (quite long) is an excellent introduction to the deeper ideas presented on this page. I strongly advise you to watch this.

Computer architecture

• Architecture of the central processing unit (CPU)
• Functions of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
• Control unit (CU)
• Registers within the CPU
• Primary memory
• Cache memory
• The machine instruction cycle

Secondary memory

• Persistent storage

Operating systems and application systems

• Operating system
• Application software
• File systems (not required by IB)

Binary Representation

• Binary
• ASCII
• Data representation

Simple logic gates

• Boolean operators
• Truth tables
• Logic diagram

Standards

• Outline the architecture of the central processing unit (CPU) and the functions of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU) and the registers within the CPU.
• Describe primary memory.
• Explain the use of cache memory.
• Explain the machine instruction cycle.
• Identify the need for persistent storage.
• Describe the main functions of an operating system.
• Outline the use of a range of application software.
• Identify common features of applications.
• Define the terms: bit, byte, binary, denary/decimal, hexadecimal.
• Outline the way in which data is represented in the computer.
• Define the Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR.
• Construct truth tables using the above operators.
• Construct a logic diagram using AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR gates.

Give a brief account.

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.

Develop information in a diagrammatic or logical form.