COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE

 

Computer architecture is the practical art of selecting and interconnecting hardware components to create computers that meet functional performance and cost goals and the formal modeling of those systems.

The general components of a computer are:-
1) Input devices 
2) Memory Unit
3) Control Unit
4) Arithmetic and Logical Unit
5) Output devices.

COMPUTER PROCESSING POWER

When comparing computers, the power of the computer is important. It is determined by the speed and capacity of each part of the computer.

When specifying a computer, the following are normally quoted:-

1.Processor speed
2.Memory capacity
3.Hard disk capacity
4.Optical storage devices speed
5.Display monitor size
6.Resolution
7.The graphics card memory size
8.Modem speed.

 

CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

They are categorized based on their size, capability and price. And they are:-

1.Embedded computers,
2.Mobile devices / computers
3.Personal computers
4.Midrange servers
5.Mainframes
6.Supercomputers

EMBEDDED COMPUTERS

An embedded system is a computer system designed for specific control functions within a larger system.

MOBILE COMPUTERS

Mobile computers fit on our laps / hands and they contain built-in computing or internet facilities.

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

A microcomputer designed for use by one person at a time, which can be fully functioning portable or desktop computers.

MIDRANGE SERVERS

Physically likes small cabinet, hosting data and programs available to a small group of users.

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

A large digital computer serving a large number of users and which hosts a large amount of data and programs.

 

SUPERCOMPUTERS

A powerful computer that can process large quantities of data of a similar type very quickly.