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In computer science and computer engineering, computer architecture is a description of the structure of a computer system made from component parts. [1] It can sometimes be a high-level description that ignores details of the implementation. [2] At a more detailed level, the description may include the instruction set architecture design ...
The earliest computing machines had fixed programs. Some very simple computers still use this design, either for simplicity or training purposes. For example, a desk calculator (in principle) is a fixed program computer. It can do basic mathematics, but it cannot run a word processor or games. Changing the program of a fixed-program machine ...
Computer hardware. Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, and computer case. It includes external devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers. [1][2]
A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central processor, main processor, or just processor, is the most important processor in a given computer. [1][2] Its electronic circuitry executes instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations. [3][4][5] This role contrasts with that ...
Machine code. In computer science, an instruction set architecture (ISA) is an abstract model that generally defines how software controls the CPU in a computer or a family of computers. [1] A device or program that executes instructions described by that ISA, such as a central processing unit (CPU), is called an implementation of that ISA.
Minimal instruction set computer. Minimal instruction set computer (MISC) is a central processing unit (CPU) architecture, usually in the form of a microprocessor, with a very small number of basic operations and corresponding opcodes, together forming an instruction set. Such sets are commonly stack-based rather than register-based to reduce ...
A system architecture primarily concentrates on the internal interfaces among the system's components or subsystems, and on the interface (s) between the system and its external environment, especially the user. (In the specific case of computer systems, this latter, special, interface is known as the computer human interface, AKA human ...
For software and systems uses, see Processor § Computing. In computing and computer science, a processor or processing unit is an electrical component (digital circuit) that performs operations on an external data source, usually memory or some other data stream. [1] It typically takes the form of a microprocessor, which can be implemented on ...