Related: 2024-09-16 Unix Lecture 1
How a computer works
- comps allow the manipulation of information, with primary functions being to store, treat, and move information/data, and control the function of the computer itself
- Computers are created based on the Principles of the Von Neumann Machine 1946
Von Neumann Machine
The basis for modern computing
Von Neumann Machine
“A theoretical design for a sotred program computer that…consists of a central processor with an arithmetic/logic unit and a control unit, a memory, mass storage, and input and output.” (source)
Consists of the following 4 parts
- Central Processor: containing a command unit (UC) AND a logical/arithmetic unit (UAL/ALU)
- A memory unit
- Mass storage: Memory that can contain programs and data
- Input and output: An entry and exit unit (E/S or I/O) that allows the user to put data into the memory, AND read it back out when the machine has manipulated it
- this unit also allows data exchange with peripherals
a program is a set of logical operations that can be performed on data/information