Computer Organization

What is a computer?

A simple minded definition: a computer is a machine that computes. It has evolved from mechanical devices like the abacus and slide rule to the machine we know now that stores data (words, numbers, or pictures), interacts with external devices (the monitor, printer, speakers), and executes programs.

What is Programming?

A program is a set of instructions that a computer executes to achieve a certain desired effect - perform a calculation, render a picture, or produce music. A program is written in a specific programming language.

A computer cannot solve a problem by itself. The programmer must write down in minute details each step the computer has to take to solve the problem. An algorithm is the set of steps taken to solve a given problem.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a step-by-step solution to a given problem. An algorithm has the following properties:

Why everyone should learn computer programming?

Anatomy of a computer

Aside: Computer Arithmetic

A computer manipulates binary digits (bits). A bit can be either 0 or 1. A byte is 8 bits. 1 KiloByte is 1024 bytes. 1 MegaByte is 1024 KiloBytes. 1 GigaByte is 1024 MegaBytes.

How does a computer run a program?

The program is first loaded into RAM. The computer reads the program one instruction at a time. As instructed the CPU reads data, manipulates it and stores it back. The CPU may also interact with the monitor, printer or speakers as instructed.