Computer architecture involves understanding how hardware components like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices work together to execute instructions and store/retrieve data. The CPU fetches instructions from memory and controls data flow, while the arithmetic logic unit performs calculations. Memory stores instructions and data for the CPU and comes in volatile forms like RAM or non-volatile forms like ROM. The motherboard contains these core components and provides connections for other peripherals like storage devices, graphics cards, and input/output devices.

2. Computer architecture
 is the study of the components and organization of a
computer system.
 It involves understanding how the different hardware
components of a computer work together to execute
instructions and store and retrieve data.
 The key components of a computer system include the
Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, input/output
devices, and storage devices.

3. Computer Case
 Safeguards all of the important and
expensive parts of a PC or other
computing device.
 Helps protect the components from
electrical interference, physical
damage, and intrusive foreign objects.
 The design of the case is important too
as different shapes can affect, for better
or worse, the airflow through the
unit—which is integral to keeping it
cool and operational.

4. CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)
 Is the "brain" of the computer and is responsible for
executing instructions.

5. Two main components of CPU
 The control unit fetches instructions from memory
and controls the flow of data within the CPU.
 The arithmetic/logic unit performs mathematical and
logical operations on data.

6. Memory
 Is used to store instructions and data that the CPU
needs to execute instructions.
 There are different types of memory in a computer
system.

7. RAM (RANDOM ACCESS
MEMORY) is volatile memory
that is used to store data that the
CPU is currently using.
ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY) is
non-volatile memory that is used
to store data that needs to be
retained even when the computer
is turned off.

8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
 The HDD is a storage device that is used to store data
for long-term use. It stores data on magnetic disks and
can hold large amounts of data, making it ideal for
storing documents, photos, and videos.

9. Solid-State Drive (SSD)
 The SSD is a newer type of storage device that is faster
and more reliable than HDDs. It stores data on flash
memory chips and is often used in laptops and other
mobile devices.

10. Motherboard
 The motherboard is the main circuit board of the
computer and contains the CPU, memory, and other
components.
 It also provides connections for input/output devices
and other peripherals.

11. Power Supply
 The power supply converts AC power from a wall outlet
into DC power that can be used by the computer's
components. It also regulates the voltage and current
to ensure that the components receive the correct
amount of power.

12. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
 The GPU is a specialized
processor that is designed to
handle complex graphics and
video tasks. It is used in
gaming computers,
workstations, and other
applications that require high-
performance graphics.

13. Input and Output Devices
 Input devices are used
to interact with the
computer system
 An input
device allows data
such as text, images,
video or sound to be
entered into a
computer system.
• Output devices are
used to display the
results of
computations and
data processing.
• An output
device allows data to
be transmitted by the
computer in a
human-friendly
form, for example,
sound being played
through a speaker.

14. INPUT DEVICES
 Keyboard - The most common input device used for entering text. Includes
keys for word processing and data inputting, and for performing specific
functions.
 Mouse - The most popular pointing device used to control the cursor on the
screen and activated when moved across a flat surface. There are usually two
buttons that activate different features on the screen.
 Microphone - Used to convert analogue sound waves into a digital form that
can be saved and manipulated by the computer. A microphone can also be used
to input voice commands but they do not work well in noisy environments.
 Scanner - Works in a similar way to a photocopier. Captures images from the
source which are then converted into a digital form that can be stored.
 Assistive technology - Devices that are used by some people with disabilities to
access computers. For example, a sip/puff tube can be used by someone with a
disability such as paralysis to control a computer system.

15. OUTPUT DEVICES
 Monitor - The main output device of a computer. It forms
images by converting electrical energy into light in the
form of tiny dots on the screen called pixels. The sharpness
of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
 Printer - Used to print information on paper. Commonly
uses either lasers or inkjets to precisely place ink onto the
page to recreate text and high-quality images.
 Speaker - Converts digital signals into audible sound waves.
 Projector - A device that is used to project video output
from the computer onto a wall or screen.

16. Optical Drive
 The optical drive is a type of storage device that is used
to read and write data on optical discs, such as CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.