Overall View on Computer Architecture: Processor, Memory, IO, Buses

The computers which we use every day are all designed based on the same general idea of cooperation of three base elements processor, memory and peripheral devices. Their names represent their functions in the system. The memory stores the data and program code, the processor manipulates the data by executing programs, and peripherals are used to keep the contact with the user, environment and other systems. To exchange the information these elements are connected together by interconnections named buses. The generic block schematic diagram of the exemplary computer is shown in Fig. 1.