Computer System Architecture (कंप्यूटर सिस्टम आर्किटेक्चर)

Simple Definition: Computer System Architecture refers to the design, structure, and interaction of the major components that make up a computer system. It's like the blueprint of a computer that defines how all the parts work together to execute instructions and process data.

सरल परिभाषा: कंप्यूटर सिस्टम आर्किटेक्चर, कंप्यूटर सिस्टम के प्रमुख घटकों (components) के डिजाइन, संरचना और आपसी तालमेल को कहते हैं। यह एक कंप्यूटर का वह नक्शा (blueprint) होता है जो बताता है कि सारे parts मिलकर instructions को run करने और data को process करने का काम कैसे करते हैं।

The core of this architecture is based on the Von Neumann Architecture, which is the fundamental design upon which almost all modern computers are built.

Its main concept is the Stored-Program Concept, where both the instructions (program) and the data are stored in the same memory (RAM).

Now, let's understand each component in detail.

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - प्रोसेसर (दिमाग)

The CPU is the brain of the computer. It performs all the processing and controls the operation of all other components.

Its main parts are:

• Control Unit (CU) - नियंत्रण इकाई: This is the manager of the CPU. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and then directs other components (like the ALU) to execute them. It doesn't perform actual calculations but coordinates everything.

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) - अंकगणित तर्क इकाई: This is the calculator of the CPU. It performs all mathematical calculations (like +, -, *, /) and logical operations (like comparisons: >, <, ==).

• Registers - रजिस्टर्स: These are extremely fast, small memory locations inside the CPU itself. They are used to hold temporary data and instructions that the CPU is currently working on. Think of them as the CPU's personal notepad.

2. Memory (मेमोरी) - स्मृति

This is where the computer stores data and instructions. It's of two primary types:

• Main Memory (Primary Storage) - RAM (रैंडम एक्सेस मेमोरी): This is the computer's short-term memory. It is very fast and volatile (its contents are lost when the power is turned off). It holds the data and programs that are currently in use by the CPU. The more RAM a computer has, the more applications it can run smoothly at the same time.

• Cache Memory (कैशे मेमोरी): This is a very small, extremely fast memory located inside or very close to the CPU. It acts as a buffer and holds the most frequently used data from RAM to speed up the CPU's access time.

3. Input/Output (I/O) Devices - इनपुट/आउटपुट उपकरण

These are the components that allow the computer to interact with the outside world.

• Input Devices: These bring information into the computer. Examples: Keyboard (कीबोर्ड), Mouse (माउस), Scanner (स्कैनर), Microphone (माइक्रोफोन).

• Output Devices: These send information out from the computer. Examples: Monitor (मॉनिटर), Printer (प्रिंटर), Speakers (स्पीकर्स).

4. Storage Unit (संचयन इकाई) - Secondary Storage

This is the computer's long-term memory. It is non-volatile (data is retained even after the power is off). It is used to store data, programs, and the operating system permanently. It is slower than RAM but has much larger capacity. Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD - हार्ड डिस्क), Solid State Drive (SSD - एसएसडी), USB Flash Drives (पेनड्राइव).

5. System Bus (सिस्टम बस) - डेटा हाईवे

The bus is a communication system that transfers data and signals between these components. It's like a network of highways inside the computer.

• Data Bus (डेटा बस): Carries the actual data being processed.

• Address Bus (एड्रेस बस): Carries the location (address) in memory where the data needs to be read from or written to.

• Control Bus (कंट्रोल बस): Carries control signals (like read, write) from the Control Unit to other parts.

How It All Works Together (यह सब एक साथ कैसे काम करता है)

The process follows a cycle called the Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle: