Computer organization refers to the arrangement of different operational units and their interconnections that put the computer architecture to work. It deals with the different components that make up a computer and the interconnections that make the computer work.

What is a computer?

A computer is a complex system which makes use of thousands of basic electronic components. The primary function of any computer is to process data. The data will vary in terms of forms and so the range of processing also becomes wide. It is also important that a computer should store data in addition to processing. More over it should be capable of moving data between itself and also the outside world. The control of functions such as data processing, data storage and data movement is performed by the user.

The components of a computer

Any computer essentially has the following components:

• The central processing unit or the CPU
• Memory storage
• Input/output devices
• System interconnections

The central processing unit controls the entire operation of the computer and performs the data processing function. Memory storage consists of device that stores data that is to be processed by the computer. The input devices are used to input data into the computer. They include keyboard, mouse, joystick etc. The output devices consist of monitor, printer, etc. These devices display the output after the data has been processed.

The central processing unit

The Central Processing Unit consists of the following:

• Control unit (CU): This unit controls the working of the CPU and thus the computer as a whole.
• Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs all the arithmetic and logical operations associated with the processing of the data.
• Register: This acts as a storage inside the Central Processing Unit.
• CPU Interconnection: This makes communication between various components of the CPU such as Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit, and Register.

Computer organization technology as a subject

The whole of the computer organizations is based on what has been discussed above. The computer organization technology goes deeper into various aspects of the components of the computer including their design. The student who wishes to pursue a study in computer organization will have to go in to the details of numerous components that make up a computer. So students should have an interest towards the subject so that the learning and the career after it will be of great interest to the student.