Von Neumann Architecture

Basic design of a computer includes:

• Central Processing Unit
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Set of registers
  • Control unit that reads in the next instruction, parses it, and controls what happens in the ALU and registers
• Memory
• External mass storage (bigger, slower, cheaper persistent memory)
• input/output devices

Fetch/Execute Cycle:

For every instruction in a program, the computer:

• Fetches the instruction from memory and brings it into the CPU.
• Executes the instruction in the CPU.

Stored Program Concept:

• don't have to rewire the machine!
• same memory technology can be used for data and programs
• can have programs that manipulate other programs