Machine Architecture
The term architecture refers to a design. In the case of computers, architecture can be thought of as the architecture of the machine, as well as the architecture of the machine's ability to link to other computers or peripherals.
The functional machine may have what is termed an open architecture, where the knowledge of the design of hardware and software is sufficiently public to permit the easy installation of devices and programs from many vendors. In contrast, a computer with a closed architecture has a proprietary design, and can accommodate only select connections, often from the same vendor.
Machine architecture can refer to hardware or software, or to a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, machine architecture can consider different levels of detail. The architecture of a system always defines that system's broad outlines, and may also define precise mechanisms operating within the system.
The central part of machine architecture is the central processing unit, or CPU. The CPU controls the functioning of a computer. In turn, central to the operation of the CPU is the ability to store information in memory. Basically, there are two kinds of memory, Read-Only Memory (RAM), and the hard drive. The rule for hard drives is simple--the bigger the better. The bigger the storage capacity of the hard drive, the more information a computer is capable of storing. Now, the average computer is approaching a hard drive size of one gigabyte. A gigabyte is one billion bytes of information. In an office analogy, RAM would be a worker's desktop and the hard drive would be a file cabinet in which all the company information was housed. As the desktop is used to handle portions of the total information, so RAM allows the computer to access and work with bits of the total stored information. Being able to deal with a portion of the total information is more efficient. But, conversely, insufficient RAM means that task requiring large portions of information can only be done in a series of small operations, which slows the task. Thus, an efficient machine architecture has suitable RAM available to permit large-scale tasks to be performed.
A vital part of machine architecture is the ability to convey information to portable data storage systems. Floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and tape drives are three examples of portable data storage systems. Other types of storage systems, with much greater data storage capacity, are on the horizon. Holographic storage is an example.
Another vital component of machine architecture is the ability of a computer to remotely communicate with other computers and devices. In the past, such communication was achieved through the use of the portable data storage systems. A floppy disk would be physically removed from the disk drive of one computer, installed in the disk drive of another computer, and the desired information retrieved from the disk, for example. Now, the Internet and hard wiring of computers together in networks has made the direct communication between machines possible. Two hardware components that are essential for this electronic communication to occur are a modem and an ethernet card. A modem is the intermediary that translates digitizes electronic information, and visa versa, enabling information to be transmitted over telephone lines and then converted into a form that is understandable to a computer. Whereas a modem tells a computer how to talk to another computer over a phone line, an ethernet card tells a computer how to act like a computer on a network.
For information to be useful to a user, it must be presented in a form that is recognizable. For many functions, a visual presentation of the information is required. Thus, a monitor--a display screen where text or graphics can be displayed--is a key architectural component. Increasingly, audio and video (moving images) are being used to convey information. Speakers and digital cameras are thus becoming more popular hardware components.
Yet another vital aspect of machine architecture is a means to convey information "on paper". A keyboard provides a user with the means of expressing information in a textual manner that can subsequently be printed. There is a wide range of printers, both in terms of price and print quality.
The hardware components are an important part of machine architecture, as is thee ability to control the operation of these components, both in isolation and in a coordinated fashion. Various software programs are responsible for these functions. As well, various programming languages allow data or graphical images on a screen to be connected together, facilitating analysis of data or the efficient operation of a program.
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