记录一次计算机底层如何工作

【转载】Computer Architecture

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the heart of a computer, which serves as the overall controller of the computer system. It fetches programs/data from main memory and executes the programs. It performs the arithmetic and logical operations (such as addition and multiplication).

The Main Memory stores the programs and data for execution by the CPU. It consists of RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). RAM is volatile, which losses all its contents when the power is turned off. ROM is non-volatile, which retains its contents when the power is turned off. ROM is read-only and its contents cannot be changed once initialized. RAM is read-write. RAM and ROM are expensive. Hence, their amount is quite limited.

The Secondary Memory, such as disk drives and flash sticks, is less expensive and is used for mass and permanent storage of programs and data (including texts, images and video). However, the CPU can only run programs from the main memory, not the secondary memory.

When the power is turned on, a small program stored in ROM is executed to fetch the essential programs (called operating system) from the secondary memory to the main memory, in a process known as booting. Once the operating system is loaded into the main memory, the computer is ready for use. This is, it is ready to fetch the desired program from the secondary memory to the main memory for execution upon user’s command.

The CPU can read data from the Input devices (such as keyboard or touch pad) and write data to the Output devices (such as display or printer). It can also read/write data through the network interfaces (wired or wireless).

You job as a programmer is to write programs, to be executed by the CPU to accomplish a specific task.