02 - Introduction To Computer Architecture
02 - Introduction To Computer Architecture
Computer Architecture
CT049-3-1-OS&CA
Ver: VE
Introduction to Computer
Architecture
Topics we will cover
• The System Concept
• Physical Systems
• Conceptual Systems
• IT System Architecture
• Distributed System Processing
• Example: Google
The Egyptians mapped out the components of this system to understand cosmic events.
• Linked components of a system also define the boundary for the system
• The environment is anything outside of the system
• Components
– May be irreducible or
– May be subsystems
• Decomposition
– The division of a system into its components and linkages
– Hierarchical
• Two-tier architecture
– Two computers are involved in a service.
– Example: Web-browser and Web server
model used in intranets and on the Internet
• Three-tier architecture
– Three computers are involved in a service
– Example: client computer, Web server,
database server
• N-tier architecture
Module Code & Module Title Slide Title SLIDE 27
CT049-3-1-OS&CA
Three-tier Architecture
History has shown how the careless use of knowledge and power
has brought about disservice to the human race.
• What are the most important ideas, keywords, and phrases that are stated in the definition of a system?
• Explain the relationships among the following words: system, environment, boundary, interface.
• Explain the following statement about systems: ‘‘Decomposition is inherently hierarchical.’’
• Explain what is meant by the architecture of a system.
• The human body is an example of an object that can be represented as a system. Consider the various ways in
which you could represent the human body as a system. Select a representation and identify the components that
constitute the system. Select one component and decompose it to the next subsystem level. Now consider a
completely different system representation of the human body and repeat this exercise.
When working with large concepts with defined boundaries, it is often easiest to think of them in terms of systems. A
system can be defined as a collection of components, linked together and organized in such a way as to be recognizable
as a single unit. The components themselves may also be recognized as subsystems, to be further reduced into
components, when appropriate. The area outside the boundaries of a system is its environment.
The system affects and is affected by various elements of the environment. In many situations, the environment
supplies inputs to the system and receives outputs from the system. The patterns of relationships, connections,
constraints, and linkages among the components of a system and between a system and its environment are known
collectively as the architecture of the system. Information technology systems are systems that support the strategy and
operations of organizations.
Q&A
Module Code & Module Title Slide Title SLIDE 37
CT049-3-1-OS&CA
Next
Data Representation