Chapter 1 · Basic Machine Organisation

Hours: 14 · The largest sub-topic of Module B.

Every computer — phone, laptop, server, smart TV — shares the same skeleton: processor, memory, storage, input/output, all connected by buses. This chapter walks through each piece.

Sub-topics

#	Topic	Time
1.1	CPU architecture	60 min
1.2	Fetch–decode–execute cycle	60 min
1.3	Memory types	60 min
1.4	Storage devices	60 min
1.5	Input / output devices	60 min

Big picture

          ┌────────── CPU ──────────┐
 Inputs ──│  Control + ALU + Regs   │── Outputs
          └────────┬────────────────┘
                   │ buses
           ┌───────┴────────┐
           ▼                ▼
       ┌───────┐       ┌───────────┐
       │  RAM  │       │  Storage  │
       │  ROM  │       │  HDD/SSD  │
       │ Cache │       │  Optical  │
       └───────┘       └───────────┘

Memorise this picture. Almost every Section B structured question begins with a labelled version of it.

Learning outcomes (C&A Guide)

• Explain functions of input/output devices, processing units, bus system, storage devices.
• Explain the structure and functions of a CPU and its components.
• Outline the fetch-decode-execute cycle.
• Describe RAM, ROM, memory cache; relate size, address, word length to performance.
• Describe storage devices in terms of access mode, volatility, transfer rate, capacity.
• Outline latest developments in processors, memory, storage, data communications.

➡️ Start: 1.1 CPU Architecture