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10 Dec 2025
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Understanding Computer Science: Systems Architecture and CPU Basics
ellie
@ellili.7
1 / 3
Embedded Systems - Computers Hiding Everywhere
You might not realise it, but you interact with dozens of computers every day that aren't laptops or phones. Embedded systems are computer systems built directly into larger machines, and they're absolutely everywhere.
These systems are designed for one specific job, which makes them brilliant at what they do. Your washing machine has an embedded system managing wash cycles, whilst traffic lights use them to control when to change from red to green. Even your car's engine management system is an embedded computer.
Why are embedded systems so popular? They're easier to design because engineers only need to focus on one task. This makes them cheaper to produce than general-purpose computers, and they're incredibly efficient at their specific job since there's no unnecessary features slowing them down.
From microwaves to smart doorbells, embedded systems prove that computers don't always need keyboards and screens to be useful. They're the invisible workforce making modern life smoother and more convenient.
Fun fact: The average household contains over 40 embedded systems - try spotting them around your home!
CPU Architecture - The Brain of Your Computer
Think of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) as your computer's command centre that never stops working. It processes every single piece of data and instruction by constantly repeating something called the FDE cycle (Fetch, Decode, Execute).
Inside the CPU, you've got three main components working together. The Control Unit (CU) acts like a traffic controller, managing the entire FDE cycle and keeping everything organised. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is your number cruncher - it handles all calculations and logical operations like comparing values.
The CPU also contains registers, which are tiny but super-fast storage areas. The Program Counter keeps track of which instruction comes next, whilst the Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the actual data being moved around. The Memory Address Register (MAR) remembers where to find or store information, and the Accumulator stores calculation results from the ALU.
Quick tip: Think of registers as the CPU's sticky notes - they hold important information that needs to be accessed instantly!
CPU Performance - What Makes Computers Fast
Ever wondered why some computers feel lightning-fast whilst others make you wait ages? It all comes down to three key factors that determine CPU performance.
Clock speed measures how quickly your CPU can process instructions, shown in gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed means more instructions get completed every second - it's like having a faster heartbeat for your computer. However, clock speed isn't everything.
The number of cores makes a massive difference too. Each core can process data independently, so more cores mean your CPU can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It's like having several workers instead of just one - much more efficient for multitasking.
Cache size is your CPU's secret weapon. Cache memory sits much closer to the processor than regular RAM, so it can supply data incredibly quickly. A larger cache means frequently used instructions get accessed faster, making everything feel more responsive.
Remember: An optimised CPU combines high clock speed, multiple cores, and large cache - that's the recipe for serious performance!
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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Computer Science: Systems Architecture and CPU Basics
ellie
@ellili.7
Your computer's CPU is basically the brain that makes everything work - from opening apps to streaming videos. Understanding how it processes information and where it fits into different systems will help you grasp why some computers are faster than... Show more
Embedded Systems - Computers Hiding Everywhere
You might not realise it, but you interact with dozens of computers every day that aren't laptops or phones. Embedded systems are computer systems built directly into larger machines, and they're absolutely everywhere.
These systems are designed for one specific job, which makes them brilliant at what they do. Your washing machine has an embedded system managing wash cycles, whilst traffic lights use them to control when to change from red to green. Even your car's engine management system is an embedded computer.
Why are embedded systems so popular? They're easier to design because engineers only need to focus on one task. This makes them cheaper to produce than general-purpose computers, and they're incredibly efficient at their specific job since there's no unnecessary features slowing them down.
From microwaves to smart doorbells, embedded systems prove that computers don't always need keyboards and screens to be useful. They're the invisible workforce making modern life smoother and more convenient.
Fun fact: The average household contains over 40 embedded systems - try spotting them around your home!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
CPU Architecture - The Brain of Your Computer
Think of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) as your computer's command centre that never stops working. It processes every single piece of data and instruction by constantly repeating something called the FDE cycle (Fetch, Decode, Execute).
Inside the CPU, you've got three main components working together. The Control Unit (CU) acts like a traffic controller, managing the entire FDE cycle and keeping everything organised. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is your number cruncher - it handles all calculations and logical operations like comparing values.
The CPU also contains registers, which are tiny but super-fast storage areas. The Program Counter keeps track of which instruction comes next, whilst the Memory Data Register (MDR) holds the actual data being moved around. The Memory Address Register (MAR) remembers where to find or store information, and the Accumulator stores calculation results from the ALU.
Quick tip: Think of registers as the CPU's sticky notes - they hold important information that needs to be accessed instantly!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
CPU Performance - What Makes Computers Fast
Ever wondered why some computers feel lightning-fast whilst others make you wait ages? It all comes down to three key factors that determine CPU performance.
Clock speed measures how quickly your CPU can process instructions, shown in gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed means more instructions get completed every second - it's like having a faster heartbeat for your computer. However, clock speed isn't everything.
The number of cores makes a massive difference too. Each core can process data independently, so more cores mean your CPU can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It's like having several workers instead of just one - much more efficient for multitasking.
Cache size is your CPU's secret weapon. Cache memory sits much closer to the processor than regular RAM, so it can supply data incredibly quickly. A larger cache means frequently used instructions get accessed faster, making everything feel more responsive.
Remember: An optimised CPU combines high clock speed, multiple cores, and large cache - that's the recipe for serious performance!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Content Outline
Most popular content in Other
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user