Ch 1 · The Von Neumann Model · Theory

Topic 1 of 10 in Computer Architecture — Inside the CPU — 2 lessons.

One Big Idea

Almost every computer follows the von Neumann architecture, named after John von Neumann. Its key insight: programs and the data they work on are stored together in the same memory. The processor fetches instructions from memory one at a time and carries them out.

Why It Matters

Storing programs *as data* means a computer can load and run any program without being rewired — that flexibility is why computers are general-purpose machines.

All topics in Theory Computer-architecture

1. The Von Neumann Model
2. Inside the CPU
3. Registers
4. The Fetch–Decode–Execute Cycle
5. Buses
6. The Memory Hierarchy
7. What Makes a CPU Fast
8. Assembly Language & Addressing Modes
9. Virtual Machines & Parallel Processing (A Level)
10. Check Your Understanding