Arch-P01NTs on P01NT

Computer Architecture & Organization

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

The scarcity and weakness of Arabic resources covering these topics was one of the main reasons behind writing this series — the goal is to close that gap, and I ask God to make this work sincerely for His sake.

God willing, these articles will be the solid foundation you can build upon. We will approach every topic hands-on: writing code in C, then looking at its footprint in Assembly. On with it.

Processor Structure & Functions

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

In the previous article we talked about computer architecture and organization and the basic parts of a computer. Today, God willing, we dive a little deeper into the processor itself: its components, its functions, and how they work together.

Data Path & Control Unit

The processor consists of fundamental units:

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logic operations.
The Control Unit (CU), which generates the control signals needed to coordinate the components.
Plus a set of fast-access registers.

These components divide into two main parts:

Instruction Set Architecture

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

Having taken an overview of the computer’s structure in the first article, and dived into what happens inside the processor in the second one, today we meet the theoretical foundation linking binary instructions to the operations the processor executes. This article also serves as a practical introduction to Assembly, explaining the structure of its code. Here are the topics we will cover:

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)

The Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) is the theoretical foundation connecting machine code to the instructions the CPU executes:

Addressing Modes

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

In the previous article we talked about the ISA and said it defines many things: instructions, data types, registers, memory access, and addressing modes. Since every term there has been covered except addressing modes, this article is dedicated to them, God willing.

A note before we continue: if any shortcoming slips into my explanation of a particular part, that is natural — I do not claim perfection in this series or any other; I only strive toward it. If you spot an incorrect concept or an issue with something, you are welcome to clarify it for everyone’s benefit. And I ask God to make this work sincerely for His sake.

Cache Memory

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

Having finished the topics concerning the CPU in the last three lessons, we now move on, God willing, to memory topics — which are no less important than what came before them.

Memory topics divide into three areas: (Virtual Memory, Cache Memory, Internal Memory). We have already covered virtual memory from a practical angle in the virtual memory lesson of the C workshop; today’s topic is cache memory.

Cache Memory Overview

Cache memory is a small, high-speed store usually located between the CPU and main memory (RAM). Its job is to hold copies of the most frequently used data and instructions so the processor can reach them quickly.

Internal Memory

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

After covering the cache in the previous article, today we wrap up the memory topics so we come away with a clear understanding of memory in general — without descending into external memory, which benefits those working directly with hardware more than software people.

Internal Memory

Internal memory is also known as Main Memory:

It represents the memory layers closest and fastest to the processor, used to store data and instructions currently being processed, distinguished by fast random access during operation. It includes the registers, cache, RAM, and ROM.

I/O System

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

Having covered the processor and memory topics, this article discusses the third essential part of a computer: the input/output (I/O) system.

The I/O System

As we said before, computer architecture consists of the processor, memory, and external peripherals. Peripherals — like the keyboard and printer — receive data from the outside environment and send data to it, connecting to the processor through special interface units.

These units (I/O Modules) arise to handle the fundamental differences between the processor and peripheral devices, such as:

Interconnections

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0300

بسم الله

We have reached the end of the series, and this is the final article. I ask God Almighty to write reward for me and for you, to benefit us from what He taught us and teach us what benefits us — He is the Guardian of that, the All-Capable.

Having covered the three main components — how are these components interconnected so they can exchange data? Through what is called interconnection structures.