An introduction to computer architecture

The purpose of this document is to serve as an introduction to a series of articles dealing in depth with computer architecture. We begin with "A brief history of computing machines", followed by "An introduction to the basic architectural principles of computers". These introductory documents obviously make no claim to exhaustiveness. Their purpose is to :

• Introduce the basic concepts that will enable you to take an in-depth look at the different principles and techniques used to optimize the various components that make up a computer;

• introduce the different paradigms that have influenced this evolution;

• highlight the historical origins of these concepts, principles and paradigms;

• show the importance, at each stage, of the various human and technological factors that have influenced the design of these machines;

• to present the major techniques that have made it possible to dramatically increase the processing power of these machines.