What is it
Computer architecture describes how a computer's core components — the CPU, memory and buses that connect them — are organised and how they work together to fetch, decode and execute instructions.
Why it matters
Understanding the fetch-decode-execute cycle explains why some computers are faster than others, and it's the conceptual foundation for everything from how apps run to why your laptop occasionally slows down.
Exam tip
Learn the fetch-decode-execute cycle as three separate, ordered steps — exam questions often ask you to explain what happens at each specific stage, not just describe the cycle in general terms.
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