Welcome back to my learning log for IS 215: Advanced Computer Systems!
As we dive into the second semester of AY 2025-2026, our first stop is a deep dive into the foundation of modern computing: Module 1: Single-Processor Systems.
While we live in an era of massive server farms and supercomputers, the single-processor system remains the "heart" of the devices we use every day. Here is a breakdown of what I’ve learned about how these systems work and how they’ve evolved.
The "Brain" of the Operation
At its simplest, a Single-Processor System is a computer equipped with one Central Processing Unit (CPU). Think of the CPU as the brain; it is responsible for every calculation, every user input, and every line of code executed on the machine.
From One Core to Many
One of the most interesting parts of this module was learning that a "Single-Processor System" doesn't necessarily mean "one single processing unit." The technology has evolved into two different categories:
1. Single-Core Systems
These rely on a processor with just one core. Today, you’ll mostly find them in:
- Low-power devices
- Embedded systems (like industrial controllers)
- Specific-purpose applications
2. Multi-Core Systems
This is where things get fast. A multi-core processor is a single physical chip that houses multiple independent cores.