Computer Architecture concerns the knowledge related to understanding how a computer’s sub-components are organized, and interact with each other, to perform desired functions. This includes the physical components (hardware) and operating instructions (software). The hardware is comprised of the computer system’s central processing unit (CPU), memory, input devices, and output devices. The software includes both operating software (the programs that manage the computer’s processes, memory, and operation of all other hardware and software) as well as application software (the programs that work with the operating software to perform specific tasks, which includes applications such as word processors, computer aided design programs, and games). Computer Architecture is important to Engineering Literacy as computer systems are the heart of all information-processing and communication technologies and perform countless functions related to extending capabilities for calculations, automation, and communication between people and machines across the world and beyond.