Why study system architecture?

Purpose of a computer is to solve problems by following a logical set of rules.

Algorithms.
  The solution to a problem can be describe by an algorithm or rule set.
    A set of steps that take input conditions and arrive at a 'solution'.

    1. Final result. - Handles both success and failure.

    2. Clear and precise.

    3. Achievable.


Program code and logic circuits are instantiation of algorithms.

Principle of equivalence of hardware and software.
  Each implementation comes with costs.

  Fast, cheap, quality work, pick any two. (project triangle)

  Cost, Speed, Ease of use.
     Ease of use may be User interface, Flexibility of system, Programmability.