Are you someone who loves taking computers apart and figuring out how the hardware and the software work? Or perhaps you’re interested in building one from scratch? Maybe you’ve already done so? If you’re any of the three, becoming a computer architect may be the right path for you. Read on to find out how you can turn this hobby into a career.
What Is Computer Architecture?
That computer you are working on right now, a computer architect built it. It’s not every day that you hear about computer architects. After all, don’t architects work on houses instead of computers?
But just as how a house is filled with furniture and fixtures, a computer is likewise made up of components designed to make it fully functional. Enter the computer architects who work on the design and overall function of hardware and software systems.
Mastering the architecture of modern computers requires having the ability to build high-performance systems as well as improve the performance of existing ones. Because of this, not everyone can be a computer architect.
To qualify for the role, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, or any other related field. If that’s too much of an investment for you, start by learning about computer hardware and software by taking computer science courses online. These short-term programs are always a good way to gauge your interest and suitability for the role you’re aiming for.
What Is the Role of a Computer Architect?
A computer architect, sometimes called a computer network architect, is a puzzle solver. A computer architect dedicates their time to understanding the components of a computer to optimize its overall performance and functionality. This makes them an asset for organizations as they work to keep internal computer networks running.
The three main skills a computer architect needs to have are programming, problem-solving, and technical know-how. You may sometimes be called a “systems analyst” as well. This is because you will be optimizing the performance of many computer systems.
Depending on the sector you work for, you will also be required to optimize their own internal systems such as a point of sale system like a till at a grocery store or a banking system at a bank.
Another crucial role for computer architects is to make sure systems are secure from cyberattacks or any other types of threats. In which case, knowledge of security and antivirus applications is also essential.
Types of Computer Architecture
When you think about computer architecture, you should think of it as the act of feeding a bunch of instructions into a computer system in order for it to perform various tasks.
Below are the four types or areas of computer architecture.
Von-Neumann Architecture
Modern computers have multiple functions combined together into one unit and connected by circuitry. Back in the day, these inner workings were different, however, in modern day computers, the architecture is based on the Van-Neumann Architecture.
The memory, for instance, follows the read/write instructions that are stored in the computer. Each instruction points to a different location within the computer system and each location has its own unique address. These contents of the memory can be accessed and changed or updated by computer architects.
Instruction Set Architecture
Many computer programmers use this type in their jobs. One of the main sets of instructions that processors understand is instruction set architecture.
This type of computer architecture involves instructions sent to processors and is divided into two different instruction sets, namely Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) and Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC). This is a set of instructions that have multiple address modes.
Microarchitecture
Microarchitecture performs differently from any of the other types because it reads the instructions input into the system and decodes it only within microcontrollers and microprocessors. Some architectures can overlap multiple instructions when using the other methods, however, in microarchitecture, this is not an option.
Harvard Architecture
This type of architecture is used when data and instruction are stored in separate memory blocks. When the design is too complex for architectures to use any other method of modifying a set of instructions, they choose this option.
Learning Computer Architecture
While a bachelor’s degree is the conventional path to becoming a computer architect, other paths that are just as viable have entered the education sphere in recent years. These include bootcamps that offer hands-on training in network security and database design, both of which are essential skills for computer architects.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Computer Architecture?
The length of time to mastery varies by whatever learning path you take. Below are a few options.
- Complete a bachelor’s degree program in computer science, computer engineering, or any related field. This is usually awarded after four years of study.
- Further your education with a Master’s of Business Administration in Information Systems Management. This takes two years to finish and is beneficial to learning about both business and computer systems.
- Opt for an accelerated computer science degree. As the name implies, this allows you to take on a much faster track to earning a degree. The program takes about two years to finish and may be accessed online.
- Earn credentials for other related fields, such as network administration degrees, and then specialize in computer architecture. Depending on the program you choose, a degree in network administration may be awarded between two and four years.
How to Learn Computer Architecture: Step-by-Step
Some computer architects eventually step up to IT managerial roles once they’ve had sufficient experience. Continuous education in this field is always recommended to keep with the times and ever-changing technologies. Below are our recommended steps when learning computer architecture:
- Learn Coding. The first step in any computer-related field is to learn the necessary coding languages and programming languages such as Python and C++. You can also join a coding bootcamp or attend some courses to equip yourself with the coding skills that you’ll need in your future career.
- Get Your Degree. Getting a degree is highly beneficial to get ahead in any computer science career path. Getting your bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering, and then progressing to a master’s degree, is highly advantageous and sought-after by recruiters.
- Explore Related Courses and Training. Look at the skills needed for a computer architecture role and try to leverage any course or training that will help you obtain them. For instance, you can take a course in computer repair.
- Emulate your seniors. Who says being a computer architect is a stagnant role? Reach for the stars. Check out what IT managers do and how to become one. This will help give you some perspective on the skills, knowledge, and experience you’ll need to have to move up the ladder.
The Best Computer Architecture Courses and Training
There are many options for learning and launching a career in computer architecture, from in-person programs to remote ones with some even offered for free. Let’s take a look at these.
In-Person Computer Architecture Classes
While online courses have been gaining popularity in recent years, the preference for in-person training remains strong. If you’re more of a traditional learner, below are some of the best computer architecture programs taught within the campus walls.
University of Oxford
- Program: Computer Architecture
- Prerequisite/s: Digital systems or knowledge of combinational circuits and assembler programming
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Cost: Upon registration
This course teaches you the mechanisms for implementing a programmer’s ideal computer. It starts with an introduction to computer architecture before making its way to a broader range of architectural designs. You’ll also get a peek at the decisions they incorporate and how these affect performance.
Princeton University
- Program: Computer Architecture
- Prerequisite/s: Digital systems or knowledge of combinational circuits and assembler programming
- Duration: Approx. 50 Hours
- Start date: January 11th
- Cost: Upon registration
This course is divided into 11 weeks and each week has a different learning session. You will learn everything from the basics of instruction set architecture to microcode and more complex classes by the 11th week relating to large multiprocessors and directory protocols.
Online Computer Architecture Courses
There are also various online courses, both free and paid, that focus on computer architecture, programming, computer science, computer engineering, and more.
Edx.org (University of Oxford)
- Program: Computation Structures 2: Computer Architecture
- Prerequisite/s: Knowledge of digital circuits
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Cost: Free (Add a Verified Certificate for $30)
This computer science course explores the principles, techniques, and abstractions used in the design of digital and computer systems. The second of a three-part series on digital systems, this course is offered by the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Included in the curriculum are instruction sets, assembly language, procedures and stacks, the memory hierarchy, caches, and 32-bit computer architecture.
Saylor.Org Academy
- Program: CS301: Computer Architecture
- Prerequisite: Understanding of digital systems
- Duration: 109 hours
- Cost: Free with certificate
This course covers the basics of assembly language and how to program using it. You will look at different types of instruction sets, gain insight into the basics of digital logic, and tap into further topics. These include sequential memory systems, number systems, and I/O devices and storage units. The course caps with a final exam, after which passers receive a certificate of completion.
LinkedIn Learning
- Program: Learning PLC Ladder Logic
- Prerequisite: Programming know-how
- Duration: 2 hours and 4 minutes
- Cost: $24.99/month (one-month free trial)
This course is designed to hone your fluency in ladder logic, a programming language used for the programmable logic controller (PLC). Learning ladder logic via a completely personalized course will help aspiring developers understand how the language can be used in industrial automation.
Computer Architecture Books
Books have always been a good source of information for any curious mind and should be a part of anyone’s learning journey. That includes your journey to learning computer architecture. Below is a list of books we’ve curated that will help advance your knowledge in the field.
Fundamentals of Computer Architecture, Mark Burrell
If you just started learning about computer systems architecture, this is a good book to invest in. It meets typical syllabus requirements and is written in a manner that’s easy to understand. Each chapter includes an exercise for you to gauge your understanding, with keyword definitions included in the margins.
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A Practical Introduction to Computer Architecture, Daniel Page
The title says it all. This book introduces you to concepts that every computer science student should have an understanding of. Its practicality is embedded in the exercises and comprehensive solutions provided, all of which seek to strengthen your grasp of computer architecture. Also included are an overview of the entry of digital electronics and an introduction to assembly language programs, with the inclusion of circuit diagrams.
Computer Architecture Certifications
While earning certifications are not mandatory, they are highly likely to help you move up the career ladder and onto a bigger paycheck. Below are a few certifications you can take to boost your earning potential.
SEI Software Architecture Professional Certificate
This certification teaches you techniques for effectively designing and analyzing software architecture. It’s the perfect certification for budding software architects, designers, and developers of computer software systems.
Online BSc Data Science and Business Analytics
Taking this program will equip you with the essential skills needed to become a computer architect, or enter anydata science career, as well.
Subjects included are mathematics, economics, statistics, and analysis, to name a few. When completed you will be able to make informed decisions and leverage this knowledge in solving real-world problems.
CCENT Certification
This Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification will teach you everything you need to know about the basics of computer networking. You will learn aspects of IP addressing, how to mitigate online threats, network security, how to route and switch to different networks, and everything that a computer technician should know when starting their career.
Online Computer Architecture Resources
Now that you know your learning options, don’t forget that there are also publicly available tools that you can quickly tap into whenever you need a refresher or extra information.
GitHub.com
With over 50 million subscribers to the online portal, GitHub has become one of the many popular places to go to for information about most subjects, including computer architecture. It offers vital information about careers and learning along with various open-source guides and more. To demonstrate, this LambdaSchool/Computer-Architecture information on computer architecture is a good place to start.
Lynda.com
Another resource you can look at is lynda.com that offers various video content and courses for learners of all levels. This informative video on computer architecture may help give you a refresher on the operations of information life cycles, for instance.
Should You Study Computer Architecture?
Modern computers are the end-all-be-all of any household or business in the world. The majority of the population has one and uses one. Taking a course on how to manage, build, design, and work with all their components will not only be beneficial but will put you in the league of some of the best jobs and salaries in the world.
According to Payscale, the average salary for a computer architect is $124,590. Why wouldn’t anyone want to join such a lucrative field? If you find computers and big paychecks equally appealing, then this career may be the right one for you.
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