Episode 94: How Computers Work Part IV - Processor Architecture and Machine Code

Episode 94: How Computers Work Part IV - Processor Architecture and Machine Code

Author: James Fodor February 4, 2018 Duration: 1:10:51
In this fourth part in our series on computers, I begin with an overview of the von Neumann architecture used in most modern computers. This leads in a discussion of the structure and operation of the central processing unit, covering the instruction register, the program counter, main memory, the data and address buses, the ALU, and the control Unit. I then discuss the purpose and implementation of a number of key operations in the instruction set architecture, including arithmetic operations, data movement operations, and conditional branches.

Curiosity about how the world works is a universal trait, and The Science of Everything Podcast is built on that very impulse. Host James Fodor guides conversations that roam freely across disciplines, from the physics of black holes to the complexities of human behavior studied in social sciences. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a new subject, where the common thread is a rigorous yet accessible application of the scientific method. You’ll hear explanations that break down complex ideas without oversimplifying them, focusing on the fascinating insights that research reveals about our universe and our place within it. This isn't a lecture series, but rather an exploration driven by genuine inquiry. Whether the topic is rooted in biology, chemistry, sociology, or astronomy, the aim is to connect the dots between abstract principles and the tangible reality we experience. The result is a consistently engaging audio experience that reminds us just how much there is left to discover. Tune in to this thoughtful podcast for a regular dose of understanding, designed to satisfy both the casual question-asker and the dedicated lifelong learner.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Science of Everything Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 142: The Greenhouse Effect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:05
A detailed discussion of the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth's climate. We begin with a discussion of Earth’s energy budget, the various greenhouse gases and their interactions with longwave radiation, and a su…
Episode 141: Natural Climate Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:31
An overview of the natural mechanisms by which climate changes over time. Beginning with an introduction to the concepts of radiative forcing and climate sensitivity, we then discuss solar forcing, orbital changes, volca…
Episode 140: A History of Earth's Climate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:12
A journey through the history of Earth's changing climate, in which we explore how Earth's climate has fluctuated over the past billion years. After reviewing the various temperature proxies used to estimate past climact…
Special Episode: Dinosaurs in Popular Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:20
In this special collaboration with I Know Dino podcast, we discuss the history and impact of dinosaurs in popular culture and media. We cover the history of the scientific study of dinosaurs and how their presentation in…
Episode 139: Cybersecurity and Cryptocurrencies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:46
An introduction to cryptography, internet security, and cryptocurrency, beginning with an overview of RSA cryptography and covering the use of public and private keys and their incorporation into the Transport Layer Secu…
Episode 138: Biochemistry and Metabolism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
A discussion of the metabolic pathways involved in breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into simple components, extracting their energy, and building back up into more complex components needed for bodily fu…
Episode 137: The Digestive System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:05
A journey through the digestive system, beginning with the mouth and progressing through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, we consider the structure and function of all key components of the g…
Episode 136: Introduction to General Relativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:40
An introduction to the conceptual and mathematical framework of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. We begin by considering the key insight of gravity as a geometric phenomenon, and how the curvature of spacetime by…
Episode 135: The Science of Emotion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:47
An introduction to the scientific study of emotion, including a discussion of the difficulties in defining emotions, discrete and dimensional methods of classifying emotions, the functional and representational roles of…
Episode 134: Hormones and the Endocrine System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:14
An introduction to hormones and the endocrine system, including a discussion of the definition of hormones and their production, storage, release, and mechanisms of action. I also consider the mechanisms of control and r…