Computer Architecture

advantages for User
Understand system capabilities and limitations
Make informed decisions
Improve communications with information technology professionals
Systems Analyst
Conduct surveys, determine feasibility and define and document user requirements
Specify computer systems to meet application requirements

advantages to Programmer
Create efficient application software for specific processing needs

advantages to System Administrator / Manager
Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade computer systems
Maximize system availability
Optimize system performance
Ensure system security

advantages for Web Designer
Optimize customer accessibility to Web services
System administration of Web servers
Select appropriate data formats
Design efficient Web pages

Architecture Components
Software: Instructions executed by the system
Data: Fundamental representation of facts and observations
Communications: Sharing data and processing among different systems
Hardware: Processes data by executing instructions and Provides input and output

(source: An Information Technology Approach 3rd Edition)