The distinction between computer architecture and organization is difficult to define precisely. However, the general areas covered by each are as follows:

Computer Organization

1. The term 'Computer Organization' refers to the operational units of the computer and their interconnections.

2. The main hardware units are the CPU, memory, I/O units, etc. The hardware details such as various computational units, control signals, interfaces between computer peripherals, and the memory technology used are included in the organization of the computer.

3. Therefore, it can be said that the hardware units and their connection details cover the organization of the computer system.

Computer Architecture

1. By the term 'Computer architecture', it is generally meant those qualities of a system that are visible to a programmer, such as the number of bits used to represent various data types, the instruction set of the computer, techniques for addressing memory, methods used for input-output, etc.

2. These qualities are known as architectural qualities and have an effect on the execution of a program.

3. In short, the quality associated with the functioning of software is linked to computer architecture whereas those associated to hardware aspects of the computer are related to computer organization.

4. For example, if a computer is running multiple instructions, it is an architectural design issue. On the other hand, it is an organizational issue whether that instruction will be implemented by a special multiple unit or by a unit that makes repeated use of the add instruction. Many computer manufactures offer a family of computer models, all with the same architecture but with differences in organization.

5. These models have different price and performance characteristics. The architecture may not change for many years but the organization changes with the change of technology.

6. This means that the same software can be used on different models of the computer, only the hardware changes to make the system improve in performance and speed.