This textbook provides a basic introduction to the fundamentals of
current computer designs. As the title suggests, the text skirts the
border between hardware and software. After an overview of the subject
and a discussion of performance, the book launches into technical matter
such as instruction sets, how they are constrained by the underlying
processor hardware, the constraints on their design, and more. An
excellent critique of computer arithmetic methods leads to a high-level
discussion on processor design.Following is a great introduction to
pipelining, nice coverage of memory issues, and solid attention to
peripherals. The book concludes with a brief discussion of the
additional issues inherent in multiprocessing machines. The extremely
lucid description is grounded in real-world examples. Interesting
exercises help reinforce the material, and each section contains a
write-up of the historical background of each idea. Computer
Organization and Design is accessible to the beginner, but also offers
plenty of valuable knowledge for experienced engineers.
Review
"The choice of 'Real Stuff' is judicious. The 'Computers in the Real
World' sections are interesting to read and should widen the horizons of
the too often too tech-oriented Sophomores and Juniors. On the whole
this is a very solid book and the success of the third edition is
assured as has been the success of its two predecessors."
-Jean-Loup Baer, University of Washington
"I am very impressed with the new sections 'Computers in the Real
World.' It is very interesting and speaks to the students who would like
to feel a connection between classroom materials and real-world
applications. I am very pleased with the manuscript for the third
edition. This revision is well-updated and a comprehensive introduction
to the hardware and software fundamentals."
-David Brooks, Harvard University
"The logical development and explanations and examples were always great
to begin with. The 'Historical Perspectives' have become even better--
they are part of the book that I enjoy most."
Size: 47 MB
