Computer Organization and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface, Third Edition (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Architecture and Design) (The ... Series in Computer Architecture and Design)

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.

User review
Good books and very cheap
I have to say this is the best deal I get from Amazon.com, only cost me 1 dollar and it is amazing cheap!

User review
Not a bad deal
The book is in the condition described, except there is a little writing in the margins and stuff from previous owner. Otherwise, it was a perfect purchase. Fast shipping and good price =)

User review
Good introduction to processor architecture and bit level operations.
The book is fairly comprehensive and does a good job introducing you to the innards of a computer. It will not tell you how to build a computer or processor, but you'll definitely have a better understanding of them.

User review
Comp Arch Book
It's the required textbook for my CA class, and I haven't looked at it yet.

User review
Superb reference!!
This is an excellent primary text for those interested in the core concepts of computer function and design. I especially liked the real world applications and bridging between hardware and software.

There is no doubt that this a an advance book but accessible for a younger audience who show a passion or computer science.