From Book News, Inc.
This textbook for a two-semester introductory course in networked computer systems moves through digital logic, hardware, layers of software, networking, and operating systems. Williams (University of the West of England) emphasizes how software performance can be dependent on hardware features. The CD-ROM contains Visual C++ 6.0 introductory edition.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR

Book Description
This book presents an incremental look at networked computer systems starting with digital logic and hardware, moving through the layers of software, and leading to an introduction to networking and operating systems. Its practical, modern approach draws upon areas of reader interest and experience (the Internet, Pentium processors, GUIs, mobile communications) to stimulate enthusiasm. This book uses Microsoft's Visual Developer Studio debugger (included on CD-ROM) to provide a brief experience with assembly language programming. This book features an introduction to networking since most computer systems today work in a networked environment. It takes a traditional bottom-up approach using applied technology and ideas, and treats digital logic in sufficient detail to remove the mystery of how computers work. Throughout, the author emphasizes how software performance can be dependent upon hardware features, while practical exercises demonstrate this aspect of hardware/software interaction. This book demonstrates to computer scientists and engineers how computers and their systems work, and will be especially useful for readers looking for a book covering networking issues in computer systems organization and architecture. /*@ISBN = 0-201-64859-8 @MAINCAT = Computer Hardware @SUBCAT = System Architecture @DATALINE1 = 2001, 680 pages, 7 1/4 x 9 1/8 @DATALINE2 = Cloth Bound w/CD-ROM, $84.00k*/

From the Back Cover
This book presents an incremental look at networked computer systems starting with digital logic and hardware, moving through the layers of software, and leading to an introduction to networking and operating systems. Its practical, modern approach draws upon areas of reader interest and experience (the Internet, Pentium processors, GUIs, mobile communications) to stimulate enthusiasm. This book uses Microsoft's Visual Developer Studio debugger (included on CD-ROM) to provide a brief experience with assembly language programming. This book features an introduction to networking since most computer systems today work in a networked environment. It takes a traditional bottom-up approach using applied technology and ideas, and treats digital logic in sufficient detail to remove the mystery of how computers work. Throughout, the author emphasizes how software performance can be dependent upon hardware features, while practical exercises demonstrate this aspect of hardware/software interaction. This book demonstrates to computer scientists and engineers how computers and their systems work, and will be especially useful for readers looking for a book covering networking issues in computer systems organization and architecture. /*@ISBN = 0-201-64859-8 @MAINCAT = Computer Hardware @SUBCAT = System Architecture @DATALINE1 = 2001, 680 pages, 7 1/4 x 9 1/8 @DATALINE2 = Cloth Bound w/CD-ROM, $84.00k*/

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Computer Systems Architecture presents an incremental look at networked computer systems starting with digital logic and hardware, moving through the layers of software and leading to an introduction of networking and operating systems. Its practical, modern approach draws upon areas of student interest and experience (the Internet, Pentium processors, GUIs, mobile communications) to stimulate the reader's enthusiasm for the subject. Throughout, the author emphasises how software performance can be dependent on hardware features. Practical exercises demonstrate this important aspect of hardware/software interaction.

The practical exercises make use of Visual C Developer Studio, which is also used to introduce students to assembler programming, display the action of the Pentium Processor (using the debugger) and produce some elementary networking programs. Microsoft R Visual C R 6.0 Introductory Edition ENU Book Edition is packaged with the book.

Computer Systems Architecture is meant as a first year introduction to the subject for students in Computer Science and related courses.

Key Features

Recognises that most computer systems work in a networked environment and includes an introduction to networking. Acknowledges that computers are now a routine experience for most students. Takes a traditional bottom-up presentation using applied technology and ideas. Treats digital logic in sufficient detail to remove the mystery of how computers work. Adopts a practical approach, not requiring advanced mathematics. Uses Microsoft's Visual Developer Studio debugger to provide a brief experience with assembly languageprogramming. Programming examples, exercises and worksheets drawn from common experience reinforce the text's practical approach. Includes Microsoft R Visual C R 6.0 introductory Edition ENU Book Edition.

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

This textbook for a two-semester introductory course in networked computer systems moves through digital logic, hardware, layers of software, networking, and operating systems. Williams (University of the West of England) emphasizes how software performance can be dependent on hardware features. The CD-ROM contains Visual C++ 6.0 introductory edition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

AUTHOR DESCRIPTION