Computer systems architecture : a networking approach

Abstract

This book presents the subject in a progressive, incremental manner, bottom-upwards. Starting with digital logic and computer hardware, moving through the layers of software and leading on to an introduction to the field of networking and operating systems. It adopts a practical, hand-on approach, drawing upon areas of student interest and experience (the Internet, Pentium processors, GUIs, mobile communications) to stimulate the reader's enthusiasm for the subject. Throughout, system performance is analysed as jointly dependent on hardware and software features. Practical exercises demonstrate this fundamental aspect of hardware/software interaction.