| Computers perform countless tasks ranging from the business
critical to the recreational, but regardless of how
differently they may look and behave, they're all amazingly
similar in basic function. Once you understand how the
microprocessor-or central processing unit (CPU)-works,
you'll have a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts at the
heart of all modern computing.
Inside the Machine, from the co-founder of the highly
respected Ars Technica website, explains how microprocessors
operate-what they do and how they do it. The book uses
analogies, full-color diagrams, and clear language to convey
the ideas that form the basis of modern computing. After
discussing computers in the abstract, the book examines
specific microprocessors from Intel, IBM, and Motorola, from
the original models up through today's leading processors.
It contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date
information available (online or in print) on Intel's latest
processors: the Pentium M, Core, and Core 2 Duo. Inside the
Machine also explains technology terms and concepts that
readers often hear but may not fully understand, such as
"pipelining," "L1 cache," "main memory," "superscalar
processing," and "out-of-order execution."
Includes discussion of:
Parts of the computer and microprocessor
Programming fundamentals (arithmetic instructions, memory
accesses, control flow instructions, and data types)
Intermediate and advanced microprocessor concepts (branch
prediction and speculative execution)
Intermediate and advanced microprocessor concepts (branch
prediction and speculative execution)
Intermediate and advanced computing concepts (instruction
set architectures, RISC and CISC, the memory hierarchy, and
encoding and decoding machine language instructions)
64-bit computing vs. 32-bit computing
Caching and performance
Inside the Machine is perfect for students of science and
engineering, IT and business professionals, and the growing
community of hardware tinkerers who like to dig into the
guts of their machines.
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Biting the hand that feeds IT 
Published by: NO STARCH PRESS