The Architecture of Computer Hardware and Systems Software: An Information Technology Approach

Most computer architecture books are just too technical and complex. Focusing on specific technology, they often bypass the basics and are outdated as quickly as technology advances. Now, Irv Englander's gentle-but-thorough introduction to computer architecture and systems software provides just the right amount of technical detail you'll need to make successful decisions in your future career.

The text covers all the basics in an accessible, easy-to-understand way. Organized in a form that parallels an actual computer system, entire sections are devoted to principles of data, hardware, and software, with computer interconnection, clustering, and networking integrated into the material to emphasize the importance of computer and system structure. Assuming only basic knowledge, these sections build up to an in-depth understanding of each topic and how they interrelate to make up a computer system.

With this Third Edition's outstanding features, you'll be able to build a solid foundation for success on the job.

• All chapters have been thoroughly updated to reflect current technology.
• Revised with even clearer discussions of virtual storage, the operation of memory, and modern CPU architectures.
• Programming examples are written in a C++/Java-like pseudocode.
• Emphasizes the computer aspects of clustering and networking, rather than the data communication aspects.
• Provide an understanding of underlying, non-changing basics of computers, so that you can make knowledgeable decisions about systems.
• Introduce new technological concepts without overwhelming you with too much detail.
• Examples cover a broad spectrum of hardware and software systems, from personal computers to mainframes.
• Integrates discussions of hardware and software throughout, and explores the symbiosis between them.

After taking the author's class in the subject, I've come to understand that by the end of the book you might hate the author, but at least you'll learn something. One of the more challenging subjects, but you can learn a great deal from this book. Because it's a book in architecture, however, it's important to keep in mind that a great deal of this book is theoretical and not specifically practical to everyday computer usage.


The Architure of computer hardware and system software..   May 30, 2001
HQ Tran (UK)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I'm studying BEng Computer Systems Eng, and this book is the best book that I've ever read - clearly explain thoughout from hardware system to software engineering. It covers most of things you need to know about computer. I mean as a perfect introduction.

I used this book for my first year since then I get a lot of benefit from it, love it

H Q Tran


pretty good   May 2, 2000
4 out of 11 found this review helpful

If you're studying Business IT or a similar subject this is an excellent book with coverage of all the core subjects you will need to know about hardware in an IT environment. A good alround book I am currently using a library copy to revise from.


Bridging the Gap   January 15, 2003
Aaron Ouellette (pepperell, MA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

As a student taking a technical look at computers from a non technical background this book dances the fine line of too little detail, and being too technical. I recomend it highly, and use it frequently as a reference around the office.


Hard to read, not for beginners   March 20, 2002
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

The book is difficult to read and is definitely not aimed at beginners. Complex concepts are addressed without solid support for the lower-level concepts of which they are comprised. In effect, the book takes a complex subject, throws acronyms and abbreviated concepts at it, then moves on. Additionally, the glossary is not well-organized and the book has quite a few typographical errors.