Computer architecture+OS

MadMax · Post by **MadMax** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:38 am

I am looking for an introduction to computer hardware. I know nothing on the subject besides having assembled a PC a long time ago.

I don't think I can devote to it enough time as to become very knowledgeable about the topic, but at the minimum I want to understand the basics of what constitutes a computer system, what component does what, how they communicate/work together, being able to understand differences between various CONTEMPORARY systems and what are pros/cons of these.

A specific objective is to be able to decide what configuration (combination of hardware/OS) is suitable for a given type of application or being able to recognize a few competitive configurations with some ability to assess the different trade-offs.

My own search results:

computer architecture

computer organization and design

operating systems design and implementation

Modern operating systems

Operating systems concepts

plus some online courses on MIT OpenCourseWare that look interesting.

Any opinions on these books or any alternative recommendations/advice?

Thanks a lot

HankScorpio · Post by **HankScorpio** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:23 am

MadMax your list is pretty good, anything by Hennessy & Patterson and by Andy Tanenbaum should be a good read (Hennessy was involved in the design of the MIPS RISC CPU many moons ago). You might wish to add the following from Tanenbaum in your list: SCO

In fact, you might want to read that one first.

Cheers.

braincat · Post by **braincat** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:41 am

I would mention Unix v6 Commentary with the source code by

John Lions. Complete operating system code with detailed

explanation of how the whole thing functions.

It's not a contemporary hardware or OS, but quite good

for understanding the basic principles behind OS design.

MadMax · Post by **MadMax** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 4:10 am

HankScorpio,

that's what I thought but I don't know anything about this topic and did not have a chance to have a real look at the books apart from browsing the table of contents on Amazon. Thanks.

Braincat,

thanks for the suggestion. That's exactly what they are doing on one of the MIT OpenCourseWare, while the operating systems design and implementation book I mentioned on my post does something similar with Minix. And that's the approach that's suits me best.

Razor · Post by **Razor** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:57 am

There are two standard text books by Hennesey and Patterson: The one mentioned below and Computer Architechture: A Quantitative Approach. One is much better than the other, and I think its the latter.

FDAXHunter · Post by **FDAXHunter** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:59 am

I would like to add a suggestion that's likely better than any of these as an introductory text.

Inside the Machine - An Illustrated Introduction to Microprocessors and Computer Architecture

You may borrow this from me if you wish.

Unfortunate Conflict Of Evidence · Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:37 am

Was about to add the same book as FDAX... So I support his suggestion. Beside, Jon's a kwel guy ${L_SMILIES_SMILE}$ Thinking of it... the Ars Technica forums are quit good and may provide answers to the kind of questions you have.

MadMax · Post by **MadMax** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:48 pm

Inside the Machine looks like the best starting point for me. Thanks for offering to lend it. How do we do that? I can contact you next time I am going to Central London.

Thanks for the suggestion UCOE.

prophet · Post by **prophet** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 2:05 am

Can I borrow it too?

FDAXHunter · Post by **FDAXHunter** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:45 pm

Hell no! The last time I loaned you something it took a year to get it back. And even then it wasn't all of it. Wink