Refresh Your Home For Fall
To see product details, add this item to your cart. You can always remove it later.
Shipper / Seller
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Shipper / Seller
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund / replacement
30-day refund / replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Gift options
Available at checkout
Available at checkout This item is a gift. Change
At checkout, you can add a custom message, a gift receipt for easy returns and have the item gift-wrapped
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

  • Inside the Machine: An Illustrated Introduction to Microprocessors and Computer Architecture

Follow the author

Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Jon Stokes
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

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

by Jon Stokes (Author) Format: Paperback
4.5 out of 5 stars (126)

Purchase options and add-ons

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 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.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. ISBN-10
    1593276680
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1593276683
  3. Edition
    Reprint
  4. Publisher
    No Starch Press
  5. Publication date
    December 1, 2006
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7.01 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
  8. Print length
    320 pages
Next slide of product details

Frequently bought together

This item: Inside the Machine: An Illustrated Introduction to Microprocessors and Computer Architecture
$46.15
Get it as soon as Saturday, Sep 19
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces
$28.27
Get it as soon as Monday, Sep 21
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
TCP/IP Illustrated: The Protocols, Volume 1 (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)
$64.49
Get it as soon as Saturday, Sep 19
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start over
Previous set of slides
  1. Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces
    Remzi H Arpaci-Dusseau
     
    Paperback
    #1 Best Seller
    $28.27
    Get it as soon as Monday, Sep 21
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  4. C++ Concurrency in Action
    Anthony Williams
     
    Paperback
    -16%$58.90
    List: $69.99
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Sep 19
    FREE Shipping by Amazon
    Only 4 left in stock (more on the way).
  5. But How Do It Know? - The Basic Principles of Computers for Everyone
    J Clark Scott
     
    Paperback
    $19.86
    Get it as soon as Monday, Sep 21
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
Next set of slides

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  2. Book cover C++ Concurrency in Action
    C++ Concurrency in Action
    Paperback
    $58.90
    FREE delivery Sat, Sep 19
  10. Book cover Tour of C++, A (C++ In-Depth Series)
    Tour of C++, A (C++ In-Depth Series)
    Paperback
    $39.99
    FREE delivery Sat, Sep 19
  13. Book cover Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming
    Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming
    Paperback
    $43.99
    FREE delivery Sat, Sep 19
  14. Book cover Crafting Interpreters
    Crafting Interpreters
    Paperback
    $40.93
    FREE delivery Sep 20 - 21
  16. Book cover Elements of Programming Interviews: The Insiders' Guide
    Elements of Programming Interviews: The Insiders' Guide
    Paperback
    $33.00
    Delivery Wed, Sep 23
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is, by far, the most well written text that I have seen on the subject of computer architecture. The writing is clear, logically organized, well illustrated, and is contemporary . . . A work that will be viewed as essential to any student or professional in need of education on the subject."
—John Stroman, Technical Account Manager, Intel

"Jon's approachable style, the full color diagrams, and his use of modern architectures to give example to theory, continue to delectate. Highly recommended."
—Robert Love, Chief Architect, Linux Desktop, Novell Corporation

"What we like about Inside the Machine is the way the book is constructed, leading the interested reader on to advanced concepts illustrated with some nice graphics . . . will give you a sound grounding in the ideas behind a modern CPU."
—The Inquirer

"Pretty geeky material, certainly, but Stokes knows his stuff, and, better yet, actually makes a lot of it interesting, even to lesser geeks like myself. I've enjoyed a number of his CPU pieces on Ars, dense as they are."
—MacWorld

"Book Tells All On Intel Processors"
—EE Times

"Stokes delves into the details of each design, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. He gets into the technical aspects without being intimidating and does an excellent job of comparing one chips features versus alternatives taken in others."
—Electronic Design

"You won't get more detailed, in-depth explanations and descriptions of the most famous and popular computer architectures, or such a great introduction into microprocessor architecture as [Inside the Machine]."
—Dev Hardware

"The introduction that will get anyone ready to fully understand and appreciate the very detailed concepts presented in more advanced texts. . . Indeed, if you are at all involved, or simply interested, in the operations of computers, [Inside the Machine] is a must have."
—MacResearch.org

"The diagrams throughout are very clear, and it really lives up to its billing as an 'illustrated guide.'". . . This book may well be the best passport to the otherwise inaccessible city of transistors just below your fingertips."
—Technovelty

"For a complicated subject, the book is very readable with excellent diagrams, if you are a newbie or experienced enthusiast with a strong interest in knowing how microprocessors actually work—this is a great book for your library."
—PC Clubhouse

"It's the textbook you won't be selling back to the bookstore after you've finished the class. It's just that handy to have around. If you aren't going to school, buy a copy anyway. . . Ever wonder what really happens between the keyboard and the monitor? Pick up a copy of Jon Stokes' Inside the Machine and find out for yourself."
—CertForums

"It's a very readable text, which doesn't cross that common boundary between a regular read & the sort of book you have to study line by line to grasp the concepts it's trying to explain . . . full of lovely diagrams, with points explained well."
—Everyday Happenings of a Techie

"This book helped revive in me an interest in CPU architectures and I hope Jon will consider doing a sequel . . . Definitely a good buy."
—TheGlide's blog

About the Author

Jon "Hannibal" Stokes is co-founder of and Senior CPU Editor of Ars Technica. He has written for a variety of publications on microprocessor architecture and the technical aspects of personal computing. Stokes holds a degree in computer engineering from Louisiana State University and two advanced degrees in the humanities from Harvard. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ No Starch Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2006
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1593276680
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1593276683
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.36 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.01 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #297,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars (126)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jon Stokes

Jon Stokes

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Python Programming for Beginners: The Complete Python Coding Crash Course - Boost Your Growth with an Innovative Ultra-Fast Learning Framework and Exclusive Hands-On Interactive Exercises & Projects
    Python Programming for Beginners: The Complete Python Coding Crash Course - Boost Your Growth with an Innovative Ultra-Fast Learning Framework and Exclusive Hands-On Interactive Exercises & Projects
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars1,011
    $24.90
  2. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    AI IN BUSINESS - AN EXECUTIVE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS: Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Automation, Improve Data-Driven Decisions, Maximize ROI and Elevate Customer Experience
    AI IN BUSINESS - AN EXECUTIVE GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS: Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Automation, Improve Data-Driven Decisions, Maximize ROI and Elevate Customer Experience
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars32
    $16.99
  3. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know: Tackle computer science challenges with classic to modern algorithms in machine learning, software design, data systems, and cryptography
    50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know: Tackle computer science challenges with classic to modern algorithms in machine learning, software design, data systems, and cryptography
    4.74.7 out of 5 stars118
    $33.77 List:$49.99
  4. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    A Brief History of Italy: Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture
    A Brief History of Italy: Tracing the Renaissance, Unification, and the Lively Evolution of Art and Culture
    4.34.3 out of 5 stars248
    $15.99
  5. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Step-by-Step Electrical Engineering: Learn and Apply Core Concepts Quickly. Build Your Knowledge with Practical Examples - No Background Required! Perfect for Aspiring Engineers and Enthusiasts!
    Step-by-Step Electrical Engineering: Learn and Apply Core Concepts Quickly. Build Your Knowledge with Practical Examples - No Background Required! Perfect for Aspiring Engineers and Enthusiasts!
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars367
    $19.99
Next page