Product Description
Inside the Machine explains how microprocessors operate -- what they do, and how they do it. Written by the co-founder of the highly respected Ars Technica site, the book begins with the fundamentals of computing, defining what a computer is and using analogies, numerous 4-color diagrams, and clear explanations to communicate the concepts that form the basis of modern computing. After discussing computers in the abstract, the book goes on to cover specific microprocessors, discussing in detail how they work and how they differ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A nice illustration to how computers works
Inside the machine by Jon Stokes is a wonderful introductory treatment of computer and microprocessor architecture. Author started off with microprocessor concept as simple computing and calculating machine.Next he gradually moved into advanced topic such as pipelining and superscalar execution. Then he discusses Intel Pentium and Pentium architecture and PowerPC processor followed by comparison between Intel Pentium 4 and Motorola G4E. Different caching scheme are discussed towards the end of the book. The book closes with discussion of Intel latest line of processor such as Pentium M, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo.

Chapter 1: Basic Computing Concept

In this chapter, heart of computer--microprocessor--is discussed with a simple file-clerk model. Basically, microprocessor consists of a CPU, some storage, data and instruction bus. The author put a great stress on CPU functionality as a device which read, modify and write data. So a computer is like a file clerk who sits at his desk all day waiting for messages from his boss. Eventually, boss send a message for him to perform a task or calculation and where to get information from his personal file cabinet. So clerk first get the number, then perform the required task or calculation and finally put the results back in his file cabinet. I think the above analogy is very power to understanding the CPU role in modern computing. In essence, CPU functionality is very simple and every other system in the computer supports the CPU to accomplish this very task of read, modify and write task endlessly.

Chapter 2: The Mechanics of Program Execution

This chapter introduces the machine language, the programming model, ISA (Instruction Set Architecture), branch instruction and fetch-execute loop. Machine language structure such as opcodes, binary encoding of arithmetic and memory access instruction is discussed for hypothetical machine DLW-1. Basically, DLW-1 has four simple instructions: add, sub, load, store. The author shows binary encoding of these instructions. For example, the format for the machine language encoding of a register-type arithmetic instruction has following format: mode (1bit), opcode (2 bits), source1 (2 bits), source 2 (2 bits), destination (2 bits) and bit 10 to 15 are all zeros. Branch and conditional instructions are covered toward the end. This chapter actually gets into mechanics of how computer represent data and instruction and work toward the goal of the computer to actually read, modify and write data.

Chapter 3: Pipelined Execution

Pipelining is a technique that computers use to speed up the execution of the program. Pipeline is explained with a simple yet powerful SUV factory analogy. Five stages of this supposed factory are presented as: chassis construction, engine placement, doors and covering mounting, wheel assembly and paint. The idea is that each stage takes an hour to finish so that while one SUV is going through the pipeline other workers are not doing anything. In order to speed up the process, a new SUV can be sent when the first SUV is in the second stage; therefore, it will speed up the process and factory output. Because of this simple analogy, I finally understand how the pipelining works in the computer system. Pipeline stalls are also discussed toward the end of the chapter because of that pipeline's average instruction throughput reduces.

Chapter 4: Superscalar Execution

This chapter continues the theme from the last chapter to improve the efficiency of microprocessor and introduces another ALU on the chip. As an example, DLW-1 is extended to DLW-2; it has now two ALU, so it's able to execute two arithmetic instructions in parallel, it's called two-way superscalar. The instruction "Decode" is relabeled as "Decode/Dispatch". Superscalar computing allows a microprocessor to increase the number of instruction per clock and can have multiple instructions write stage on each clock cycle. Toward the end of the chapter various challenges to superscalar design are discussed. Conditions under which two arithmetic instructions cannot be safely dispatch in parallel for simultaneous execution are called hazards. There are three different categories: data hazards, structure hazard and control hazards. Overall, this chapter provided good overview of pipelining and superscalar deign and it's challenges to implement them in microprocessors.

Chapter 5: The Intel Pentium and Pentium Pro

In the chapter, the focus is on the Intel Pentium architecture and start of first original Pentium which was introduced in 1993. It has two integer ALUs and a floating point ALU. It also introduces the level 1 cache and multiple pipelines which shares four stages in common: fetch, decode-1, decode-2 and write. Author then introduces Pentium pro, Pentium II and Pentium III. They were introduced in 1995, 1997, and 1999 respectively. One of key difference between Pentium pro and other processor was location of L2 cache. Pentium pro has L2 cache off die but Pentium II and Pentium III supported caches on die. Overall this chapter provides the good architectural support and comparison between Intel microprocessors and helped me to learn how they actually work.

Chapter 6: Power PC Processors

The focus on this chapter is origin and development of popular family of microprocessor: PowerPC. The 600 series was first in the line and was introduced in 1994. It has cache size of 32KB. It has classics four-stage RISC integer pipeline: fetch, decode/dispatch, execute and write-back. Furthermore it has much simpler front-end than its counterpart x86 at that time.The PowerPC 700 series also known as G3 was introduced 1997. It has cache sizes of 64KB split L1 and dedicated 1MB L2, which leads to its great success. It eventually got widespread into embedded devices and across Apple's entire product line. Then PowerPC 7400 also known as G4 introduce in 1999. It has cache of 64KB split L1 and 2MB L2 supported via on-chip tags. Consequently, it supported compelling multimedia and multiprocessor performance. Overall this chapter has good introduction of PowerPC lines of early processor, their historical development and architecture.

Chapter 7 and 8: Intel Pentium 4 vs. Motorola G4e

Pentium 4 was introduced in 2000, and it was the first major new architecture from Intel since the Pentium Pro while Motorola G4e was introduced in 2001. The two chapters built on last chapters to examine the two microprocessors side by side.

The main difference between two microprocessors technology was pipelining depth which also show the differences of design philosophy and goals of the two processors. In simple term, G4e approach of pipelining was wide and shallow. It has more functional unit in parallel in its back end. Each of G4e execution units has fairly short pipeline, so the instructions take very few cycles to move through and finish executing. While Pentium 4 takes a narrow and deep approach to moving through the instruction stream. Deep pipelining mean that it can hold and work on quite a few instructions at once and it pushes them through its narrower back end at higher rate.

Architectural differences between two processors are also discussed in great length with clearly marked diagrams. Integer units and floating points units explained for two processors. Because of Pentium narrow and deep approach, design is much more suited to floating point applications. One of the key technology is vector execution units on which both G4e and Pentium 4 rely on this for multimedia applications. Overall these two chapters explained the two processors very well and highlighted their differences in a easy to understand manner.

Chapter 9: 64 bit computing

In the chapter, concept of 64 bit computing explained and why we may use them. First of all 64 bit processor means that the processor has general purpose registers that can stores 64-bit numbers. This way ALU and register can handle more possible integer values and more possible addresses. In the nutshell, this will improve the quality of various CAD tools and 3D rendering programs such as weather and scientific simulations, 3D games. But 64-bit comes with a price, that it can squeeze the useful data out of the cache and degrade performance because now the memory address value are twice as large and they take up twice as much cache space.

Chapter 10: IBM's PowerPC 970

This chapter discusses latest line of G5 PowerPC processor which is heart of Apple computers. It has extremely wide back end and 14-stage integer pipeline that built for speed. It instruction architecture is similar to G4e, but it can have a 200 instructions on-chip in various stages on execution as compared with G4e 16 instructions and Pentium 4's 126 instruction. On the whole, this chapter provides the in-depth details of the 970 architecture and provided comparison with Pentium 4 and G4e.

Chapter 11: Understanding Caching and Performance

This chapter introduces a caching in a gentle way. CPU clocks cycles has faster than the memory and bus clock cycles and a great deal of CPU clock cycles has to be wasted in order to retrieve data from the memory. In order to address this problem, cache was introduced as early as first processor came out. Analogy with the warehouse is given as an explanation of cache, and it was a key for me to really understanding the cache concepts. Level 1 cache has an access time of 2-8 ns and consists of SRAM. Similarly, Level 2 cache has an access time of 5-12ns and consists of SRAM as well. When compared with the main memory and hard disk, they have access time of 10-60ns and 3ms-10ms respectively. Cache spatial and temporal locality is discussed in great length. Different Mapping schemes such as fully associative mapping and direct mapping are explained very clearly with simple diagrams. It is very helpful for people who are learning about cache mappings first time.

Chapter 12: Pentium M, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo.

In this chapter, Intel latest high performance and low power consumption processor Core Duo discussed. Chip multiprocessing (CMP) is where two or more processor cores are integrated onto the same silicon die and this commonly called dual-core processor. The focus of these architectures is from single-threaded performance to multithreaded performance.The Intel Core 2 Duo was introduced in 2006 and it has L1 cache of 32KB instruction and 32KB of data. L2 cache is either 2MB or 4MB. It has built in support for 64 bit. The number of improvements has been added to Core Duo processors such as more decoding logic, bigger execution hardware and memory buffer space. Overall, this chapter provided a very good in-depth knowledge of Core 2 processors and it is a must read for anyone interested in the latest development in microprocessors.

Conclusion:

This book is excellent for every level of reader from beginners to engineers with many years of experience and a technical background. Overall, this book had done a very great job explaining microprocessor architectures from beginning to latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has any interest how computers and microprocessors works.

Introductory text takes you from beginner to intermediary- and it is fun too!
I started with very limited understanding of computer architecture. What I had was a jumble of marketing terms I had picked up from reading popular PC magazines. This book helped me understand the basics of computer architecture, and quickly took me on a fun and insightful tour of major 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.
I have gained enough understanding from this book to move on to more quantitative treatments of processor design.

Very Good.
This book is very accessible.I came in with little knowledge of of a cpu works and came out with a lot more.It spends about half its time on simple theory or how a cpu works and the other half on showing how this was implemented in processors in the last three decades.

Great Intro to Microprocessor Architecture
Jon Stokes takes us on a journey through time, beginning with a trivial hypothetical processor, marching through the fundamental design decisions and trade-offs that microprocessor designers have made over the years with subsequent versions of their products.

Each major component of microprocessor architecture is described. Rarely does a book so perfectly describe a complex subject in simple and easy to understand terms. The book is full of excellent color illustrations that help drive the subject matter home.

In the introduction, Jon describes the book as an "introduction to computers that is intended to fill the gap that exists between classic but more challenging introductions to computer architecture...and the growing mass of works that are simply too basic for motivated non-specialist readers." That statement is spot on.

Topics covered include 'basic computing concepts', 'mechanics of program execution', 'pipelined execution', 'superscalar execution', '64-bit computing and X86-64' and 'caching and performance'. Processors covered include Intel (Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium 4, Pentium M, Core Duo, and Core 2 Duo) and Motorola (PowerPC 601, 603, 604, 604e, 750 aka G3, 7400 aka G4, G4E and 970 aka G5).

This book provides excellent, in-depth coverage of real-world microprocessor design. It earns top marks from me for its easy accessibility and high quality writing.

Very good introduction and overview
I liked the simplicity in the book. It is very easy to read and understand things written on it. I classify the book as introductory level in computer architecture giving an overview on the today's microprocessors. I would recommend it for those who want to learn something about microprocessors on their own, outside the class or want to read some brief details about the most current microprocessors (i.e. Core 2 Duo) or architectural comparison between different microarchitectures (i.e. IBM and Intel cores).

I don't think that the book is good as a text book for computer architecture. Instead I would recommend the Hennessy and Patterson "Computer Architecture - Quantitative Approach"

I personelly enjoyed reading this book.
... Read more

Product Description
For generations, humans have fantasized about the ability to create devices that can see into a person’s mind and thoughts, or to communicate and interact with machines through thought alone. Such ideas have long captured the imagination of humankind in the form of ancient myths and modern science fiction stories. Recentadvances in cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging technologies have started to turn these myths into a reality, and are providing us with the ability to interface directly with the human brain. This ability is made possible through the use of sensors that monitor physical processes within the brain which correspond with certain forms of thought.Brain-Computer Interfaces: Applying our Minds to Human-Computer Interaction broadly surveys research in the Brain-Computer Interface domain. More specifically, each chapter articulates some of the challenges and opportunities for using brain sensing in Human-Computer Interaction work, as well as applying Human-Computer Interaction solutions to brain sensing work. For researchers with little or no expertise in neuroscience or brain sensing, the book provides background information to equip them to not only appreciate the state-of-the-art, but also ideally to engage in novel research. For expert Brain-Computer Interface researchers, the book introduces ideas that can help in the quest to interpret intentional brain control and develop the ultimate input device. It challenges researchers to further explore passive brain sensing to evaluate interfaces and feed into adaptive computing systems. Most importantly, the book will connect multiple communities allowing research to leverage their work and expertise and blaze into the future. ... Read more

Product Description
The Arts and Crafts Computer shows you how to use your personal computer, scanner, digital camera and color printer as artist tools to create beautiful graphics and artful objects for your home, school and work. You'll learn how to:

• Understand the basics of digital image-editing, typesetting and graphic design.
• Gather the right tools, both digital and traditional.
• Use the new inkjet printing media including cloth, decals, stickers, magnets, transparencies and more.
• Work with art materials safely, avoid computer-related stress and find environmentally-friendly materials.
• Create unique greeting cards and envelopes, artist books, games, toys, home decorations and gifts.

Customer Reviews (10)

So Happy to have this book!!
I had a copy of this book as a gift from my son. I loved it. I let someone borrow it.. Never got it back.I was so happy I found it and thanks so much for sending it so fast!!

Good resource if you are computer literate
This is a good reference for general information about using a computer to enhance or create art. The author mainly uses Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator for editing images and graphics. Before you will be able to create these projects, you have to be familiar with your software AND have software to create some of the effect (image editor, paint and graphics program). If you are looking for a book that specifically tells you how to do these things, that will not be found here. You have to be "computer-literate" and software-literate to get the most from this book.

There is a lot of good information provided and several projects are shown using illustrations and photographs, not in a step-by-step format.

starting point for computer crafts
Ashford knows the art of computer craftmaking and provides the reader with very good starting points for crafts that intertwine computer and manual art. Regarding hardware/software she clearly favors Mac/Adobe, so her recommendations reflect this.In spite of this slant, she gives some helpful overviews of the technological side of various formats, graphic standards, etc.
Want to intermingle computer graphics with your arts and crafts?Here's a good starting point.

Restoring modesty to the artist's tool enriches everyone
The potential of the computer in craft has been seriously damaged by the excitement computers have generated.A parallel can be found when the Russian novelist Tolstoy was given a dictaphone to help speed up his writing.After a few weeks he threw it out the window.His neighbor asked if it didn't work.Tolstoy's reply was "It worked fine, but I got so excited using it I couldn't write." For almost two decades a generation of designers have succumbed to the excitement and hype of the computer without significantly adding any real content or substance to their work under the digitized banner.It is time for that to change, and Janet Ashford is a winning harbinger of that change.

It doesn't help matters that most design software seems to be written by the left-brain dominant spouses of craft practitioners...well intentioned souls with no sense of the real kinesthetics of working color, form, texture.

Janet Ashford has navigated through the difficult middle course between technology and entrancement.She draws!She creates custom palettes in her application software!She doesn't hit you over the head or talk down to the reader.Perhaps her experience of designing for and with her daughter has given her the wonderful tone of teaching someone she likes, who is lacking in knowledge but not in ability.That is a prized gift in any teacher, and Ashford has it mastered.

She has maintained her enthusiasm, her innocent pleasure in sharing the joys of color and pattern, line, light and form.She is conscientious in gathering really useful resources together into a book that can pay off in serious fun the first weekend you get to use it, without resorting to false expectations. Buy the book.Use the example.You, and your craft, will be enriched without hype or over-simplification.Serious artists and craftspeople do not expect the tool to do the real work of creation for them.This book is written for the serious artists and craftspeople at any stage of their careers...from about 9 years old on up.

An Inspiring Book
I can't say enough great things about this book.It's full of interesting projects to try, and the design of the book itself is great, light and airy, despite being packed with useful information.

You'll need some software to try the projects in it, an image editor of some kind and a printer. But that's all you need for most of the projects described.Janet Ashford has really creative ideas for transforming every day objects like metal tins and boxes, using computer designs.

I can just about guarantee, if you're artistic at all and you buy this book, you'll not only enjoy it, but you'll wind up designing some really amazing things as a result! ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you want to keep track of household finances, compile an email address book or find the websites for researching your family tree, you can feel confident of doing it right with 1001 Computer Hints & Tips. Each page is clearly laid out with step-by-step instructions, easy-to-follow screen grabs and coloured panels offering simple, at-a-glance explanations and guidance. Four colour-coded sections show you how to shop online, choose the right hardware for your needs, create your own website and much, much more. Plus a full glossary at the back explains all the jargon you may come across when using your PC, to help avoid confusion and increase your confidence as a user. Whether you're completely new to the PC or already use your home computer for certain tasks, this is the ideal reference guide ... Read more

Product Description
"If I had this book 10 years ago, the FBI would never have found me!" -- Kevin Mitnick This book has something for everyone---from the beginner hobbyist with no electronics or coding experience to the self-proclaimed "gadget geek." Take an ordinary piece of equipment and turn it into a personal work of art. Build upon an existing idea to create something better. Have fun while voiding your warranty! Some of the hardware hacks in this book include:
* Don't toss your iPod away when the battery dies! Don't pay Apple the $99 to replace it! Install a new iPod battery yourself without Apple's "help"
* An Apple a day! Modify a standard Apple USB Mouse into a glowing UFO Mouse or build a FireWire terabyte hard drive and custom case
* Have you played Atari today? Create an arcade-style Atari 5200 paddle controller for your favorite retro videogames or transform the Atari 2600 joystick into one that can be used by left-handed players
* Modern game systems, too! Hack your PlayStation 2 to boot code from the memory card or modify your PlayStation 2 for homebrew game development
* Videophiles unite! Design, build, and configure your own Windows- or Linux-based Home Theater PC
* Ride the airwaves! Modify a wireless PCMCIA NIC to include an external antenna connector or load Linux onto your Access Point
* Stick it to The Man! Remove the proprietary barcode encoding from your CueCat and turn it into a regular barcode reader
* Hack your Palm! Upgrade the available RAM on your Palm m505 from 8MB to 16MB

· Includes hacks of today's most popular gaming systems like Xbox and PS/2.
· Teaches readers to unlock the full entertainment potential of their desktop PC.
· Frees iMac owners to enhance the features they love and get rid of the ones they hate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Warning: This book will consume your free time!
When I ordered this book, I planned to give it to my little brother in the hopes of interesting him in the delightful world of hardware hacking. I didn't expect it to contain anything I hadn't picked up doing E&M research for MIT, or engineering research for the Air Force. However, the things in the book were surprisingly advanced, even for people with experience. There are many excellent ways to kill time in here, and they can even turn out to be useful. They are explained clearly and presented without being intimidating, which makes it perfect for the motivated beginner as well. If you have the basic equipment and the drive, this book is great for you!

good, but not for everyone
The title is somewhat misleading since theres a fair amount of console repairing information here.The actual hacking information ranges from simple controller rewiring to completely gutting a pc. The chapters done by the main author are very indepth and maybe out of reach of some but the author knows his subject.The chapters concerning the Atari systems though are quite the opposite.All the information presented has already been published by others before or has been available online for free for years, and the author seems more concerned about promoting his website and selling homemade games.Overall there isn't much information here that is new to justify the price but it's a nice compilation with plenty of nice pictures.

This Book made My Hardware EVEN MORE fun to play with
This book is good for anyone who wants to get into either Electronics or Computers..A book like this would have been Wonderful for My Highschool years, when I started playing around with Electronics...If you have a Child in Highschool or College who likes to tinker & find out how things work in a hands on fashion, GET THIS BOOK for them...I would even recommend this books To Amatuer Radio enthusiasts

Major Hardware Hacks for the Hacking Inspires
The book contains 15 amazing projects that range from the truly useful to the legendary and wacky. You'll learn how to connect toasters and coffeemakers to a network; upgrade radio-controlled cars and talking toys such as the Furby; and build car-mounted periscopes and home video arcades. You'll see how to turn a classic Mac machine into an aquarium and harness ordinary batteries to power your laptop. You'll learn how to build an intruder-detection system for your office cubicle and how to track remote objects as they move around. There's even a project for hacking a 12-story building to use its windows as elements of a huge display screen.

Each project includes step-by-step instructions that even a novice hacker can follow, while also providing the necessary detail to satisfy an experienced hacker. The knowledge gained by building each project can easily be applied to your own projects. If you are unfamiliar with basic electronics, you'll find sections that teach you how to use the tools of the trade; you'll also learn how to read schematics and do basic soldering.

So, whether you're an electronics hobbyist who likes to learn by doing, a software hacker who wants to learn how the other half lives, or a neophyte who has only dreamed of hacking, "Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks" will inspire you to tinker with all kinds of gadgets and gizmos, and will serve as a jumping-off point for new and clever hacks.

Good stuff for the experienced hacker..
If you're the hard-core type that likes to take things apart and "fix" them, you'll like Hardware Hacking: Having Fun While Voiding Your Warranty by Joe Grand (Syngress).Your discarded toys will never be quite the same again.

Chapter list: Tools of the Warranty Voiding Trade; Electrical Engineering Basics; Declawing Your CueCat; Case Modification: Building a Custom Terabyte FireWire Hard Drive; Macintosh; Home Theater PCs; Hack Your Atari 2600 and 7800; Hack Your Atari 5200 and 8-Bit Computer; Hacking the PlayStation 2; Wireless 802.11 Hacks; Hacking the iPod; Can You Hear Me Now? Nokia 6210 Mobile Phone Modifications; Upgrading Memory on Palm Devices; Operating Systems Overview; Coding 101; Index

The first thing to know about this book is that it isn't a beginner's volume.There is some serious hardware modifications going on here.You should be comfortable with electrical theory, devices such as resistors and capacitors, and tools like soldering irons.Also, I'd recommend that you don't try these things on primary devices.I'd say there's a decent chance you could damage it trying some of these tricks.But having said all that, you'll enjoy the book if you meet the above qualifications.

Since I'm not a major hardware geek, I don't know that I could do many of these mods.One of the mods that would be useful even to non-geeks is the chapter on the iPod.You will learn how to replace the battery and how to upgrade the hard drive on your earlier generation iPods, and you don't even need to be that handy.That tip alone would probably pay for the cost of the book.Each hack is very well illustrated with excellent photos and instructions, so you don't feel like you're reading assembly instructions written by something that was run through an automatic translator.

So if you have some old video game consoles gathering dust in the basement, pull them out and see what you can do with them using this book.You'll end up being the envy of all your geeky friends.:-) ... Read more

Product Description
Two full pounds of beautiful images and explanations that really do teach you what computers and the Internet are all about. This book covers all of the computer basics, including what they can do, how they work, and all of the different choices available. For the novice, or just the average consumer who still doesn't know the difference between a meg, a gig, RAM and ROM, this fresh edition of Teach Yourself VISUALLY Computers, 3RD Edition is absolutely the superior Visual way learn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The book for the beginners.
This book is simply great. Get it if you don't know anything about computers. Even a kid can learn from this book in no time. The Graphics and Illustrations are excellent. Get it !

Great First Computer Book
I bought this for a twelve-year-old who is always asking questions about the computer. It answers those questions and does so in simple language with terrific illustrations. Each item -- processor, memory, hard drive -- is shown in clear pictures with explanatory text. The book covers PC and Macintosh hardware, software, the Internet, and networking basics. ... Read more

Product Description
Computer Concepts, Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition, is your solution for making practical computer concepts engaging and approachable for both the computer “rookies” and “hotshots” in your class. Its signature two-page spread and highly-visual layout successfully make concepts easy to understand and apply for a variety of learning types. This new edition integrates more technology than ever before into the text, providing an engaging, interactive learning experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Surprised at quality
I was so pleasantly surprised at the quality of this book. I had rented the same book from a different website for around $45 and it didn't have the CD included, which is the reason I bought this one. It was much cheaper and it had the CD included with it. I am very happy with this purchase.

Clean
This book Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory 7th Edition was sent to me in very good condition. All the pages seem to be intact.It looked as if if was hardly used or seldom used. I appreciated the care that the previous owner took with this book.We will use it and be certain to take care for the next person's use. ... Read more

Product Description
Now fully revised and updated to take account of the new Windows XP operating system, this friendly, illustrated guide opens up hundreds of ways for you to get more out of your PC - from managing your household expenses to planning a garden: from cataloguing your favourite recipes to making your own Christmas cards (and addressing the envelopes!); and from keeping track of your family's health to shopping on the Internet - it's all explained in clear, jargon-free language. With step-by-step instructions based on a PC using Windows XP and standard Microsoft software, the projects offer expert advice and tried and tested shortcuts to make light work of any task they are also clearly illustrated with screen snapshots showing you what you'll see on your screen at each stage. This book also comes with a free CD-Rom containing tailor-make templates, images and fonts to make the tasks even simpler. Easy-to-use garden design software, and a gallery of free illustrations for livening up stationery and newsletters are just some of the exciting benefits of this CD-Rom.Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced PC user, this guide offers you a wealth of inspirational, bright ideas for accomplishing tasks you never even dreamed of tackling on a computer before. ... Read more

Product Description
Acts as a complete resource for anyone interested in 3D modelling, providing detailed coverage of both realistic and nonrealistic images.Deals with the processes involved in converting a mathematical or geometric description of an object (a computer graphics model) into a visualization (2D) that simulates the appearance of a real object.Amazon.com Review
The third edition of Alan Watt's 3D Computer Graphics, a bible of computer graphics, includes a CD-ROM full of examples and updated information on graphics and rendering algorithms. The book discusses many of the techniques that have evolved in the seven years since the previous edition was published.

3D Computer Graphics is a textbook, and it's designed for serious programmers creating graphics applications (not end users). Over the course of 16 sections, Watt introduces the concepts and implementation of computer imaging, from "Mathematical Fundamentals of Computer Graphics" to "Representation and Rendering" and ending with "Image-Based Rendering and Photo-Modeling." The last section, devoted to computer animation, includes methods for linked structures, collision detection, and particle animation (to name a few).

Although the topics are sometimes hard to grasp, Mr. Watt writes clearly and concisely, making generous use of diagrams to help convey the principles described in the text.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes over a dozen studies of computer graphics techniques and rendering algorithms. Presented in HTML, the exhaustive studies, each with a matrix of thumbnails, demonstrates the varied achievable results. One minor complaint here: although the thumbnails can be clicked to view a much larger image, the larger versions come in .tif format, which few (if any) Web browsers can view. Users will need another application to view them. Having the large image in .jpg format would have enabled the reader to view it in the already-open Web browser.

3D Computer Graphics is ideally suited to graphics programmers and researchers working to create new medical imaging devices; geological research systems; virtual structural testing systems for aircraft, cars, and spacecraft; or effects and photorealistic Hollywood animation. --Mike Caputo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Is this book writen in English ??
I would recommend the author to learn how to speak English before to write a book.

Very tough
I am a junior student at Computer Engineering major. I am taking a computer graphics course and unfortunately, the instructor chose this title as the textbook.

I am not saying it is a bad book or something, but it is targeted to people who have some experience with computer graphics.... (e.g: for people doing graduate studies in computer graphics) As for me, my first encounter with computer graphics in this book made me hate the topic so much. The book makes you feel that graphics involve so much mathematics, especially analytic geometry. It is so hard as an introduction to the topic of Computer Graphics.

I would not recommend this book at all as an introduction to computer graphics, it may be good for those who have some (actually a lot) of experience in this so advanced topic.

a Disk version is wanted for the text
This is no doubt a very good book, but as a professor who wants to use it as a textbook, I can't make a powerpoint lecture notes from this book for my class presentation. I would like to have a disk version that goes together with the book.

classic
I have an earlier version of this book and I've always found it to be one that I return to time and again.It was one of the first three graphics programming books I bought during the same early career book shopping session, it was definately the most useful of the three and it's stayed with me ever since, where other books have been and gone.

It's generally very easy to read and very informative.It has a good progression of topics that introduce the reader to graphics programming concepts.

The thing I most like about this is that it covers much of the foley and van dam book, but avoids the many irrelevant sections and is a little more to the point.It's like a more concise reference to that book, which is also one that I would recommend.

The only thing I don't like about the updated version is the new layout, typeface and style.The old version just seems so much more appealing to me.

If you program game or computer graphics, then this is a reliable book to have in your collection.

No Better Book to Learn From
Contrary to what the other reviews say, I believe this is an excellent book for beginners in the 3D computer graphics world.However, that being said, you will need some basic math skills to be able to understand and apply the concepts in this book.If you are unfamilar with linear algebra, you should probably start with studying up on your math skills first.With the basic math skills, this book does a great job of introducing the basics to almost every major topic you'll see in 3D computer graphics programming.The book doesn't go into great detail at times, but the simplicity of this book is the winning ingredient that allows beginners to grasp the basics before moving on to indepth research in paticular topics of 3D graphics that interest them. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by best-selling author and instructor Jean Andrews, this edition maps fully to the 2006 A+ Exams. This full-color guide is designed to be the most complete, step-by-step book available for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware. Video clips are available on the accompanying CD so readers can watch the author bring concepts and technical topics to life via live demonstrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Easy Read, Good for Beginners
Overall it's a good book.It's very easy to understand.The videos included in the CD are great.I would suggest watching them before reading the chapters since they help you see what's going on.This book was required for a hardware class at school, the main reason I bought it.

I gave it 4 stars because some answers for the review questions are hard to find.You really have to dig to find the answers.Some answers are found in applying concepts and side notes.Otherwise it's a good book for beginners and a good reference for those of us with some experience.The only book I'd recommend for A+ over this book is CompTIA A+ Complete published by Sybex.

I've been A+ certified since 2008.I think it's a worthwhile move regardless what your career and educational goals are.This book and it's partner (A+ Guide to Software)along with the Sybex one mentioned earlier are good places to start.That and as much hands on experience as you can get.

CompTIA Preperation
Bought this for CompTIA class, great detailed book and easy to read.This text has great chapter tests.

Very Good Book
Jean Andrews is an excellent author, everything is explained well without putting the reader to sleep. Quick ship, book was like new.

OMG you are great.
I just have to say OMG, I received my order from imgarciaz. I will, without a doubt, if at all possible be using this seller in the future. This seller was very faster in service and I received the book in an crazy amount of time. This seller is AWESOME.
I recommend this seller to everyone.

Thank you Amazon.com you are fantastic.

Book Purchase
The shipping was fast, quicker than an order I placed on Half-price books. The book was as described on link. Very pleased with the purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
One-stop shopping for everything you need to know about PCs!

If you're a PC owner, you have a pretty good idea of just how much there is to discover about your PC, whether you use it for work or play. Comprised of eight minibooks, this All-in-One guide covers essential PC topics from soup through nuts, including the latest updates to PC hardware, Windows 7, the Internet, Office 2010, digital media, upgrading and troubleshooting, social media, and home networking.

This new edition features expanded coverage of using popular social media such as Twitter, Facebook, WordPress, and blogging. Plus, you’ll walk through the new Windows 7 operating system and explore revisions for each of the Office 2010 applications.

• Provides PCs users of all levels of experience with a series of eight minibooks that include the most up-to-date coverage of PC hardware, Windows 7, the Internet, Office 2010, digital media, upgrading and troubleshooting, social media, and home networking
• Explores step-by-step procedures for using the new Windows 7 operating system
• Discusses updates to each of the Office 2010 applications, the latest features of version 8 of Internet Explorer, and new information on the latest PC hardware
• Reviews ways to protect your PC from viruses, troubleshooting tips, and upgrading and supercharging your PC.

PCs All-in-One For Dummies covers everything you need to know in order to get acquainted with your PC! ... Read more

Product Description
Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something — and skip the long-winded explanations? If so, then this book is for you. Open it up and you'll find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show you how to tackle more than 135 basic computer tasks. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for performing necessary operations, including:

• Comparing types of computers

• Selecting memory and storage options

• Using Windows® or Mac OS® X

• Working with digital media

• Exploring e-mail and the Web

• Protecting your privacy online

• Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks

• Full-color screen shots demonstrate each task

• Succinct explanations walk you through step by step

• Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

Customer Reviews (6)

TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY.
NOT ENOUGH FOR A BEGINNER LIKE ME. I SUGGEST ONE GO TO [...] AND REGISTER FOR A BASIC COMPUTER CLASS WHICH IS CHALK FULL OF B-E-G-I-N-N-E-R INFORMATION.THE COURSE COSTS ABOUT $125.00, BUT YOU REALLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Check it out. NOT AS HAPPY WITH THIS BOOK AS I THOUGHT I'D BE.

not bad
This is a fairly decent book for a visual look at what it takes for computers to operate.

TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY COMPUTERLEARNING BOOKS
I teach basic beginner computer classes at two area senior centers.Most students begin the classes in sheer terror of the unknown, mysterious computer.I knew I had to find a way to give these folks more confidence and knowledge than I could give them.

I found these books while browsing for easy to understand computer help books.I immediately fell in love with the presentation and contents and I knew I had to share these wonderful books with my students.After ordering my personal copies to show them, I accepted orders for the books of their choice, ordered the books and charged the students the cost of the book and shipping charges.

I have had so many rave reviews from those students who bought the books.Most call the series a Blessing.One student ordered his own copies and two more of the series so he could ship them to an online friend three thousand miles away.I think this speaks volumes for the Teach Yourself Visually Series.

No more of the yellow computer books for Dummies in my classes. :-)

Good book for curious beginners
I think these are useful books for beginners.Many (but not all) of the "Teach Yourself Visually" series books are good -- check reviews first on the one you are considering.This one (TYV Computers) is a good one.

Teach yourself computers.....
This book is absolutely wonderful. It puts the information out there in a precise and easily comprehensible format. If you ever want to learn a skill or something, the visual books are a must! Whoever came up with this concept,GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!! Great product, great transaction, great price also.......Thank you ... Read more

Product Description

Computers Are Your Future provides extensive technology reference without being overwhelming. Extensive images paired with a definition-driven format supply the reader with a practical approach to computers.

Includes chapters and highlights on computer ethics, internet, e-commerce, system and application software, systems analysis and design. Contains an acronym finder and Concept Tips at the end of each chapter.

Ideal for students and professionals seeking a comprehensive computer technology reference

Product Description

Great advice on choosing a computer, getting online, and having fun!

Computers are an essential part of daily life these days, but they can be a bit intimidating at first. Computers For Seniors For Dummies, 2nd Edition gets you going with lots of illustrations and easy-to-follow-instructions, never assuming you already know more than you do.

You'll learn to use the keyboard and mouse, navigate the Windows 7 operating system, access the Internet and use e-mail, create documents, shop safely online, and more.

• Shows you how to choose the right computer, get it set up, and get going
• Explains how to connect to the Internet and keep up with family and friends via e-mail
• Helps you create documents, work with files and folders, simplify your finances, and build a budget using a spreadsheet
• Discusses how to use social networking sites and how to shop and bank online without compromising your privacy
• Offers tips and advice to help you avoid common pitfalls

With Computers For Seniors For Dummies, 2nd Edition by your side, you'll be able to use the computer with confidence and take advantage of all it has to offer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not that helpful.
You should know that since MicroSoft updates their software regularly, not every computer book is helpful.For instance, if you have XP, or Vista, maybe instructions will differ from the latest version which is MicroSoft 7.So, if you are looking to see how to accomplish a specific task, you may not find it in this book.Know what your software is and look for the book specifically geared toward that.

Convenient format, very helpful
I really like being able to read this kind of guide on my Kindle. Lots of good information in this book for the mature computer user who faces a learning curve. Definitely worth the money!

Can you ship my item already?
Ordered this item on August 23. I was given an expected delivery date of September 1. Normally my items come well before the expected date, but not this one. It was supposed to be a gift for my dad's birthday, too bad that has come and gone. Thanks a ton guys. I really appreciate your horrible service. It is now September 1 and again no package. I received an email confirmation identifying that it was shipped on Wednesday August 25th. On the 28th, I called and was told it was shipped on Wednesday August 25th, but was sitting in the warehouse. How is it possible for something to be shipped but still be sitting in the warehouse? The customer service rep was just as confused as I was. This is your business...get it together. You shouldn't be confused. It is now a week after it has supposedly shipped, so why am I still here without my gift for my dad? I wish I could review the book, but can't seem to get past the incompetence in shipping.

Update: September 3rd....still no package. Great service guys. Keep up the good work!

computer book
I also felt this book was not worth my money. Wish I could get my money back.

Great explanations!
Computers for Seniors for Dummies fills in the gaps for those of us who did not grow up with computers and have no idea what the terminology means.I explains clearly what to do and when to do it.Buying this book has saved our younger friends and relatives countless hours of being bothered by us for information.So glad we figured out how to buy it and look forward to receiving The Internet for Seniors for Dummies. ... Read more

Product Description
Build Your Computer Career on a Solid Foundation

Whether you're setting out to earn your A+ certification or just want to know more about how a PC works, A+ JumpStart: PC Hardware and Operating Systems Basics is the place to start. Inside, an experienced PC technician and author demystifies every aspect of PC technology, giving you a firm footing from which you can work towards and realize your goals. Coverage includes:
* PC safety and preventive maintenance
* Motherboard selection and setup
* CPU and memory types
* How video cards and monitors work
* Setting up hard drives
* Selecting and configuring expansion boards
* Electricity basics
* Selecting, installing, and troubleshooting printers
* Selecting and setting up network components
* Configuring Windows for network file and printer sharing
* Device resource management in Windows
* Troubleshooting Windows
* Setting up Internet connections ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very helpful for someone starting out
It's true, this book will not single-handedly make you pass the A+ exams. It's a beginner book, geared for someone who is just starting out studying computer hardware as a career path. It was great for my students (I teach an A+ class) because the big books were more than they could digest right off the bat. It would not be for everyone though. I'd say if you are already a working PC technician, with a good knowledge of hardware, pick a more advanced book. But if you are just curious about repairing computers, or you don't have a whole lot of experience yet and need to ramp up slowly, definitely go with this one.

Someone commented on errors in the book, but I think every book has an error or two in it. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. This book has tons of good information in it, and is at least 99.9% accurate.

Good for beginners....
This book is a good start toward learning the basics of a PC, but this book will not help you pass the A+ test. Now that is out of the way, it does give a good description of what a motherboard looks like, what buses look like and how they work.
The book does give you some good pictures of how to put memory on a motherboard, and it does have some good points in this book. One of them has to do with the new words that most people don't know what they mean, for example, like what TCP/IP does and what it stands for. It also shows you the command lines like what FDISK does, the basic boot process, basic networking, basic troubleshooting, and just about basic problems you will run into a as a technician. The thing I don't like about this book is that it does not deal with the more technicial detail like the Power On Self Test, the FRU, how the IRQ's work, how to troubleshoot advanced problems; hardware and software. The book is short, and it will help you get the basic technicial skills. Not the best since I am a certified PC Technician, but for anyone who wants to learn how a computer works, then get this book. This book is not for the person who has years of experience, and know what they are doing. So to the beginners who want technicial skills, get this book. It will really help you get a good grasp on computers.

Ruined by too many major errors
The A+ jumpstart professes to be an introduction to the basic info you'll need to know for your A+ exam. If you don't know what the A+ exam is, this book will tell you, and even if you arent interested in getting certified ever, you'll learn a lot of basics about PCs. Those who are serious about getting A+ certitified however should beware and take note that this is NOT an all in one guide. For that I would reffer you to the "All in One A+ Certification Exam Guide" By Michael Meyers. So don't expect to learn it all in this one book.

What this book will do is give you a pretty good place to start if you have no idea where to begin on your quest to getting A+ certified. It tries to "jumpstart" you, by giving you the basic run down of many key concepts and facts. Generally it does a pretty good job of this, but in some places it falls short.

Where? Well.. it's tough to write a book at this level. In some places the book tells you stuff that is so basic it's almost common sense, and in other instances the book assumes you already know things that many people may not (such as the fact computers use binary numbers to process and store data). It's a bit akward, and some of the more basic computing concepts are ignored, it's difficult to tell whether they were left out by chance, or were left out because the author considered them "advanced" and unnecessary to begin with.

The book also has a habit of asking you to remember stuff it never talked about. It will say things like "remember when you learned such and such from chapter 2" when in reality chapter 2 only made a passing comment about what it's reffering to. It almost seems at times as if the book is a chopped down version of an all in one, more coprehensive book. But this doesnt detract too much from the over all experience.

I did notice one major typo on page 98... In the paragraph it says "with 16 bit color you get 256 colors"... then in the table right below it, it clearly shows 16 bit color as having 65,536 colors. It's a good thing I already understood color depth enough to notice the mistake and know which was correct (the table). Many introductary tech books dont get enough attention from the editors, and I could just imagine how confusing this may be to someone who didnt already know about color depth. Come on guys, do better editing!

Yet still, the book is a pretty good place to start if you're looing into A+ cert and don't know where to begin and want a quick overview or intro. But I would strongly suggest Mike Meyer's book as a second step or to anyone REALLY serious about A+ Cert.

***
As an update to this review I've come across another MAJOR informational error in this book. The chapter on memory is COMPLETELY WRONG. It claims that to fill a bank of memory the bit width must match that of the CPU's address bus... when this is clearly INCORRECT. In fact, what they mean to say is the EXTERNAL DATA bus (big dif). This isn't a one-time typographical mistake either, but is repeated through the ENTIRE chapter. Why didnt the editor/fact checkers notice this BLATANT error!

This, combined with other smaller errors I noticed is enough to make me completely loose all confidence in any of the facts in this book. Consequently I can no longer reccomend this book as a study tool because you may be learning/studying the WRONG INFORMATION! This is unacceptable for a book that people are going to buy to help them prepare for a professional certification exam. This is no small deal since the test can cost over 300 dollars to take, and learning the wrong information early on can really hurt someone's understanding, especially beginners who will just end up being very confused by conflicting facts when they move on to other books.

What good is a book that is meant to help you learn, when you cant trust any of the facts it gives you? Unless you want to read this book while sitting online so that you can double check every number, figure or definition it gives you... avoid this book. Im very disapointed to be forced to change my rating from 4 stars, to 2 stars based on this experience.

Easy to Understand, learn quickly, Great Pictures.
Studying for the A+ Cert Exam?Start with this book definetely.Everything is well written and easy to understand.Wished more books were written like this.Then from here go to the Michael Myers Book.Good luck!!!

Excellent for the beginner
This is not the only book you'll need to study for the A+ exams, but it's definitely the first book you should read if you don't have much background in PC hardware yet.It lays out the basics for every exam objective in language that anyone can understand. If you would like to get A+ certified but you find those big 1000-page books intimidating and confusing, try this book first. After you read it, the bigger books will make much more sense. ... Read more

Product Description
Time for an upgrade!

The fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Computer Basics places the reader in charge of the computer, rather than the other way around, and places the focus on software troubleshooting rather than hardware techno-babble. The reader wants to do something practical with his or her computer-this book shows them how.

*Covers basic office programs and how to manage photo, video, and music files
*Advice on safe web-surfing, including coverage of newsgroups, message boards, and mailing lists
*New green computing initiatives that help protect the environment
*Maintenance and upgrading information ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great gift item from Amazon
I have purchased other 'Idiot' topics for myself. My sister needed something to assist her with learning the computer so I purchased this at Amazon for her. Product shipped quickly, and I have never had a bad shippment with Amazon in all my years of shopping from them. Very pleased with the price, delivery and the product itself.

Computer Basics and More
Computer Basics, Fifth Edition, is an excellent resource for beginners and anyone else who needs to know the basics associated with using a PC. Recently, when neighbors asked me to help them troubleshoot a problem with their PC, I referred to my copy of Computer Basics, which assisted me in no time at all in helping solve their problem. Leaving their house with my copy of the book was a little more problematic (they wanted to keep it for themselves).

I appreciate how easy it was to find exactly what I was looking for in Computer Basics. The chapters are easy to get through, and the Index provides quick access to just the information I need. I also like that the graphics presented in the book look exactly like they do on screen, and that the call-outs to those graphics are clear and concise.

From setting up email on your PC and finding lost and misplaced items, to the basics associated with using spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation programs like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, this book really does have it all, and it really is super easy to read and understand!

A great buy for all types of computer users!
Joe Kraynak presents computer 'basics' here with wit, charm and plenty of helpful tips and information.Perfect for the true computer novice or even for those computer users who consider themselves PC savvy. 'The Least You Need to Know' sections at the end of each chapter do a great job of hitting the high points.Great job Joe!

Tips and tricks even for those who are computer literate
I travel a great deal in my business and inevitably, as soon as I get away from home, my wife has an issue with our home computer. It's 5+ years old and definitely is not state-of-the-art, but still adequate for our needs; primarily e-mail, web browsing, etc. I picked up a copy of this book for her reference when she had a problem and I wasn't around to solve the issue. It's well laid-out, easy to understand and covers the basics thoroughly.

I consider myself to be reasonably computer savvy, but in thumbing through this book, I found several sections containing tips and tricks I didn't know. Chapter 31 was particularly useful; tuneup suggestions that made our old PC run much faster and with greater stability. Who knows - we might get another couple of years out of it. Thanks Joe!

For Everybody
My sister received a computer, but had no clue how to use it.I got this book for her, because it explains things clearly without a lot of jargon.I would have preferred that it had a little more information about some aspects of the computer such as email, but this book has a lot to cover.It can't go in depth about everything (and besides that, the publisher puts out other books in this series that explains individual computer subjects).A good starter textbook for those who are totally new to the computer, however. ... Read more

Product Description
This will be the second edition of TAB's bestselling title on building your own universal computer interface. This edition will update the information on the step-by-step instructions for building a truly universal computer interface system (UCIS). The disk will contain all of the code needed to implement the hardware. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book but...
Its a great book, everything in it is described in detail, and is very easy to follow, there is no way of making the interface wrong. I already have the first edition and the second one is even better.

There is onevery important info the author forgot to mention in this second edition,and I think that the people that will buy this book should know. The placeto buy assembled and tested board mention in the book, called"Automation in Action" is a Rip off. They will just take yourmoney and you will not receive a single component, they took 939.00 $ fromme, without even answering emails or phone calls. Please make sure that youbuy the parts from other sources, I will hate to see more people losingtheir money this way.

Good technical info, but too costly
The technical info provided was good, but no code was provide for the MC68701, so your forced to buy the chip pre-programmedfor $65.00, just for the chip.Then of course you can buy prebuilt boards at $200, $100,$85, $50WOW!, > $400 bucksI can buy data acq boards for less thanthis!!

Without the code for the MC68701 your stuck!

Excellent Electrical explainations, pricey to build
From an electrical explaination viewpoint this is a spectacular book. Itdoes a great job of the why it does what it does, and how it does it. Itexpalins how the data-bus is 'extended outside' the CPU onto his interface,and how the decoding and latching works. My major complaint is the costthat it takes to build it. PC Board scematics are provided at reduced size,they provide addresses for bare boards, and built boards. I can't etchboards, so buying bare ones is needed for me. As the author points out,after parts are added, you are looking at 300.00- 400.00 (U.S. Dollars) tobuild yourself, almost double that if you want to buy built/tested boards.The basic bare boards run about 100.00 for the 3 boards that build theminimum 'system' (which provides 16 outputs) I believe another 36.00 for aninput board (16 ports). then start multiplying the input/outportboards(32?/36? each) for multiples of input and/or output as your 'design'needs. (upto 1536 each is supported). I'm a basic hobbiest, I can buildon a bread-board etc. I'm not looking to run a business operation (whichthis thing CAN do). I was looking to 'play around' with an extra 286/386 Ihave around. But at these prices, I don't think I'll actually build hisdesign (but I will use some of his circuit ideas in my own bread-boards).

It is the easiest technical book to read and understand
I think Bruce Chubb did an excellent job writing this book.His examples are clear and concise.He really does a good job bringing the techno babble of today to a level that a typical person off the street can understand.The book uses a great example by applying an interface to a model railroad.It's a must read for anyone internested in building a computer interface to control anything from house alarms to running a model railroad. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for graduate and senior undergraduate courses in computer arithmetic and advanced digital design, Computer Arithmetic: Algorithms and Hardware Designs, Second Edition, provides a balanced, comprehensive treatment of computer arithmetic. It covers topics in arithmetic unit design and circuit implementation that complement the architectural and algorithmic speedup techniques used in high-performance computer architecture and parallel processing. Using a unified and consistent framework, the text begins with number representation and proceeds through basic arithmetic operations, floating-point arithmetic, and function evaluation methods. Later chapters cover broad design and implementation topics-including techniques for high-throughput, low-power, fault-tolerant, and reconfigurable arithmetic. An appendix provides a historical view of the field and speculates on its future.

An indispensable resource for instruction, professional development, and research, Computer Arithmetic: Algorithms and Hardware Designs, Second Edition, combines broad coverage of the underlying theories of computer arithmetic with numerous examples of practical designs, worked-out examples, and a large collection of meaningful problems. This second edition includes a new chapter on reconfigurable arithmetic, in order to address the fact that arithmetic functions are increasingly being implemented on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and FPGA-like configurable devices. Updated and thoroughly revised, the book offers new and expanded coverage of saturating adders and multipliers, truncated multipliers, fused multiply-add units, overlapped quotient digit selection, bipartite and multipartite tables, reversible logic, dot notation, modular arithmetic, Montgomery modular reduction, division by constants, IEEE floating-point standard formats, and interval arithmetic.

Features:

* Divided into 28 lecture-size chapters
* Emphasizes both the underlying theories of computer arithmetic and actual hardware designs
* Carefully links computer arithmetic to other subfields of computer engineering
* Includes 717 end-of-chapter problems ranging in complexity from simple exercises to mini-projects
* Incorporates many examples of practical designs
* Uses consistent standardized notation throughout
* Instructor's manual includes solutions to text problems
* An author-maintained website http://www.ece.ucsb.edu/~parhami/text_comp_arit.htm contains instructor resources, including complete lecture slides ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good Book
I received the book within 3 days of the order. It was in an excellent shape. The book itself is in a great shape and explains the material beautifully.

this book is not for people who want to learn anything.
I just finished a course that used this book and I was so disgusted with the book that I felt a review was necessary. It seems that this book was written for people who already have a background in computer algorithms. The examples, where rarely provided, leave out basic information necessary to comprehend the material. The author uses notation and figures without explaning how to read them. I learned almost nothing form this book and would not suggest it to anyone. In fact, if this author has written any other books, I would stay away from them as well.

Very superficial look at computer arithmetic
Although the author does a good job at explaining arithmetic in the areas of RNS and SD arithmetic, the other topics are done very superficially.The book is a good reference, but you can find better books on understanding computer arithmetic.

The WORST book there is!
I think 2 stars rating for this book are more than it deserves.
I've bought many technical books and learned them on my own but
I've never seen a book that is so bad. Having this as class text
book and coupling with a not so good instructor, you really gets
it coming. PLEASE, STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!
there many good books on this subject out there, don't torture
yourself and waste money on this terrible book. The bottom line is, the
author tries to make subjects more complicated than they
really are.

An excellent book for the ASIC architect.
I found this book to be extremely helpful in my every-day work.No where else have I found such a concise and accurate description of hardware-friendly number systems and arithmetic algorithms.It's the first place I go when I have a an arithmetic-intensive algorithm to architect.Simply put, my designs got better after I got this book. ... Read more

Product Description
An unprecedented combination of computer history and striking images, Core Memory reveals modern technology's evolution through the world's most renowned computer collection, the Computer History Museum in the Silicon Valley. Vivid photos capture these historically important machines including the Eniac, Crays 1 3, Apple I and II while authoritative text profiles each, telling the stories of their innovations and peculiarities. Thirty-five machines are profiled in over 100 extraordinary color photographs, making Core Memory a surprising addition to the library of photography collectors and the ultimate geek-chic gift. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Great coffee table book
It's a great book for it's price. Really great photos that lie somewhere between technical and art. There is text but not too much. If you are looking for a complete history this would not be it.

A beautiful book, but....
The book is very pretty, and has some *outstanding* photographs of classic machines.If only the selection of machines and printing (at least on my copy) matched the quality of the photos, this would be on my "must by" list.

Newer photo-books like this rely on some special printing techniques to make their images stand out, such as printing a glossy image, with the non-printed portion paper treated to make it flat and bright white.It makes for a stunning presentation when it is done properly.

My book has several pages where the glossy images are scratched, and others where the pages are covered with scratches and dirt.I don't know if my pages sat on the top of a pallet or the presses were just dirty, but it clearly happened before binding, as in some cases, page 64 on the left hand side is very dirty, page 65 on the right is totally clean. The beautiful dust jacket is also badly scuffed up--a book like this should have been shrink wrapped--and the cover dinged.This Chinese-printed book would have been considered a "hurt" at my local press.

On this sort of book, that totally shatters the beauty of it all, and I think I will end up returning it.I considered asking for a replacement, but I am further disappointed by the selection of machines.

There are major companies of the era not even represented here.Not a single Data General machine...I would have expected the "70's photogenic" Nova, or a later machine like a S/150.No Burroughs, no DEC-20...the entire history of DEC reduced to two photos and one closeup of a pdp8 and a glimpse of the boot console panel from a DEC-10.

VAX?What's a VAX?No mention of a VAX here, but the TRS-80 I and 100 get four pages.I *loved* my Model 100, but this is not the place for it.

With a title like "core memory" and a pdp8 on the cover, I expected more early machines, yet the book dedicates six pages to the Apple I/II and four to the Commodore 64.

There is more coverage of the Commodore 64 PC than the entire history of Digital Equipment Corporation.Control Data is limited to a photo of the CDC6600 console, a photo of backplane wiring and two images of a boot switch panel.

Home PC's should really be their own book.But if they wanted to cover home PCs up to 1983, they should have hit "visually iconic" machines like the IMSAI or the Ohio Scientific PCs.How about some classic rare peripherals; the Atari 815 dual disk drive is a 9x9x12" box with nine LEDs in three colors, surely some unique peripherals like this deserve inclusion more than a two-page closeup of the Commodore 64's keyboard.

Now, I would like to mention the wonderful photos of SAGE and Johnniac.Had it not been that the photo of the SAGE light gun was covered with scratches, I would have kept it for SAGE alone.But as I said, in a photo book, damaged photos ruin the whole point.

I spotted a few factual errors and typos in my quick scan of the book, but the major errors are really errors of omission.

Conclusion: If yours is printed correctly and clean, it is a beautiful book and a bargain at the Amazon sale price.But if you are expecting a book primarily about machines running core memory, or minicomputers/mainframes from the 1970s as would be inferred from the cover and the name, you will be disappointed.I am.

Waiting For a Book of this Photo Quality For A Very Long Time
A book such as this; holds my attention and shows what others have helped create in science labs, garages or universities-with a stunning pictorial collection of rare vintage computers.

The Allies bombed the 1941 German 'Z3' computer (with a memory of 63 words!) in 1944 Berlin, the world's FIRST programmable electromagnetic computer ...has been beautifully re-imaged for this collection of vintage computers. Full Page Color Photos. Indexed well.

The 1954 Johnniac, the Univac 1 of 1951(with it's 20K memory in a mercury delay line), the NEAC of 1960 (Nippon Electric Company NEC); the Philco 212 of 1962, the Illiac of 1975 or the Osborne 1 of 1981. The Cray 1 of 1976 had memory of 4MW Semiconductor and speed of 160 MFlops; compared to the 1993 Cray 3 with it's 2GW Semiconductor of memory and speed of 15Gflops!

Stunning large format, but not too large-158 Pages. Tech notes are narrative -not overly burdensome. You will recognize the photos from computers on TV, your high school lab, or your first office job.

(Make, Year Created, Make, Cost, Memory on each page with space under each subtitle for comparisons)... minimized story and notes. Best shots of early Apple computers I have ever seen. The Commodore 64 of 1982 with its 64k and rare beauties (they really are ART) like the Kitchen Computer (Honeywell H316 MiniComputer of 1969 for $10, 600. The ad copy ran in '62, "...if only she can cook as well as Honeywell can compute." It was certainly modish and came with a 2 week programming course. It was laughable. Despite some thought have gone into the facade, the interface was simply lights and switches-good for setting the mood for a "Lost In Space" style TV dinner but not for a newbie programmer or cook.

The photo quality, the color and designs (or 'Appearance' as Apple would latter coin)-clever image work, mico-shots of vintage equipment, colored wire bundles, vacuum tubes, outer cases and much more-- are illustrated as a feast of color, detail, and even wonderment to the eye...

I must admit, the 1962 Minuteman 1 Guidance Computer that would navigate ICBM Nukes from underground missile silos to find it's 'destination' even when the atmosphere through which it is flying has been disrupted by atomic explosions, 'quite scary', the book seems to have the Google view of "Do No Evil" with its tight ad control.
Take a look at the: Google First Production Server in 1996 with its 128k of Ram. This book will impress your friends, and teach your kids. I once asked my friend who worked as a gifted engineer for Hughes, as well as being present at Cape Kennedy-what type of computers were aboard the Apollo space missions?

Well, now I have a clear answer. In 1965 -The Apollo Guidance Computer by MIT/Ratheon.
(Each NASA Mission used two of them-one for the Command Module and one for the Lunar Module aka LEM)
The extreme close up color photos--> enlarged to full page size flow with all of the "vintage computers" -the detail and clarity with abit of the old understanding.

This computer used: the newly developed 'integrated circuit' (IC) which was small and light weight. MIT went with just one type of chip, although it used 5,000 of them. Memory? 4K of Ram, 24K from core rope.

The chip would later power, 'calculators' like the HP-35 by the millions.
This is just a small sample of the book contents. I have waited since seeing data processing computers in Grade 9 of high school-to all those blinking lights on my childhood television programs, wondering what was a computer really good for....or who made them, and what did they really look like?

This is simply one of the best photography books, -on this subject---I have yet to see...
A timeless book.) MS

Extremely cool book
This book is exactly what I hoped for. I bought it as a Christmas gift for a friend who appreciates things that are vintage and a little odd. The photos are huge and of great quality. It looks like they found the cleanest, best kept examples of each machine. Didn't have a chance to read the text, but the pictures alone were enough to make it worthwhile.

Mixed feelings about this book, but I am glad I own it.
The book is a great overview of the history of commerical/military computer development in the last 60+ years.Hits most of the major models, and mentions why they're in the book.Each one was a special devleopment in it's time for one reason or another.

But after reading it, I wish it was about 2x the size, physically.It's a large book alredy, but it should be art-sized.And it could EASILY be several hundreds of pages.I know it's more of an overview book, but it would be great if each model had it's own chapter, including design diagrams, pictures of the installations, programmers, builders, etc.

On it's own it's a great book, and well worth the money.But the computer-nerd in me sees the potential of this content...
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Product Description
This easy to read, accessible book from PC World expert Steve Bass covers the waterfront of PC gripes and gremlins, with fixes for everything from Windows glitches to browsers that won't browse. These tips and tricks are served up in bite-sized portions for quick reading and even quicker fixing. Among the topics covered:

• Windows--King of Annoyances! You'll learn how to kick Windows in the rear, get past glitches, take charge of the interface, live with the dreaded activation, and more.
• Internet knots untied! Shake up IE, stop Flash, outsmart defaults, control Favorites, add the Google toolbar to Netscape, and more.
• Conquer your email
• Master Microsoft Office

Customer Reviews (40)

Ok, I got an older book
Since my book is older, it was a used version, the hints are for older things.It does have some helpful tools, but lots of the annoyances, I already knew about.

Worth Every Penny
This book is written in a very easy to understand language. The hints are pratical and should help everyone in some way. Microsoft will not tell you much of how to make your operating system work the way YOU want it to. Steve Bass takes care of that. It is a valuable resource for anyone who has a PC, novice or experienced. I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about computers and I even learned a few new tricks.

A sanity saver
I am still pretty much a neophite where computers are concerned, so I bought this book hoping that it could get me out of the "messes" I'm always getting into. It really DOES help! Thank you!!! Steve Bass, I'm now searching for other books you have written.

Concise, excellent, usable tips
I've read many computer books, and I have to say this is one of the most informative. More important, Steve provides hundreds of tips to overcome the small (and large) problems of Windows. It's nice to konw that even a well-known computer columnist experiences the same frustrations we ordinary users do. Happily, he willing to share the solutions he's found.

In my first reading, I discovered the answers to at least 7 windows annoyances I've encountered.

And instead of including a cost-raising CD, the publisher has made 100 utility programs available online, a better solution that including them on a quickly outdated disk.

A useful, and often amusing book.

You need it!

A readable computer book!
This is the first computer book I actually said down and read, cover to cover. It holds your interest, and each tip gets you excited for the one to follow. I call it my AHA book. All the time you read it, you go "Aha! That's the problem!" or "Aha! That's how to get rid of that!". Can't recommend it highly enough. ... Read more