Processor designs can be broadly divided into CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computers) and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computers). The dominant processor in the PC market, Pentium, belongs to the CISC category, and Linux is fast becoming the number one threat to Microsoft’s Windows in the server market. This unique guidebook provides comprehensive coverage of the key elements of Assembly language programming, specifically targeting professionals and students who would like to learn Assembly and intend or expect to move to the Linux operating system.

The book instructs users on how to install Linux on existing Windows machines. Readers are introduced to Linux and its commands, and will gain insights into the NASM assembler (installation and usage).

Assembly language continues to hold a core position in the programming world because of its similar structure to machine language and its very close links to underlying computer-processor architecture and design. These features allow for high processing speed, low memory demands, and the capacity to act directly on the system''s hardware. This completely revised second edition of the highly successful Introduction to Assembly Language Programming introduces the reader to assembly language programming and its role in computer programming and design. The focus is on providing readers with a firm grasp of the main features of assembly programming, and how it can be used to improve a computer''s performance. The revised edition covers a broad scope of subjects and adds valuable material on protected-mode Pentium programming, MIPS assembly language programming, and use of the NASM and SPIM assemblers for a Linux orientation. All of the language''s main features are covered in depth. The book requires only some basic experience with a structured, high-level language.

Topics and Features: Introduces assembly language so that readers can benefit from learning its utility with both CISC and RISC processors [ NEW ].- Employs the freely available NASM assembler, which works with both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems [ NEW ].- Contains a revised chapter on "Basic Computer Organization" [ NEW].- Uses numerous examples, hands-on exercises, programming code analyses and challenges, and chapter summaries.- Incorporates full new chapters on recursion, protected-mode interrupt processing, and floating-point instructions [ NEW ].

Assembly language programming is part of several undergraduate curricula in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. In addition, this newly revised text/reference can be used as an ideal companion resource in a computer organization course or as a resource for professional courses.

Recently, there has been a trend toward processors based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) design. This is an accessible and all-encompassing compendium on RISC processors, introducing five of them: MIPS, SPARC, PowerPC, ARM, and Intel''s 64-bit Itanium. Initial chapters explain differences between the CISC and RISC designs, and the core RISC design principles are clearly discussed. Later chapters provide instruction on MIPS assembly language programming, so that readers can readily learn the concepts and principles introduced earlier. Professionals, programmers, and students in computer architecture and programming courses will find the guide an essential resource.

Processor designs can be broadly divided into CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computers) and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computers). The dominant processor in the PC market, Pentium, belongs to the CISC category, and Linux is fast becoming the number one threat to Microsoft’s Windows in the server market. This unique guidebook provides comprehensive coverage of the key elements of Assembly language programming, specifically targeting professionals and students who would like to learn Assembly and intend or expect to move to the Linux operating system.

The book instructs users on how to install Linux on existing Windows machines. Readers are introduced to Linux and its commands, and will gain insights into the NASM assembler (installation and usage).

Assembly language continues to hold a core position in the programming world because of its similar structure to machine language and its very close links to underlying computer-processor architecture and design. These features allow for high processing speed, low memory demands, and the capacity to act directly on the system''s hardware. This completely revised second edition of the highly successful Introduction to Assembly Language Programming introduces the reader to assembly language programming and its role in computer programming and design. The focus is on providing readers with a firm grasp of the main features of assembly programming, and how it can be used to improve a computer''s performance. The revised edition covers a broad scope of subjects and adds valuable material on protected-mode Pentium programming, MIPS assembly language programming, and use of the NASM and SPIM assemblers for a Linux orientation. All of the language''s main features are covered in depth. The book requires only some basic experience with a structured, high-level language.

Topics and Features: Introduces assembly language so that readers can benefit from learning its utility with both CISC and RISC processors [ NEW ].- Employs the freely available NASM assembler, which works with both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems [ NEW ].- Contains a revised chapter on "Basic Computer Organization" [ NEW].- Uses numerous examples, hands-on exercises, programming code analyses and challenges, and chapter summaries.- Incorporates full new chapters on recursion, protected-mode interrupt processing, and floating-point instructions [ NEW ].

Assembly language programming is part of several undergraduate curricula in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. In addition, this newly revised text/reference can be used as an ideal companion resource in a computer organization course or as a resource for professional courses.

Recently, there has been a trend toward processors based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) design. This is an accessible and all-encompassing compendium on RISC processors, introducing five of them: MIPS, SPARC, PowerPC, ARM, and Intel''s 64-bit Itanium. Initial chapters explain differences between the CISC and RISC designs, and the core RISC design principles are clearly discussed. Later chapters provide instruction on MIPS assembly language programming, so that readers can readily learn the concepts and principles introduced earlier. Professionals, programmers, and students in computer architecture and programming courses will find the guide an essential resource.