Computer Organization & Architecture : Themes and Variations - Hardcover

"I think it is a great idea to use ARM because it is so popular in embedded systems and the students may see ARM processors in other classes later. Unlike some other texts which concentrate on CPUs, this book covers CPU and as well as other parts of a computer system in details, i.e. memory, bus, Input/output. Chapter 12 is my favorite because I/O and buses are important topics in computer architecture." "This is an outstanding text on computer organization compared to what we have today. This text has several aspects that are very important for undergraduates and unique compared to existing texts, including i) required level of emphasis on I/O and buses (instead of focusing only on processor, cache and memory), ii) in-depth discussion on memory as well as disk technology, iii) use of ARM ISA as a vehicle, and iv) making the practical connection of architecture with application domains including multimedia and compression. On one hand this book provides lot of interesting and required insights. On the other hand, it makes interesting for readers to understand the link between computer organization and real-world applications." "This book is a very nice read. It explains difficult concepts with simplicity and ease. It gives interesting historical perspectives at several places. It makes very good use of diagrams and blue boxes to explain difficult concepts, and drive home the points."

COMPUTER ORGANIZATION AND ARCHITECTURE: THEMES AND VARIATIONS stresses the structure of the complete system (CPU, memory, buses and peripherals) and reinforces that core content with an emphasis on divergent examples. This approach to computer architecture is an effective arrangement that provides sufficient detail at the logic and organizational levels appropriate for EE/ECE departments as well as for Computer Science readers. The text goes well beyond the minimal curriculum coverage and introduces topics that are important to anyone involved with computer architecture in a way that is both thought provoking and interesting to all.