For Computer Organization and Architecture and Computer Systems courses in CS and EE and ECE departments. Developed out of an introductory course at Carnegie Mellon University, this text explains the important and enduring concepts underlying all computer systems, and shows the concrete ways that these ideas affect the correctness, performance, and utility of application programs. The text's concrete and hands-on approach will help students understand what is going on "under the hood" of a computer system.

Few students studying computer science or computer engineering will ever have the opportunity to build a computer system. On the other hand, most students will be required to use and program computers on a near daily basis. 'Computer Systems' introduces the important and enduring concepts that underlie application programs.