Product Description
This text offers both the theoretical, machine-independent concepts underlying the construction of all computers, and a specific introduction to the assembly language and architecture of the widely used PDP-11. It discusses the major functional components of a computer - memory, ALU, Input/Output, and processor - and how they are integrated into a complete computer system. The book describes and "builds" an idealized model of a computer and shows how the theoretical concepts are put into practice in the construction of the PDP. It integrates hardware concepts with software principles, introducing the student to internal systems programs used to run the computer. ... Read more

Product Description
This manual on computer progamming contains comprehensive coverage of all 8086 (8088) and 8087 instructions, assembler directives, and the most important MS-DOS and ROM-BIOS functions. Progressing from simple to complex tasks, the text allows students to write complete programs, prepare them for execution, run them, and use most of the facilities of the whole computer system. Most sample programs are preceded by PASCAL and BASIC programs meeting the same specifications. Detailed discussions are included, together with examples of CP/M and XENIX style file handling, thorough coverage of graphics, plus a detailed introduction to the 8087 coprocessor. The book also contains 180 exercises, annotated tables of 8086 and 8087 instructions, chapter summaries and lists of key words. All 60 programs are accompanied by diskettes, eliminating the need for lengthy typing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly readable, Comprehensive, a fine '816 book
65816/65802 Assembly Language Programmingby Michael Fisher

Review by Jeff Hurlburt

Apple's adoption of Western Design's 65816 as the heart of its new II series computer has, naturally, spawned a host of"How to Program ..." paperbacks. Among the three contending forrecognition as THE bible for serious Apple Assembly Language Programmers,each supplies obligatory tutorials on number systems, "howmicroprocessors work", and assembler mnemonics along with descriptionsof 65816 operation and opcode-by-opcode definitions of machineinstructions. Indeed, with so many similarities, a surprise is that thebooks are really very different.

Dispelling the notion thattechnical material must be a dry cataloging of facts, Fischer immediatelysets out to involve the reader in the 65816's background and the excitementsurrounding its introduction. Here, one feels, is something worth lookinginto; and this book is just the way to do it. Of the 600 pages of text(700, including data sheet reprints) a full third present detaileddescriptions of each instruction utilizing register diagrams, address modecharts, and illustrative mini-programs. Arranged in alphbetical order bymnemonic, the section is a very handy reference which, for users alreadywell versed in machine/assembly level programming, will supply practicallyall the 65816/65802 instruction information required.

The balance ofthe text is devoted to chapters developing example programs for codeconversion, string handling, arithmetic, sorts and similarly basic tasks.(For some reason, perhaps a desire to favor no one computer maker, programsbegin at address zero and thus must be relocated before running.) While afew areas, notably data movement, actually experiece over-kill, discussionis on-target and listings are complete (i.e. you see the machine code,assembler mnemonics, and comments). The McGraw-Hill text is liberallysprinkled with diagrams and flowcharts and, owing chiefly to goodorganization, uncluttered format, and Fischer's conversational style, iseasily the most 'readable' of the three books. ... Read more

Product Description
Covering routines for the most popular machines - ATT computer, the Atari 68000, the Commodore Amiga and the Macintosh - this book takes readers through all aspects of assembly language programming in a step-by-step fashion. It provides a complete, graduated approach to the entire line of 68000's, giving examples and exercises for each step so that readers can acquire all of the necessary skills. Topics include the 68000 programmer's model, explanations of number systems, subroutines and advanced assembler concepts, such as external references, linking, debugging and macros. ... Read more