How Computers Really Work: A Hands-On Guide to the Inner Workings of the Machine

Price: $39.99 - $29.05
(as of May 23, 2024 22:08:34 UTC – Details)

From the Publisher

‘Just Right’

“Much more understandable than most books of this type, even when the author delves deeply into machine code, programming languages, operating systems, and the internet. He details 41 hands-on projects, including games, running a web server, and so on. It’s just right for the would-be software engineer.”

—Joy Schwabach, The Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s On Computers

‘Nails It’

“[Author] Justice nails it. He gives a concise — but extremely lucid — explanation of electronics, binary numbers, and gates — and then goes on to explain how a computer really works! It is the best explanation of the CPU, memory arrays, buses, etc. that I’ve ever encountered — and all without any prerequisite knowledge of a computer language.”

—Dr. L., Amazon Reviewer

‘Easy and Straightforward’

“The author incredibly blends electronics and computing concepts (CPU, programming, operating system, etc.) that truly (with its easy and straightforward layout) helps you understand what’s going on in a computer.”

—Mr. Chi Y Pang, Amazon Reviewer

About the Author

Matthew Justice is a software engineer. He spent 17 years at Microsoft where he took on various roles, including debugging the Windows kernel, developing automated fixes, and leading a team of engineers responsible for building diagnostic tools and services. He has worked on low-level software (the operating system) and on software far removed from the underlying hardware (such as web applications). Matthew has a degree in electrical engineering. When he’s not writing code or building circuits, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, reading, arranging music, and playing old video games.

Who Should Read this Book

This book is for anyone who wants to understand how computers work. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of the topics covered — we begin with the basics. On the other hand, if you already have a background in programming or electronics, this book can help you expand your knowledge in other areas. The book is written for the self-motivated learner, someone who is comfortable with basic math and science, and who is already familiar with using computers and smartphones, but who still has questions about how they work. Teachers should find the content useful, too, as the projects are a good fit for the classroom.

About the Publisher

No Starch Press has published the finest in geek entertainment since 1994, creating both timely and timeless titles like Python Crash Course, Python for Kids, How Linux Works, and Hacking: The Art of Exploitation. An independent, San Francisco-based publishing company, No Starch Press focuses on a curated list of well-crafted books that make a difference. They publish on many topics, including computer programming, cybersecurity, operating systems, and LEGO. The titles have personality, the authors are passionate experts, and all the content goes through extensive editorial and technical reviews. Long known for its fun, fearless approach to technology, No Starch Press has earned wide support from STEM enthusiasts worldwide.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ No Starch Press (December 17, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 392 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1718500661
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1718500662
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.57 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.81 x 9.25 inches