In addition to thoroughly updating every aspect of the text to reflect the most current computing technology, the third edition
*Uses standard 32-bit MIPS 32 as the primary teaching ISA.
*Presents the assembler-to-HLL translations in both C and Java.
*Highlights the latest developments in architecture in Real Stuff sections:
+ Intel IA-32
+ Power PC 604
+ Googles PC cluster
+ Pentium P4
+ SPEC CPU2000 benchmark suite for processors
+ SPEC Web99 benchmark for web servers
+ EEMBC benchmark for embedded systems
+ AMD Opteron memory hierarchy
+ AMD vs. 1A-64

New support for distinct course goals
Many of the adopters who have used our book throughout its two editions are refining their courses with a greater hardware or software focus. We have provided new material to support these course goals:
"New material to support a Hardware Focus"
+Using logic design conventions
+Designing with hardware description languages
+Advanced pipelining
+Designing with FPGAs
+HDL simulators and tutorials
+Xilinx CAD tools
"New material to support a Software Focus"
+How compilers Work
+How to optimize compilers
+How to implement object oriented languages
+MIPS simulator and tutorial
+History sections on programming languages, compilers, operating systems and databases
"Whats New in the Third Edition"
New pedagogical features
"Understanding Program Performance"
-Analyzes key performance issues from the programmers perspective
"Check Yourself Questions"
-Helps students assess their understanding of key points of a section
"Computers In the Real World"
-Illustrates the diversity of applicationsof computing technology beyond traditional desktop and servers
"For More Practice"
-Provides students with additional problems they can tackle
"In More Depth"
-Presents new information and challenging exercises for the advanced student

New reference featur