Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming for the VAX

This introductory volume presents the general, machine-independent concepts of computer organization and also covers the particulars of assembly language programming on the VAX computer which is the most widely used minicomputer. The first half of the book discusses the major components of a computer--memory, the arithmetic/logic unit, input/output and mass storage, and the control unit--how they work and how they are integrated into a complete computer system. The second half of the book applies this knowledge to the VAX family of computers. The structure and organization of the VAX computer is described, followed by thorough instruction in assembly language programming on the VAX. Coverage extends to developing system software, including the assembler, loader, and linker.