Essentials of Computer Organization and Architecture focuses on the function and design of the various components necessary to process information digitally. This title presents computing systems as a series of layers, taking a bottom–up approach by starting with low-level hardware and progressing to higher-level software.

Its focus on real-world examples and practical applications encourages students to develop a “big-picture” understanding of how essential organization and architecture concepts are applied in the computing world. In addition to direct correlation with the ACM/IEEE guidelines for computer organization and architecture, the text exposes readers to the inner workings of a modern digital computer through an integrated presentation of fundamental concepts and principles.

The Fifth Edition of Essentials of Computer Organization and Architecture was awarded the William Holmes McGuffey Longevity Award ("McGuffey") from the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA). The McGuffy award recognizes textbooks and learning materials whose excellence has been demonstrated over time.