What This Document Is
This is a comprehensive course syllabus and foundational material for an advanced-level university course in Microcomputer Programming (CS 630) at the University of San Francisco. It delves into the intricacies of computer architecture, specifically focusing on the Intel-64 processor family as implemented in modern CPUs. The course takes a unique “bare machine” approach, meaning it explores programming without the abstraction layers of a typical operating system, allowing for a deep understanding of hardware interactions. It’s designed for students seeking a robust understanding of how software directly interfaces with computer hardware.
Why This Document Matters
This material is essential for students with a solid programming background who want to move beyond high-level languages and gain mastery over the core principles of computer operation. It’s particularly valuable for those interested in operating system development, embedded systems, compiler design, or reverse engineering. Students will benefit from reviewing this material before the course begins to assess their preparedness and identify areas for focused study. It also serves as a valuable reference throughout the semester to contextualize lectures and lab exercises.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides a high-level overview of the course and its core concepts. It does *not* contain detailed code examples, step-by-step programming tutorials, or solutions to specific exercises. It assumes a pre-existing foundation in C/C++ and familiarity with the Linux/UNIX environment. While it touches upon assembly language, it doesn’t offer a complete assembly language tutorial. Access to the full document is required to unlock the detailed explanations, practical applications, and in-depth explorations of the topics presented.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the course’s focus on Intel-64 processor architecture.
* A description of the “bare machine” methodology and its benefits.
* A review of prerequisite knowledge in programming and operating systems.
* A simplified diagram illustrating system component interactions.
* A refresher on key x86 architecture elements like segment registers and instruction sets.
* An explanation of the fundamental “Fetch-Execute” cycle.
* Details regarding required textbooks and instructor contact information.
* An introduction to CPU execution modes and the pre-boot environment.
* An overview of utilizing ROM-BIOS functions for low-level system access.
