The book describes standard architectural elements such as the central processor, memory, I/O ports, as well as the operating system, compiler, linker, and network environment. Methods for representing data and programs at the machine level, techniques for optimizing programs, features for managing threads of execution and virtual memory, as well as methods for network and parallel programming are demonstrated.

Among the topics covered:

data representation and programs at the machine level; processor architecture; program optimization techniques; layout of object modules; management of threads of execution; virtual memory and its management; input/output at the system level; network and parallel programming.

Examples given for processors compatible with Intel (x86-64), written in C and assembly languages and designed to run on the Linux operating system.

At the end of each chapter there are many exercises to reinforce the material covered.