A handy reference for engineers and technicians, this useful guide fully explores the design and capabilities of today's microprocessor , offering a practical and in-depth study of the Intel 80X86 microprocessor family with thorough and detailed coverage of its hardware and software. Written in a clear and progressive manner and enhanced with over 250 illustrations, it provides more than 70 examples of a variety of real-world applications, and guides users through the construction of their own 8088-based computer. Highlights the main features of the 80X86, with detailed chapters covering data types, addressing modes and more. Discusses programming with DOS and BIOS function calls, and introduces users to many advanced concepts, such as linking multiple object files, instruction execution time, and memory management. Examines three peripherals designed to interface with the 80X86, and comes with a ready-to-use companion disk that contains all source code and project files. Includes a troubleshooting techniques section in each chapter, with real-world tips, and adds two new chapters on the advanced Intel processor Pentium -one on its hardware; one on protected mode operation.