If you want to study computer architecture in general, the standard (and very good) textbook is Computer Architecture by Hennessy & Patterson. It’s very readable, well organized, and not too thick. Another good textbook that covers a somewhat broader range of topics at a more elementary level is Computer Organization by Hamacher et al.; also check out Tanenbaum’s Structured Computer Organization.
If you’re interested in more lower-level details about digital logic and circuits, try Fundamentals of Digital Logic by Vranesic & Brown (the book conveniently exists in two different editions, with examples and problem sets given in VHDL and Verilog, respectively). Regarding the hardware-software interface, you’ll learn a lot from the mentioned architecture texts, but for more higher-level details, you’ll need an operating systems book; unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with those to make recommendations.
None of these books are particularly heavy on history, but they should enable you to place the modern technologies in their historical context. If I remember correctly, Tanenbaum’s book talks about history the most.
If you want to study computer architecture in general, the standard (and very good) textbook is Computer Architecture by Hennessy & Patterson. It’s very readable, well organized, and not too thick. Another good textbook that covers a somewhat broader range of topics at a more elementary level is Computer Organization by Hamacher et al.; also check out Tanenbaum’s Structured Computer Organization.
If you’re interested in more lower-level details about digital logic and circuits, try Fundamentals of Digital Logic by Vranesic & Brown (the book conveniently exists in two different editions, with examples and problem sets given in VHDL and Verilog, respectively). Regarding the hardware-software interface, you’ll learn a lot from the mentioned architecture texts, but for more higher-level details, you’ll need an operating systems book; unfortunately I’m not familiar enough with those to make recommendations.
None of these books are particularly heavy on history, but they should enable you to place the modern technologies in their historical context. If I remember correctly, Tanenbaum’s book talks about history the most.
Thanks! That helps a lot!