This text focuses on the Intel 8086 family that are used in the IBM PC's and teaches students the programming, system connections, and interfacing of microprocessors and their peripheral devices in detail. Students begin with a brief introduction to computer hardware which leads to an in-depth look at how microprocessor-based computers are programmed to do real tasks. They also cover assembly language programming of 8086-based systems. Throughout the text, the emphasis is on writing assembly language programs in a top-down, structured manner. Included are comparisons between CISC and RISC microcomputer architectures and their trade-offs.