This newly revised text retains its gentle approach to introducing MIS students to fundamental computer hardware, systems software, and data concepts. As in previous editions, the goal of this book is to provide the fundamentals of computer architecture which are essential to the workplace survival of Information Systems graduates. This text provides a careful, in depth, non-engineering introduction to the inner workings of modern computer systems.

Overall, the 5th edition pays more attention to the variety of computer devices available today, including smartphones and tablets, while continuing to emphasize the basic principles of computer architecture, and the similarities of all of these devices. It has been the author's continuing position that the basic principles in the design of computer technology have not changed in many years, that the so-called new designs are changes in implementation and application rather than concept.