This text takes a two-fold to provide a foundation for understanding and evaluating the design principles incorporated in modern computers; and to present basic techniques for designing parallel systems and parallel algorithms. In pursuit of these objectives, the author organizes and links a broad spectrum of related topics in both a systematic and reader-friendly manner. The book covers topics such as VHDL, multiprocessors and neural networks, and features several case studies that focus on the architecture of several important new microprocessors, such as Motorola 88110, Intel Pentium, Alpha AXP and Power PC. Numerical examples, illustrations and over 400 figures are included along the way.