Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Fundamentals of Quantitative
Design and Analysis
I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever
created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their
user.
Bill Gates, February 24, 2004
1.1 Introduction
Computer technology has made incredible progress in the roughly 65 years since the irst
general-purpose electronic computer was created. Today, less than $500 will purchase a mobile
computer that has more performance, more main memory, and more disk storage than a com-
