Book excerpt: Fuelled by example and application, this text takes readers on an in-depth, hands-on exploration of the hardware and software - giving equal treatment to both - of the Intel 8088 microprocessor. After examining more than 60 different applications, Antonakos guides readers through the construction and programming of their own 8088-based computer. This edition expands coverage to include completely new topics while it updates treatments of existing topics, in an overall effort to allow greater access to the power of the personal computer.