4.1 Getting started

4.1 Getting started

4.1.1 Reading and Web Sites

1. Read IA-32 Volume 1 [3] Pages 2-1 -- 2-5. This is a short history of the Intel 32-bit architecture.
2. Look at IA-32 Volume 1 [3] Pages 2-16 - 2-18. This is a table of key features from some of Intel's processors.
3. Look at IA-32 Volume 1 [3] Page 3-3. The "Basic" Intel execution environment.
4. Look at IA-32 Volume 1 [3] Page 3-9. The general purpose registers. This is the sub-set of registers we will be using this semester.
5. Look at IA-32 Volume 1 [3] Page 4-3. The top eight items in Figure 4.3 is most of what we will be using this semester.
6. Read Carter Chapter #1 pages 1 - 30. Chapter 1. This is an introduction to some of what we will be covering this semester.

4.1.2 Notes

• New curriculum.
• Computer system and processor architecture.
• Flat memory model.
• Efficient programming
  • Computer time
  • People time
  • Optimization & Profiling
• "C" Programming & pointers
• Device drivers
• Embedded processors including DSPs (Digital Signal Processors)
• The embedded system programmers view
• The application programmers view
• The system programmers view
• Common features
  • Registers
  • Memory
  • ALU
• Special features
  • I/O devices
  • DMA/Interrupts
  • Floating point
• Tools & Development cycle
  • Editor
  • Assembler
    • nasm
      Portable. gpl'ed. Manual available on line. Intel operand order. (Preferred: 8/25/2004)
    • MASM Microsoft
      Win/DOS only. Intel operand order.
    • TASM Borland
      Win/DOS only. Compatibility mode for MASM. Intel operand order.
    • gas
      Portable. Different format. Reversed order of operands. Poor documentation and error messages. gpl'ed.
  • Compiler
  • Debugger
  • IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
  • Operating System

4.1.3 Lab Assignment

1. Install the nasm assembler on the system you plan to use.
2. Get an account on gort, if you plan on using it.
3. Get and install an ssh (secure shell) client if you plan to use gort.
4. Run a sample program.
5. Change the program so it prints your name and the date. Turn in a printout of your source code and your output.

4.1 Getting started