In the pages of this third edition, you will find a comprehensive description of the "hardware" aspect of the most common personal computer family. This book provides in-depth knowledge of individual electronic subsystems—such as memory, processors, and drives—as well as how they connect to form a complete personal computer, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. Signal descriptions are illustrated with timing diagrams and connection schematics for various devices. The book also covers installation and configuration of hardware components, practical diagnostic issues, and safety concerns regarding electrical hazards. For readers who may be new to the subject, the introduction offers foundational knowledge of computer technology and other essential information to aid understanding, making this book accessible to a wide audience. Compared to the previous edition, which was well-received by readers, this version includes a wealth of new information and reflects the latest advancements: new processors, including 64-bit extensions; new types of memory; new buses (PCI-x, PCI Express, Hyper Transport); Serial ATA and SCSI; and a detailed description of FireWire. Additionally, errors identified in earlier editions have been corrected, and structural issues have been addressed, eliminating any gaps in the content.