Newbie question

RUMyMummy · Post by **RUMyMummy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:34 pm

Hi. I was reading the FAQ, and it says: "You should have studied the manuals for the processor you will be programming for." What does this mean, exactly? I have a basic knowledge of x86 assembly and a searchable list of all the interrupts. I've also puchased a very difficult book called Mastering Turbo Assembler (which I've only used as a reference so far). Is there anything more I need to study? I searched google for "x86 manual", but the results don't seem to be what I'm looking for.

Please enlighten me. Thanks.

01000101 · Post by **01000101** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:40 pm

The processor manuals are a set of manuals made by your processor manufacturer. If you are on an Intel CPU then you should read the Intel Softaware Developers manual (3a/3b), if you are on an AMD CPU then read the AMD manuals. They are incredibly useful and free online.

the links to them are in the Wiki.

RUMyMummy · Post by **RUMyMummy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:51 pm

Thanks a lot.

<Reading right now...>

Alboin · Post by **Alboin** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:54 pm

01000101 wrote:The processor manuals are a set of manuals made by your processor manufacturer. If you are on an Intel CPU then you should read the Intel Softaware Developers manual (3a/3b), if you are on an AMD CPU then read the AMD manuals. They are incredibly useful and free online.

the links to them are in the Wiki.

You can also use both if you don't understand one's particular wording.

Zacariaz · Post by **Zacariaz** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:35 pm

My experience is that the amd manual is easier to understand allthough the intel manual is more detailed. I dont know if people agree, but thats my oppinion anyway.

RUMyMummy · Post by **RUMyMummy** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:52 pm

Are you guys trying to tell me something?

AMD it is, then. Thanks again.

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:04 pm

The advantage of intel manuals is that you can order them (for free?) from intel. It appears people here have ordered them and got them for free. Someone as far as Australia even got them, if Im not mistaken.

t0xic · Post by **t0xic** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:10 pm

I ordered them. Got a notice from Intel a few days ago that they will be shipping shortly. It took them a month to respond to the original order though, as they outsource the manual-shipping stuff to another company. I've never read the AMD manuals so I can;t say much 'bout those. I'll look over them though.

Edit:
Yes, the manuals are free

suthers · Post by **suthers** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:22 pm

I searched on the intel website but i wasn't able to find were you could order manuals.
Does anybody have the link...
Thanks in advance,

Jules

Combuster · Post by **Combuster** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:01 pm

don't look for the order button, only the documents themselves:
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/manuals/

01000101 · Post by **01000101** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:28 pm

I agree, the AMD manuals seem to explain things much better. I would suggest reading the AMD snippets first, then if you have specific questions or need more indepth answering, look to the Intel manuals.

I got my copies free from Intel.

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:31 pm

I prefer reading Intel manuals, reading AMD manuals is like reading Archie's n' friends.

AndrewAPrice · Post by **AndrewAPrice** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:37 am

jerryleecooper wrote:Someone as far as Australia even got them, if Im not mistaken.

That was me

See this site for a list of manuals: http://www.intel.com/products/processor/manuals/ (as posted above).
Ordering instructions are here: http://www.intel.com/design/literature.htm

You just need to follow the instructions on the site.

Code: Select all

Email: [email protected]

Please make sure to include in your mailed/emailed request:

    SKU #
    Company Name
    Your Name (first, last)
    Full mailing address
    Daytime Phone Number in case of questions

It took around 5 days for them to arrive.

For company name you can make up anything you want.

t0xic · Post by **t0xic** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:22 pm

Your's took 5 days? Dang, mine have been a month and a week or two. Haven't even gotten a shipping notice yet, just confirmation of order

pcmattman · Post by **pcmattman** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:27 am

Someone as far as Australia even got them, if Im not mistaken.

And me... took them about 3 days to arrive here, and I found out after I received the second box that I had accidentally double-ordered

. More dead trees

.