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Today's incoming students are more likely to be exposed to Java than ever before. Focusing on a modern architecture (the Java Virtual Machine, or JVM), this text provides a thorough treatment of the principles of computer organization in the context of today's portable computer. Students are given simple but realistic examples to gain a complete understanding of how computation works on such a machine. Juola makes the material useful and relevant in a course that is often difficult for second-year CS students. Salient Features Flexible, convenient presentation - The JVM is not a physical chip but a piece of software found on every computer in the world, so students can write and run their exercises on any computer without worrying about compatibility; ideal for commuter or distance education, or schools with limited resources. Focus on the JVM Language - Explains how the Java language actually causes things to happen. Presentation of alternate architectures - Compares the JVM to the original IBM-PC chip, the Pentium, the Power PC, and an embedded controller chip to explore how other computers express the same principles. Principle-based approach - Allows transfer between machines. Multi-Language Examples - Integrate several computer operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, BeOS and Solaris; students do not need a prior understanding of Java. Tested code examples - Eliminates errors that could confuse students. Optional chapters that are tunable to individual equipment. Key Issues - Summarizes each chapter with a brief review of important concepts.