What Are the Best Introductory Books on Computer Hardware and Architecture?

[WannabeFeynman]

Can anyone recommend a good book on computer hardware/architecture covering things like boolean algebra, logic gates, components etc? Principles of computer hardware by clements is too challenging. I am considering Fundamentals of computer by rajaraman. Thanks

Also, how much electrical engineering knowledge is required? Most people have told me only basic circuits and components.

 

[jedishrfu]

Check this book out, I've not read it but I know Petzold usually writes very engaging computer books:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735611319/?tag=pfamazon01-20

From the table of contents he appears to cover many of the things you're interested in.

And for heavier reading:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0124077269/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[WannabeFeynman]

Thanks for the quick response, but I had a friend who told me it is more focused on the software side of things - at which I am fairly adept.