Assembly language for Intel-based computers

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1. bbgOct 2009
   I second the choice of K&R for learning C -- where better to learn C than from the authors themselves.

   For assembly I've had a good experience with K. Irvine's Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers, available on Amazon here:

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0132304686?ie=UTF8&tag=...

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2. IFC_LLCAug 2025
   I took the liberty of indulging in some reading.

   I must admit, it feels a bit strange. The truth is that I learned my first steps in programming by working through large, formidable books. In fact, my very first programming book was Assembly Language for Intel-Based Computers by Kip Irvine. After that, I read even larger books, many of them multiple times.

   I have always been fond of reading well-written books by knowledgeable professionals. After reading such works, you come away with real understanding, greater clarity, and often new creativity. Books are valuable, and I have always respected a good one.

   Yet the DSM-5-TR is quite the opposite. The Preface clearly states that the work is intended for everyone:

   “The information is of value to all professionals associated with various aspects of mental health care, including psychiatrists, other physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, counselors, forensic and legal specialists, occupational and rehabilitation therapists, and other health professionals.”

   I happen to be a social worker, and I have read a lot of books. I know how to study. I carefully looked up any words I might have misunderstood and used the dictionary freely.

   But despite all my efforts, I often failed to make sense of what I was reading. One would expect a theory followed by a conclusion, or an observation leading to a conclusion, or a theorem that is then proven. Unfortunately, that structure is missing here.

   A typical DSM entry begins with a statement presented as fact, only to be followed by other statements that seem to contradict it.

   Take, for example:

   “The prevalence of disinhibited social engagement disorder is unknown. Nevertheless, the disorder appears to be rare, occurring in a minority of children, even those who have experienced severe early deprivation. In low-income community populations in the United Kingdom, the prevalence is up to 2%.”

   This kind of contradictory phrasing is standard in the DSM.

   Again, the DSM is publicly available, and anyone can read it here: https://www.ifeet.org/files/DSM-5-TR.pdf

   I would have expected more precision from a scientific book.

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