About The Author


  Dr. Douglas Comer has an extensive background in  computer
systems,  and  has  worked  with both hardware and software.
Comer's work on software  spans  most  aspects  of  systems,
including  compilers  and  operating  systems.  He created a
complete operating system, including a  process  manager,  a
memory  manager,  and  device  drivers  for  both serial and
parallel interfaces.  Comer  has  also  implemented  network
protocol   software   and   network   device   drivers   for
conventional computers and  network  processors.   Both  his
operating  system, Xinu, and TCP/IP protocol stack have been
used in commercial products.
  Comer's  experience  with  hardware  includes  work   with
discrete components, building circuits from logic gates, and
experience with basic silicon technology.   He  has  written
popular textbooks on network processor architectures, and at
Bell Laboratories, Comer studied VLSI design and  fabricated
a VLSI chip.
  Comer is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science  at
Purdue University, where he develops and teaches courses and
does research on computer organization,  operating  systems,
networks,  and  Internets.   Comer  has  created  innovative
laboratories in which students can build and measure systems
such  as  operating  systems  and IP routers; all of Comer's
courses include hands-on lab work.  He continues to  consult
and  lecture  at  universities,  industries, and conferences
around the world.
  In  addition  to  writing  a  series  of   internationally
acclaimed  technical  books  on  computer operating systems,
networks, TCP/IP, and computer technologies, Comer serves as
the  editor-in-chief  of the journal Software - Practice and
Experience.  He is a Fellow of the  ACM,  a  Fellow  of  the
Purdue Teaching Academy, and a recipient of numerous awards,
including a Usenix Lifetime Achievement award.