On Intel's WWW station, there are many useful literature and tutorials. It is recommended that you study these documents to have a deeper understanding of the structure of the microprocessor. But I can't give you the correct download address because the file location changes frequently. You can go to these two URLs to search for documents or tools you need: http://developer.intel.com or http://www.agner.org/assem we are most interested in these: Intel latest C / C compiler, Intel latest instruction tutorial, VTune code optimization software, and a large number of software developer manuals. Most of these documents are PDF formats. You need to browse with the Acrobat browser. Some Intel provide development documentation: an overview of intel manuals http://developer.intel.com/vtune/cbts/refman.htm An overview of intel tutorials http://developer.intel.com/vtune/cbts/cbts. htm An overview of Intel application notes http://developer.intel.com/vtune/cbts/appnotes.htm Optimization guidelines are found in Intel architecture optimization reference manual Information on new instructions for the Pentium III processor can be found in the Introduction to Street SIMD EXTENSIONS TUTORIAL.