The book is about programming microcontrollers, specifically the so-called PIC microcontrollers from a company named Microchip®. Microcontrollers are highly integrated microprocessors that include many of the components required for implementing a complete computer system. PIC microcontrollers are often used in embedded systems, which are also covered in the text. The book provides a new approach to learning microcontroller programming that does not require demo boards or hardware programmers, thus saving the reader from $300 to $500. The virtual demo boards also simplify and shorten the learning process. The book includes three virtual demo boards in the form of computer programs that simulate a physical board. The virtual boards run the PIC programs allowing the same controls and producing the same output as physical boards. Includes PC format CD with virtual board applications, sample programs, and programming resources.