So why would anyone learn this stuff, anyway? Well, there are several reasons which come to mind:

* Your major requires a course in assembly language; i.e., you're here against your will.
* A programmer where you work quit. Most of the source code left behind was written in assembly language and you were elected to maintain it.
* Your boss has the audacity to insist that you write your code in assembly against your strongest wishes.
* Your programs run just a little too slow, or are a little too large and you think assembly language might help you get your project under control.
* You want to understand how computers actually work.
* You're interested in learning how to write efficient code.
* You want to try something new.