The significance of real time systems, from washing machine controllers to "star wars" systems, is rapidly growing. Real time computing has an interdisciplinary character and is concerned with all aspects of computer systems that operate within, observe, or control applications with critical timing constraints, whose violation would lead to loss of life or property or to environmental damage. Considerable research and development efforts are involved in engineering highly dependable real time systems. This volume is based on a NATO Advanced Study Institute that covered the entire span of present interest in the field and attracted leading European and American researchers. It is a unique, urgently needed, and comprehensive reference book on real time computing. The significance of real time computing is rapidly growing. It involves all aspects of computer systems with critical timing constraints. This volume is based on a NATO Advanced Study Institute covering the entire field and is a comprehensive reference book on real time computing.