Jeff Moser's blog is full of good articles, I revisit it from time to time hoping he's posted something new, but I think he's been too busy these passed few years.

One of the most accessible and interesting is his HTTPS breakdown[1]—highly recommended, and I'm sure it's been HN'd more than once.

[1]: http://www.moserware.com/2009/06/first-few-milliseconds-of-h...