Revised and updated with the latest information in the field, the Fourth Edition of Computer Science Illuminated continues to engage and enlighten students on the fundamental concepts and diverse capabilities of computing. Written by two of today s most respected computer science educators, Nell Dale and John Lewis, the text provides a broad overview of the many aspects of the discipline from a generic view point. Separate program language chapters are available as bundle items for those instructors who would like to explore a particular programming language with their students. The many layers of computing are thoroughly explained beginning with the information layer, working through the hardware, programming, operating systems, application, and communication layers, and ending with a discussion on the limitations of computing. Perfect for introductory computing and computer science courses, the fourth edition's thorough presentation of computing systems provides computer science majors with a solid foundation for further study, and offers non-majors a comprehensive and complete introduction to computing.
 |
Save up to 70% when you rent your textbooks on Amazon. Keep your textbook rentals for a semester and rental return shipping is free. |
|
There is a newer edition of this item:
|
Book Description
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Lisa Michaud
Format:Paperback
I am currently using this text for the fifth time in my survey course for non-majors. It does exactly what I want it to do: it gives the students a feel for each of the topics with just enough depth to be rigorous for non-majors without being overwhelming. It's not perfect for my tastes; I do less than a full chapter, for example, when talking about languages (only covering the introductions to Chapters 7 and 8), whereas I do a full week on an expanded coverage of databases (Chapter 12). But I have a hard time imagining a text with a better fit, and I have used this since its first edition.
40 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By E
Format:Paperback
It's been a semester since I had to buy this expensive shrink-wrapped textbook for my Intro to Computer Science class. In a text like this, topics are glossed over in an attempt to cover a wide range of ideas related to general CS. Even after a semester of CS and having gotten my feet wet in related areas (3D graphics programming, networking, and network security), I still say this text falls short of providing any real material to the budding computer scientist/engineer.
The author Nell Dale's writing inadequately explains certain concepts, something which could make these first time topics even more distant, or even further confuse those - particularly those with no prior programming or computer experience, especially those taking Intro to CS as an elective. For example, our professor taught us a more adequate technique in binary arithmetic. Dale's explanations of binary arithmetic are slightly confusing, especially to the uninitiated.
While the focus of the first semester was on beginning OOP with C++, we ended the semester with basic programming concepts (e.g. functions, data types, pointers, etc.) and the fundamentals of the OO paradigm (using C++). The chapter on programming paradigms, in my opinion, is utterly TERRIBLE. Although I took time outside of class to read better books on the subject, had I solely based my budding knowledge of OOP on this textbook, I would've been in trouble down the road -- I didn't understand a thing of OOP based upon this book's explanations. 3-4 pages are solely dedicated to the seemingly Stone Age concept of using "class cards".
Although this textbook was a complete waste of money, my personal experience with this book was even worse because I had a professor who taught Intro to CS as if we were Software Engineering seniors. If you have to buy this book for class but what a better understanding of CS in general (before you get into the details), either buy or check your local or school's library for Computer Science: An Overview by J. Glenn Brookshear (ISBN: 0201781301). If you're buying this, the latest edition is the 8th but the last edition, the 7th, you can get used for about $5-$7.
If you're like me and your class is covering more basic OOP programming techniques using a OOP "optimized" language than learning a generalized overview of many CS topics (e.g. operating systems, artificial intelligence, etc.), another really good book to check out and/or buy is Introduction to Computer Science Using C++, 2nd Edition by Todd Knowlton (ISBN: 0538676000). The last I checked, you can get this hardcover used from the Amazon Marketplace for about $3.50-$5 used. This book covers nothing but basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, operators, strings, I/O, functions, on and on and on.
Again, if you have to get this book, I would highly recommended supplementing your learning by reading one of the aforementioned books (not necessarily the whole book however) along with CS Illuminated. Some people may think this book is okay, but I would still say that to really get a firm grasp of what basic programming is all about, you'll need a better text to give you that foundation. Perhaps the reason why this textbook fails overall is that it gives too much attention to too many different topics. Had if focused on basic programming (which it seems most Intro to CS teachers emphasize anyway) like Introduction to Computer Science Using C++, it may have been better. Anyway, good luck to all!
The author Nell Dale's writing inadequately explains certain concepts, something which could make these first time topics even more distant, or even further confuse those - particularly those with no prior programming or computer experience, especially those taking Intro to CS as an elective. For example, our professor taught us a more adequate technique in binary arithmetic. Dale's explanations of binary arithmetic are slightly confusing, especially to the uninitiated.
While the focus of the first semester was on beginning OOP with C++, we ended the semester with basic programming concepts (e.g. functions, data types, pointers, etc.) and the fundamentals of the OO paradigm (using C++). The chapter on programming paradigms, in my opinion, is utterly TERRIBLE. Although I took time outside of class to read better books on the subject, had I solely based my budding knowledge of OOP on this textbook, I would've been in trouble down the road -- I didn't understand a thing of OOP based upon this book's explanations. 3-4 pages are solely dedicated to the seemingly Stone Age concept of using "class cards".
Although this textbook was a complete waste of money, my personal experience with this book was even worse because I had a professor who taught Intro to CS as if we were Software Engineering seniors. If you have to buy this book for class but what a better understanding of CS in general (before you get into the details), either buy or check your local or school's library for Computer Science: An Overview by J. Glenn Brookshear (ISBN: 0201781301). If you're buying this, the latest edition is the 8th but the last edition, the 7th, you can get used for about $5-$7.
If you're like me and your class is covering more basic OOP programming techniques using a OOP "optimized" language than learning a generalized overview of many CS topics (e.g. operating systems, artificial intelligence, etc.), another really good book to check out and/or buy is Introduction to Computer Science Using C++, 2nd Edition by Todd Knowlton (ISBN: 0538676000). The last I checked, you can get this hardcover used from the Amazon Marketplace for about $3.50-$5 used. This book covers nothing but basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, operators, strings, I/O, functions, on and on and on.
Again, if you have to get this book, I would highly recommended supplementing your learning by reading one of the aforementioned books (not necessarily the whole book however) along with CS Illuminated. Some people may think this book is okay, but I would still say that to really get a firm grasp of what basic programming is all about, you'll need a better text to give you that foundation. Perhaps the reason why this textbook fails overall is that it gives too much attention to too many different topics. Had if focused on basic programming (which it seems most Intro to CS teachers emphasize anyway) like Introduction to Computer Science Using C++, it may have been better. Anyway, good luck to all!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am currently taking a computer science class with this book. It was pretty useful and explained the basics of computer science. The book is illustrated with charts, tables, and pictures that help explain the concepts better.
The book was helpful but, the book is somewhat confusing with the more complex and conceptual topics of Computer Science. For an introductory class, it is sometimes hard to grasp the conceptual topics because the book doesn't lay it out very clearly.
The book was helpful but, the book is somewhat confusing with the more complex and conceptual topics of Computer Science. For an introductory class, it is sometimes hard to grasp the conceptual topics because the book doesn't lay it out very clearly.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
I hate it
This book sucks. You may be stuck using for a class, otherwise I would say don't buy it. If you are stuck with it, good luck.
Published 4 days ago by Donna Celeste
4.0 out of 5 stars
Computer Science illuminated 4th. Education
Good basic guide book for Computer Science. The book provides an overall basic and advanced knowledge one can gain from this book.
Published 15 days ago by Patrick C. Ferguson Sr.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great!!
This is a collage textbook so there is alot of extra crap, but its a good book for anyone who wants to learn more about computers.
Published 6 months ago by John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple
Exactly what I ordered. Great condition.
Needed this for an online class I'm taking currently. The material is good, and it is incredibly easy to read. Read more
Needed this for an online class I'm taking currently. The material is good, and it is incredibly easy to read. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Churrodust
4.0 out of 5 stars
Computer Science Illuminated
Textbook assigned to an on-line course that I am currently taking. Easy to read, good explanations, I would like for there to be answers to the exercises, though, since the class... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Hessgirls
5.0 out of 5 stars
Convenient
New book, nice conditions, great context and full of great knowledge. Very useful book For college assignments computer science classes
Published 16 months ago by Yami
3.0 out of 5 stars
<yawn>
This book was required for an introductory IT class at my college. I can't honestly say that I did more than browse through most of it for specific information that I needed. Read more
Published on March 3, 2011 by Tek
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun book
This was a fun book to go through especially of you are into computers in any way.
Published on September 27, 2010 by Dhaviator
4.0 out of 5 stars
College book
This was purchased for an international college student who has spoken English for only two years. Computer Science is his major. Read more
Published on September 17, 2010 by Mary Stephan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazon Purchase
Textbook was received in the condition expected based on seller's comments. Shipping occured quickly and textbook was received well before estimated delivery date indicated. Read more
Published on September 13, 2010 by Me
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
