This classic book provides an overview to the field of computing, with new material on networking, C#, XML, and Java, making it the most current book available. The seventh edition has been thoroughly updated to discuss important trends in such areas as networking and the Internet, software engineering, public-key encryption, and artificial intelligence. The discussions of the ethical and legal issues revolving around computing have been expanded in this edition. This book is for those who are interested in taking a tour of the field of computer science, as well as those taking an introductory course on these topics.
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Book Description
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From the Back Cover
This classic book provides an overview to the field of computing, with new material on networking, C#, XML, and Java, making it the most current book available. The seventh edition has been thoroughly updated to discuss important trends in such areas as networking and the Internet, software engineering, public-key encryption, and artificial intelligence. The discussions of the ethical and legal issues revolving around computing have been expanded in this edition. This book is for those who are interested in taking a tour of the field of computer science, as well as those taking an introductory course on these topics.
About the Author
J. Glenn Brookshear is an Associate Professor at Marquette University. He received his Ph.D. from New Mexico State University in 1975, then was hired by Marquette to build a strong Computer Science curriculum. In addition to his highly successful Computer Science: An Overview, Brookshear has authored Theory of Computation: Formal Languages, Automata, and Complexity, also published by Addison-Wesley.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"An Overview!!!!!!!!",
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This review is from: Computer Science: An Overview (Paperback)
First, some quick advice to those who found the book too basic or general: read the title if you can't make it to page one of the preface! This book is an overview of computer science. You can't expect it to be "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" + "Introduction to Algorithms, 2nd ed" + "Principles of Compiler Design" + "C Primer Plus", etc. . . If you're looking for that kind of topic depth refer to books that specialize in certain topics. If the book is too basic for you then you simply shouldn't be reading it. I don't think that's any reason to slam it though.As for the intended audience (i.e. true computer newbies) this is your starting point. I haven't read the 8th edition and am not sure how the 7th might be improved upon other than perhaps a little more depth in the database section. This book will not teach you how to program in C, how to build a compiler or how to perform a SQL query. It will tell you what you need to know to move onto these and other computer science areas sensibly as well as point you toward the best sources of topical info (i.e. the golden books of computer science) for further study should you wish to make a career of it. This study approach is truly advantageous because you avoid basic computer science knowledge gaps and start with a better framework for topical studies and specilization. If you take the other route (e.g. grab a "learn to program in 10 minutes" book and just 'go at it') you stand to miss details that will come back to haunt you later in your career as you make mistakes yet are uncertain where your knowledge gaps lie. MIT Comp Sci students typically skip this course and begin with the more technical "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs"- truly a great place to start. For those of you who haven't been immersed in computers for the last half of your lives, this book is your stepping stone, a great foundation and a very enjoyable read. My advice is to start with this book then use its references to explore the computer science topics (i.e. languages, architecture, A.I., etc.) that interest you. You'll start on much more solid ground than those who just 'jump on in' and keep going until they (and their programs) crash.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the better introduction to CS books,
By A Customer
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This review is from: Computer Science: An Overview (Paperback)
This isn't a book about programming, it isn't a book about laying out a spreadsheet, reading this book isn't going to give you skills on the latest Microsoft operating system.It's a book on COMPUTER SCIENCE. Computer Science is more related to math than the "computers" most people think of. It isn't practical, it's theoretical -- it's supposed to be. It cracks me up to read the reviews where the reader just doesn't get the whole premise of the book. I first read this book in the Fourth Edition when I had a CS-101 class. About 8 years have passed, and I'm considering going for a MSCS, so I wanted a refresher. This book was invaluable in the 4th Ed, the 7th Ed is even better. The material is easier to follow, better diagrams, and expanded material. Get it if you want a good overview of Computer Science -- if you're looking for Microsoft training, look elsewhere.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good for beginners, non-comp scientists and exploring pros,
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This review is from: Computer Science: An Overview (Paperback)
This is a GREAT book. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. I have crossed the line between computer hobbyist and professional several times in the last twenty (20) years. I have been a professional programmer, I have taught computer science classes at local community colleges, have edited courses on the same, and have been responsible for staff training. I have used this book and previous editions as a planning tool for teaching courses to students of various ages and exposure. From my experience this is a good "lay of the land" book. It is highly recommended if you are in one of the following situations:* If you are a beginning student in a computer science program and you want a good conceptual, mildly technincal overview of what is to come * If you are a non-computer scientist who wants a better grasp of the field (perhaps a writer of technical articles for the general public) * If you are looking for a good conceptual overview of a subject before doing a more thorough technical investigation (for example - machine architecture, assembly language, networking, high level languages, artificial intelligence, etc.) * If you are reviewing a concept without needing an in depth technical explanation or are moving to a more technical explanation later With the exception of many game programmers that I know, technical professionals have a tendency to specialize in one area. This is due to the fact that many professionals get a start working in a highly focused area of the field. Some readers like to jump immediately into technical documents like highly mathematical treatments or RFCs but a good conceptual overview works well for others. With its size, it can't be everything to everyone but it is a great starting point or review resource.
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