Customer Reviews

Computer Science: An Overview

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought the 6th edition of the book.

This book gives a great overview of the pertinent topics in computer science ranging from machine architecture to algorithms. The concepts are presented in a way that laymen could grasp easily. It does not cover some of the more mathematical and esoteric stuff in discrete mathematics, but as a summary of computer science, the author did a great job. Even those with a background in IT would find this book useful to consolidate and systemise their knowledge in various topics.

This is not a book about programming languages, software engineering or Microsoft technologies, so those who are looking for high-faluting stuff need to look elsewhere.

Having said that, there are probably a couple chapters that, though elucidated in an impeccable manner, could have been a little superficial in ther coverage. Some of the topics could have been more quantitative than qualitative. In trying to be vendor-neutral, the author made the description too generic. This is the reason why I would not give it 5 stars despite the generally good quality.