Connecting with Computer Science [Paperback]

Greg Anderson (Author), David Ferro (Author), Robert Hilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2005 | ISBN-10: 061921290X | ISBN-13: 978-0619212902 | Edition: 1

Designed for beginning computer science students, this text engages students by relating core topics to their real-world applications. The text is written in a comfortable, informal manner, and light humor is used throughout the text to maintain interest and enhance learning. A robust CD containing labs and other interactive material is available with each copy of the text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The authors show an enviable knowledge of cutting-edge technology advances and propose some interesting projections of the future of computing. I think that students will like Connecting with Computer Science a lot." - Dr. Stephen P. Leach, Florida State University

Product Details

• Paperback: 760 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology; 1 edition (January 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061921290X
• ISBN-13: 978-0619212902
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,002,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Computer Science is fun!, November 5, 2007

By 

Naadace (OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Connecting with Computer Science (Paperback)

I had to buy this for school and it was actually one of the only textbooks I have somewhat enjoyed reading. In the beginning of every chapter, there is a section called the "lighter side of the lab" and it always made me giggle a little. I learned a lot from this book and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the basics of your computer "under the hood".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to the Subject, April 14, 2010

By 

Jim Johnson "Truth Seeker" (US troop deployed, Iraq) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Connecting with Computer Science (Paperback)

I bought this book to learn more about how computers operate. I am a self-learner who prefers textbooks because of the depth they provide but I like a textbook that read more like a novel for someone not taking the class. A good textbook does not need supplementary material (like lectures) in order to be understandable and helpful. This book meets and exceeds all expectations. It is written well, starts from the beginning, and explains topics in a logical and easy to understand way. The topics build on each other, so start from the beginning unless you have background knowledge. Some info is outdated and could definitely benefit from a newer edition. Highly recommend!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My selection for a textbook the next time I teach a course in the fundamentals of computing for computer science majors, October 3, 2008

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Connecting with Computer Science (Paperback)

During my career, I have taught beginning computer course across the spectrum from classes that are a basic introduction to how a computer is used to those that cover the fundamentals of computing for prospective computer science majors. This book is at the later end of that spectrum.

The coverage delves into some of the basic principles of computing; there are segments of source code in assembly all the way through Java. When it is time to solve some basic problems via a computer program, the solutions are expressed in Java. Other areas covered are the history of computing, the design and structure of computing solutions, data structures, basic computer architecture; the design of databases, security and ethics, how data is represented in a computer, operating systems, networking and the Internet.

There is some depth to the coverage in each of these areas, giving the instructor many options as to how in-depth you wish to go. A set of simple test questions is given at the end of each chapter and solutions to all are included in an appendix. Recently, I have taught a course in the fundamentals of computing for computer science majors. I do not know if and when I will teach such a course again. However, if I do, this will most certainly be the text that I will use.