Customer Reviews

Connecting with Computer Science (Introduction to CS)

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4 star:		(1)
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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".

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 Some info is outdated and could definitely benefit from a newer edition.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!

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.

Unless you really love computers and have a lot of time on your hands for doing the programming chapters. It jumps around a bit so if you like that it will work for you...