Customer Reviews

Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms (Barron's Business Guides)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This pocket book contains clear and simple explanations and illustrations. This dictionary is probably ideal for the beginning to strong intermediate user who wants to have a reference at hand which gets to the point and leaves you feeling informed. It is well cross referenced, and strong on Internet terminology. Despite its very manageable size one rarely has occasion to look up terms not described in the dictionary. If you were to have just one computer dictionary then, for most users, this would be it. Users who feel very ill at ease with computer terminology may however want to consider `Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms', a equally good book which written with a slightly more experienced audience in mind.

This 'Barrons Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms' is one of the best dictionaries of computer terms I've seen on the market. But as any other computer dictionary this one is also difficult to keep current and updated. The subject changes too much to have a good guide in printed form. But I love this book very much and recommend it to everyone.

Because of the popularity of the Internet, computer's have become very popular. The technology has leap-frogged several times during the past year.

This book has a lot of dated terms that do not apply to today's environment. An example is: Hayes Compatible Modem. The Hayes Company and the Hayes brand are now defunct.

XML is not mentioned as a computer term. Other new terms are not mentioned either.

This subject changes too much to have a good guide in paper form.

I teach computers and this is one of the recommended requirements for my students. There are acronyms, terminology, history, pictures, etc. in this book. Highly recommended.

OK, SO MAYBE THIS COMPACT VOLUME WON'T BE INCLUSIVE AND/OR UP-TO-DATE ENOUGH FOR THE AVERAGE COMPUTER SUPERGEEK, BUT, FOR THE AVERAGE NON-NERD, RELATIVE COMPUTER NOVICE, AS I AM, IT IS AN EXTREMELY VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR TURNING BASIC "COMPUTERESE" INTO PLAIN ENGLISH, AND ITS SIZE IS VERY CONVENIENT. BARRON'S DICTIONARIES ARE ALWAYS GOOD, (I OWN A COUPLE OF OTHERS), WITH THE MY ONLY GRIPE WITH THEM BEING THEY LACK PHONETIC PRONUNCIATIONS OF THE ENTRIES, AND THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

A very concise, well-written dictionary of computer terms, language defintions, internet definitions, standards, computer interface devices, connectivity, etc. Terms are easy to find and the definitions are exact and to the point. There are even references to web sites where appropriate to further identify a term. The description of connectors is particularly helpful.

If you are an average computer (or Internet) user whose requirements include a portable Computer/Internet Dictionary, I will recommend this one. It is handy, concise, and easy-to-use. But, if your computer knowledge is advanced, it will be wise to look for something else. This dictionary will not be of much benefit to you. It has a beginner's outlook; and offers a modest 2,500 definitions.

This is a very helpful little book which is ideally suited to newer users who feel a bit ill at ease with computer terminology ,while at the same time being in no small way useful for the more advanced user, not least of all due to its very clear language and the simplicity of its expression. I personally find ,'Websters New World Dictionary of Computer Terms,by Bryan Pfaffenberger,5th Ed' , somewhat better.Pfaffenberger's dictionary is however, written with a slightly more experienced audience in mind than that by Downing and co., and as such the Barrons Guide may provide a better alternative for many less experienced users. This book is particularly strong on diagrams and pictures (eg. in addition to defining and describing 'Draw Program',there is a picture of the corresponding application window with toolbars ,an exapmle drawing etc ).

(My comments refer to edition 5 (1800 definitions,422 pages),and not to the soon to be published edition 6)

Barron's Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms is a good computer/internet dictionary and rather inexpensive. Although there are not some updated terms in the dictionary, I'm sure they will be included in the next edition. I believe the context is comprehendable for beginner computer users up through near-advanced computer users.

I bought this hoping to be able to get simplified explanatios of high-tech terms for use in my writing. What a waste! It doesn't have definitions for some of the newest Internet and computer terms, and the definitions it does have are way too complicated for the average human. I keep looking up words, hoping for the best. Invariably, I am disappointed. Try Microsoft's Computer Dictionary - it's easier to understand and more complete.

It is a compact book but it is also chock full of information. I've been involved with computers since the earlier 1980's and have a Computer Science degree and purchased this dictionary simply because I thought it would be an interesting "read". Although I never fooled myself into believing that I know every possible computer/internet related word, I am well versed with many words and definitions of the genre. Regardless, I was able to learn many new words and phrases that I had never seen until purchasing this dictionary. There are even some humorous definitions hidden within the text.
If you are not a 'puter geek or don't even play one on TV (the American readers should get that joke) then this is a nice dictionary to keep around the desk for those moments when you have no idea what the heck some technophile is talking about. If you are the in-house geek and you think you already know it all then you will find this a fun book to keep beside the john for those "delayed moments".