Encyclopedia of Computer Science [Hardcover]

Anthony Ralston (Author), Edwin D. Reilly (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1850328005 | ISBN-13: 978-1850328001 | Publication Date: January 1993 | Edition: 3

The reference of choice for everyone who works with computers, this manual has long been the only single-source volume reference to cover the entire field of computer science. The new edition will maintain this source as the #1 authority in the field, by providing valuable data on the most current computing systems, operating systems, and distributed computing environments. About 70 percent of the information has been revised--with nearly 175 completely new entries. The encyclopedia's renowned editorial board has made sure this databank encompasses everything from the history of electronic computing to the most current research in computer technology. 12-page color insert.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Since 1976, this has been the definitive reference work on computer, computing, and computer science. The newly revised fourth edition offers more than 2000 pages, containing over 100 new articles and over 600 completely updated articles by internationally known experts. This means that about 20 percent of the material is brand new, 60 percent is extensively revised, and only 20 percent is not revised from the 1993 edition. Overall, the book is about 25 percent larger than the previous edition, and there are 16 pages of color illustrations. Alphabetically arranged and classified into broad subject areas, the entries cover hardware, computer systems, information and data, software, the mathematics of computing, theory of computation, methodologies, applications, and computing milieu. The editors have done a commendable job of blending historical perspective and practical reference information. The encyclopedia remains essential for most public and academic library reference collections.
-Joe Accardin, Northeastern Illinois Univ., Chicago.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

For 25 years, Ralston's Encyclopedia of Computer Science has been one of the standard reference works in its field. This new edition continues that tradition by updating the information to include the latest developments in the theory and practice of computer science. Of the 623 entries, more than 100 are new, ranging from Cyberspace to Electronic reference works to Virtual reality. Other entries have been updated to reflect the ever-changing nature of computing and computer applications. For example, the entry on Portable computers now covers Palm Pilots as well as laptops, and the entry on the history of computing now includes networking and the Internet. Approximately one-third of all the articles have been similarly revised. Unfortunately, in a field that changes as rapidly as computing, some articles already appear dated, including those on Videogames and the World Wide Web. In addition to the text, most of the illustrations have also been replaced with more modern examples. Appendixes provide lists of acronyms, scientific notation, a chronology, related Web sites, and a list of universities offering computer science programs. This new edition will remain the reference work of choice for those seeking information on computers, the computer industry, and computer applications. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1573 pages
• Publisher: Mcmullin Pub; 3 edition (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1850328005
• ISBN-13: 978-1850328001
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,583,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delicious "Brittanica" of computer science, July 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Computer Science (Hardcover)

I have the 1983 Second Edition and it is, as I assume the pricey Third is,a reference of biblical proportions, a sort of Brittanica of computer science. Lucid, authoritative articles. But while I lust after the new Edition, the three figure price makes me too shy to make a pass. Pity. If you can afford it, buy it.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The wait is finally over, January 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Computer Science (Hardcover)

Two words for you - David Hemmindinger - Can this man edit or what? Was Very excited about the release of this book, excellent reference material. I think Dinger needs to write a book of his own next! I know I'll read it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The latest edition of the best basic reference on Computer Science, July 12, 2006

By 

David De Sousa "The Automation and Control Guy" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Computer Science (Hardcover)

An excellent overview of Computer Science.

This really is an excellent basic reference for non-specialists who need to elaborate on Computer Science topics. This encyclopedia is comprehensive in its breadth of coverage, and directs the reader at the next level of depth through cross-reference to articles and bibliographic references for those who need to in-depth in an specific topic.

It will be a valuable part of your library if you are not a CS specialist have an interest on Computer Science subjects.

If you are a practitioner, you may do better with "The Engineering and Computer Science Handbook".