Encyclopedia of Computer Science & Engineering [Hardcover]

Anthony Ralston (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0442276796 | ISBN-13: 978-0442276799 | Publication Date: November 1993 | Edition: Rev

The Encyclopedia of Computer Science is the definitive reference in computer science and technology. First published in 1976, it is still the only single volume to cover every major aspect of the field. Now in its Fourth Edition, this influential work provides an historical timeline highlighting the key breakthroughs in computer science and technology, as well as clear and concise explanations of the latest technology and its practical applications. Its unique blend of historical perspective, current knowledge and predicted future trends has earned it its richly deserved reputation as an unrivalled reference classic.

What sets the Encyclopedia apart from other reference sources is the comprehensiveness of each of its entries. Encompassing far more than mere definitions, each article elaborates on a topic giving a remarkable breadth and depth of coverage. The visual impact of the volume is enhanced with a 16 page colour insert spotlighting advanced computer applications and computer-generated graphics technology. In addition, the text is enlivened with figures, tables, diagrams, illustrations and photographs.
 
With contributions from over 300 international experts, the 4th Edition contains over 100 completely new articles ranging from artificial life to computer ethics, data mining to Java, mobile computing to quantum computing and software safety to the World Wide Web. In addition, each of the more than 600 articles have been extensively revised, expanded and updated to reflect the latest developments in computer science and technology.

Intelligently and thoughtfully organised, all the articles are classified around 9 main themes

• Hardware
• Software
• Computer Systems
• Information and Data
• Mathematics of Computing
• Theory of Computation
• Methodologies
• Applications
• Computing Milieux

Within each of these major headings are a wealth of articles that provide the reader with concise yet thorough coverage of the topic. In addition, cross-references are included at the beginning of each article, directing the reader immediately to related material.

In addition the Encyclopedia contains useful appendices including:

• An expanded glossary of major terms in English, German, Spanish and Russian
• A revised list of abbreviations and acronyms
• An updated list of computer science and engineering research journals
• A list of articles from previous editions not included in the 4th edition
• A Name Index listing almost 3500 individuals cited in the text
• A comprehensive General Index with 7000 entries
• A chronology of significant milestones
• Computer Society & Academic Computer Science Department Listings
• Numerical Tables, Mathematical Notation and Units of Measure

Highly-regarded as an essential resource for computer professionals, engineers, mathematicians, students and scientists, the Encyclopedia of Computer Science is a must-have reference for every college, university, business and high-school library.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1558 pages
• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold; Rev edition (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0442276796
• ISBN-13: 978-0442276799
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,271,520 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".