Customer Reviews

Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms

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The publishers claim this book to be 'the best computer dictionary in print',and (at least at the time of publishing) they may well be right.Bryan Pfaffenberg achieves a very satisfying compromise between extensiveness and depth on the one hand, and consice, clear explanations on the other. In comparison to say the 'Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary' (which has about twice as many definitions in a book about twice the size) it emerges , on average, a definite winner.This book is probably ideal for the (somewhat experienced)beginning to strong intermediate user who wants to have a reference at hand which gets to the point and leaves you feeling informed.Its well cross referenced,and especially strong on internet terminology. Despite its very manageable size one rarely has occasion to look up terms not described in the book. 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 'Barrons Business Guides,Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms', a equally good book which concentrates more on clear simple explanations and a little less on the extent of its coverage.

As far as research books, the newer the better. This one was published in 2000, and since I'm writing in Sept. 2000, you can't ask for more than that. As an editor for an online high-tech news publication, I find the dictionary indispensible. I keep trying to test the book by looking up terms I think it won't include, but it hasn't let me down yet.

Since 1988 third edition I'm using different editions of this well-known dictionary. The Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms, 8th edition is still a good computer 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 understand, the evolution of the computer industry is still too fast, and it is just impossible to collect all the new words, acronyms, terms, meanings and definitions in a paper version of dictionary. So I'm using not only this paper dictionary, but also some online dictionaries updated every day, not every year.

I believe, the context is useful for beginner computer users up through near-advanced computer users. Maybe I am not an independent witness because I used to this dictionary for many years, but this book is very useful for me as a technical writer and editor.

Don't get me wrong- this dictionary is a wonderful resource, full of computer terms that will help you catch on to the lingo. But realize that with the rapid evolution of the computer industry, you will find that in 5-6 months this book will be way behind and you will be searching for the next edition. Never-the-less, if you are interested in beginning to grasp this techno-language, this is the best resource on the market. Hopefully the evolution of computer lingo will slow a little so that you do not need to buy a new edition twice a year.

In our world today technology seems to be the driver behind just about everything: entertainment, communication, and even getting your job/homework done. In such a technical environment, techno-lingo is unescapable: bits, bytes, digital, DSL, cable modem... Let's face it! Our lives are surrounded by terms we sometimes understand, but other times don't have a clue about.

This is where this dictionay comes into play. It's the perfect companion for both the casual user who just wants to understand what X technical term heard over the newscast, or read in the technology column of the newspaper means; or for the tech-savvy who wants a quick answer to a term he/she's faced with for the first time, as a starter, or a quick refresher of something not seen in a while.

I am a college student studying Web Design, so I bought this book to help me get through reading that has technology terms that I'm not familiar with. Most of the time, this book has the term that I'm looking for, and gives a basic definition. It's a quick, handy reference and it's very easy to use.

Two editions of this book have been by my side in my work as a technical writer and editor. I appreciate its vigorous definitions. The author has done a good job of keeping up with terminology from one edition to the next. I also find its cross-referencing very useful -- within any definition, an italicized word identifies a term that the dictionary also defines.

UPDATE 23 Dec 2002: I continue to keep this book on my shelf at work. Whenever I manage software technical writers and editors, I issue them a copy. It remains the finest computer dictionary available.