Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms, Seventh Edition (Paperback)

~ Bryan, Phd. Pfaffenberger (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

More than just a dictionary of computer and Internet terms, Bryan Pfaffenberger's book explains why a term is important and how it is related to other terms. Terms listed within this resource range from supergeeky, such as "symmetric key encryption algorithm," to superslang, such as "snaf." Within his definitions, Pfaffenberger italicizes any other words that you may not know, but that you can also access in the dictionary. One interesting feature is the list of common abbreviations used on Internet Relay Chat and Usenet (such as TTYL, for "talk to you later," and IMHO, for "in my humble opinion."). Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms is pocket-sized, so it can easily travel along with you in your laptop case when you are working by remote access. --Cristina Vaamonde --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

Combines comprehensiveness with comprehension -- lucid explanations, tips and historical notes put spice into many definitions. -- US News and World Report [about a previous edition] --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 580 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan General Reference; 7th edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028628845
• ISBN-13: 978-0028628844
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,071,207 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably 'the best computer dictionary in print', November 22, 1998

By	Declan Moran (Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic resource, September 28, 2000

By	C.M. (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms, 8th Edition (Dictionary) (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Mirror of the Computer Industry Rapid Evolution, July 20, 2000

By	A. Petrotchenkov (Moscow, Russia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms, 8th Edition (Dictionary) (Paperback)

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.