Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms

Rating:
Summary: Annoying...
Review: As a general computer dictionary I would rate this as 3/5 stars. Although, all-in-all, this is suppose to be an up to date terminology reference for Internet terms as well...not really up to date in that department unfortunately either. As for a programmers reference...look elsewhere! For example, there is a definition for CORBA; but no definition for COM or COM+! Not very well thought out...look to another book for a more complete vocabulary.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: YOUR EARLY COMPANION
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Can be heartily recommended.
Review: 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)

Rating:
Summary: Computer Dictionaries are Hard to Keep Current
Review: 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.