Computer Science : An Overview (8th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: The best introduction...
Review: ...to a complex and every-changing field, J. Glenn Brookshear's COMPUTER SCIENCE: AN OVERVIEW provides a comprehensive look at the world of computer science. There is no programming-language specific information in the book, as examples are worked in a simple, spoken-English psuedocode (and occasionally in multiple other language samples). The book may be small and expensive, but it offers little extraneous information, instead moving at a quick pace through interesting topics. The questions and exercises are actually beneficial, and the bibliography at the end of each chapter offers great resources for more advanced study. I highly recommend this book as the cornerstone for any introductory class of computer scientists.

Rating:
Summary: Computer Science: A Fourth Grader's Introduction
Review: Apparently I should have read the review of the 14 year old because this book is so elementary that my 9 year old brother can read it. It uses examples of kermit the frog and fuzzy bears.

Rating:
Summary: The best one-volume overview of Computer Science
Review: I agree completely with the reader from Colorado. This is a great book.

I picked it up on impulse when purchasing a textbook for a computer architecture course at university. Usually when I buy a book on impulse, I regret it. Not this time. This is the best one-volume coverage of computer science I've seen.

The book is written as an "overview", but anyone who reads it thoroughly will come away with quite a sophisticated understanding of the fundamentals of computing. It covers basically everything -- starting with simple concepts like binary and working all the way through to artificial intelligence and other advanced ideas. It covers databases, programming, hardware, networking, and everything else. I can't think of an important topic in computer science that has been left out of this book.

I also agree with the reader from Colorado that the writing is dense in places, but that is only because there is no unnecessary fluff. You may have to re-read a paragraph here and there, but if you do, you are almost guaranteed to understand the concepts presented. This is not a "Dummies Guide to Computer Science". It's a book for intelligent, interested students. As a result, the author does not talk down to the reader at all. His writing tone is very professional and matter-of-fact throughout. (The diagrams are also excellent, and complement the text very well.)

As a bonus, there are "review" questions at the end of every section, and clear, well explained answers at the end of the book. I admit I haven't been doing all the exercises, but I have skimmed over some, and I am sure that anyone who does the exercises for each section will come away with a very solid understanding of the subject.

If you want a broad understanding of what computer science is about, and how all the different topics interrelate, I highly recommend this book. If you're new to computer science (especially if you are just starting a university course), this will help you. Even if you are graduating with a computer science degree, this will help you to integrate what you have learned, and will help you see the forest as well as the trees.

This book is in its fifth edition for a reason: It's very good.

Rating:
Summary: Suitable for an Overview
Review: I bought the 6th edition of the book.

This book gives a great overview of the pertinent topics in computer science ranging from machine architecture to algorithms. The concepts are presented in a way that laymen could grasp easily. It does not cover some of the more mathematical and esoteric stuff in discrete mathematics, but as a summary of computer science, the author did a great job. Even those with a background in IT would find this book useful to consolidate and systemise their knowledge in various topics.

This is not a book about programming languages, software engineering or Microsoft technologies, so those who are looking for high-faluting stuff need to look elsewhere.

Having said that, there are probably a couple chapters that, though elucidated in an impeccable manner, could have been a little superficial in ther coverage. Some of the topics could have been more quantitative than qualitative. In trying to be vendor-neutral, the author made the description too generic. This is the reason why I would not give it 5 stars despite the generally good quality.

Rating:
Summary: computer science notebook
Review: i like the book and i will like u to send it to
The Glad tidings Baptist Church p.o. box 952 raunda Ogbomoso Oyo-state Nigeria zip cord 00234

Rating:
Summary: One of the better introduction to CS books
Review: It is sad that this book is even in print. Yes, it is that bad! Here is why: Abstract and convoluted examples, lengthy, roundabout explanations, and abstract review questions. For example, one review question requires the student to abstractly compare writing programs to writing music. If you have no experience with music how could you answer this question? I think the author was trying to ask questions that inspire critical thinking and creativity, however because the questions are so abstract and so broad and in many cases unclear it made assignments frustrating and laborious. I had to read this book as a course requirement and by no means am I new to computer programming or computer topics. I would even go as far to say that I feel closer and more comfortable with computers than I do with people, but this book brought me to the brink of disgust and hate for the topic. I'm not going to resell my book after I'm done with it, I'm going to burn it and watch it burn with glee and pray that the author is never given another chance to write a book again. Shame on you Brookshear!

Rating:
Summary: Like a rock.
Review: It's like a rock. A good foundation for computer science majors. I got schooled as a dbl major in CS and IS and I'm now working on my MCS at UIUC, so I've had to survey and digest various texts on the "intros" to computer science. I actually read "Computer Science: An Overview" (5th edition) during my first lower division computer science course. I was so newbie back then. hahaha. Anyways, each chapter was totally addictive. Every once in a while I'll pick up this book for a computer science reference because there are advanced topics in this text as well. But there are also beginner topics too. It's a impressive mix.

A computer science text as best by far.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Non-Programming Computer Science Overview
Review: This book provides the fundamentals of the Science behind computing and the machines called computers in a down to earth, straightforward, easy to understand manner. An absolute MUST READ for anyone who works with computers and computer science, and simple enough to understand that anyone interested in computers can read it. If you are interested in learning the details of how comptuers work but don't know much about them yet, this is a WONDERFUL place to start as it assumes no prior knowledge and FINALLY MEANS IT FOR ONCE! You can pick up this book having never seen a computer and understand it. It's about time!

Rating:
Summary: Good for beginners, non-comp scientists and exploring pros
Review: This is a GREAT book. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. I have crossed the line between computer hobbyist and professional several times in the last twenty (20) years. I have been a professional programmer, I have taught computer science classes at local community colleges, have edited courses on the same, and have been responsible for staff training. I have used this book and previous editions as a planning tool for teaching courses to students of various ages and exposure. From my experience this is a good "lay of the land" book. It is highly recommended if you are in one of the following situations:

* If you are a beginning student in a computer science program and you want a good conceptual, mildly technincal overview of what is to come

* If you are a non-computer scientist who wants a better grasp of the field (perhaps a writer of technical articles for the general public)

* If you are looking for a good conceptual overview of a subject before doing a more thorough technical investigation (for example - machine architecture, assembly language, networking, high level languages, artificial intelligence, etc.)

* If you are reviewing a concept without needing an in depth technical explanation or are moving to a more technical explanation later

With the exception of many game programmers that I know, technical professionals have a tendency to specialize in one area. This is due to the fact that many professionals get a start working in a highly focused area of the field. Some readers like to jump immediately into technical documents like highly mathematical treatments or RFCs but a good conceptual overview works well for others.

With its size, it can't be everything to everyone but it is a great starting point or review resource.

Rating:
Summary: A great book for its title
Review: Those who have a general understanding of how computers work and have studied a programming language, particularly modern ones such as C++, are unlikely to benefit from this book. The book provides an extremely general and conceptual view of computer hardware (e.g., what is a megabyte? what are the types of media?), programming (what is a variable?), and software (e.g., what is an operating system?) in terms of terminology definitions, pseudocode, and flow charts. Chances are, if have an aptitude for computers, the broad and lengthy explanations in this text won't enlighten you or teach you anything that you didn't already know.

Look elsewhere if you want a general overview of computer science to help you to advance to more specific topics in computer science. - Computer software is categorized as an operating system or an application. - Not very helpful.

Do not buy this book if you are looking for information that you can use. All topics are covered on an extremely shallow surface. For example - The book mentions Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools, but only in terms of what it is and what the advantages are of this method.

In addition, you should not buy this book if you are looking for a comprehensive overview of computer science in the context of current technology. Part of my reason for buying this book was to get an overall understanding of what's out there and how it all fits together. This book is just way too vague of an overview.

A non-technical person or a middle school student or someone studying computer science only to pass a test may find merit (hence the two stars). But, for the rest of us, it's a waste of money.