Computers: A Visual Encyclopedia

Geared as an introduction to computers, this visual encyclopedia covers such topics as artificial intelligence, desktop publishing, e-mail, batch files, and the Internet

The publisher describes this book as different from other computer books because it emulates an encyclopedia, offering description, histories, and illustrations. Certainly it is different from the how-to book, but it's certainly not the first computer-related dictionary or encyclopedia available, though it may well be the first with such sumptuous, full-color illustrations. All are sharp; even those taken from a computer screen are highly readable. The large format (81/2 by 11 inches), appropriate font sizes, and plenty of white space make for easy readability.

Entries are arranged alphabetically, from Access (a popular database program) to WYSIWYG ("What you see is what you get"). Entries run one to four pages, with most on a two-page spread. Illustrations accompany every entry. Related terms are defined in a separate area on the page so readers don't need to constantly flip pages. The table of contents and index make it easy to find entries. Entries include companies, software, hardware, and such terms as CONFIG.SYS and RAM that are frequently mentioned in computer magazines. IBM, Apple, Borland, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard have entries but not Tandy or Dell. WordPerfect, Word, dBase, PrintShop, and Lotus 1-2-3 are here. "How Does It Work" boxes appear throughout the book to further explain topics. Cross-references to other entries are liberally provided. (But why doesn't Electronic Mail include a reference to Internet?) Honest appraisals of a product's status (e.g., popularity waning due to lack of Windows version) help readers consider the appropriateness of a product for purchase. Alas, no suggestions for further reading appear. A run through a spell checker and grammar checker should have caught the two errors noted (earlly for early; Apple' for Apple's).

Recommended for readers of all ages who want to learn computer basics. Consider a copy for circulating collections, although the paperback binding might prove a drawback.