Encyclopedia of Computer Science

The Encyclopedia of Computer Science is the definitive reference work on computers, computing, and computer science. Since its first edition in 1976, the Encyclopedia of Computer Science has been the authoritative source that students, professionals, and lay readers turn to for clear, concise explanations of the latest technology and its applications -- including past, present, and predicted future trends in computer science.Arranged alphabetically, the 660 articles are classified into sections covering the main themes of hardware, software, information and data software, mathematics of computing, theory of computation, methodologies, applications and computing milieux. The encyclopedia also includes extensive appendices, and name and subject indexes. With its blending of historical perspective and practical reference information, the Encyclopedia of Computer Science is a must-have for every collection.

The Encyclopedia of Computer Science remains the definitive reference in the ever-changing field of computing. Now in its Fourth Edition, this influential work provides an unparalleled perspective on the major advances and applications of computer technology.

Intelligently and thoughtfully organised, the Encyclopedia comprises over 600 revised and updated articles classified around nine main themes:

• Hardware
• Software
• Computer Systems
• Information and Data
• Mathematics of Computing
• Theory of Computation
• Methodologies
• Applications
• Computing Milieux

Encompassing far more than mere definitions, each article elaborates on a topic giving a remarkable breadth and depth of coverage. And a 16-page colour insert highlights advanced computer applications and computer-generated graphics technology. Throughout the work the text is extensively illustrated with diagrams, figures and photographs.

With contributions from over 300 international experts, the Fourth Edition contains over 100 completely new articles ranging from artificial life to computer ethics, data mining to Java, mobile computing to quantum computing, and software safety to the World Wide Web.

In addition the Encyclopedia contains useful appendices including:

• A glossary of major terms in English, German, Spanish and Russian
• Abbreviations and acronyms
• Computer Science and Engineering research journals
• Article titles from previous editions not included in the 4th edition
• A Name Index listing almost 3500 individuals cited in the text
• A comprehensive General Index with 7000 entries
• A chronology of significant milestones in computing
• Computer Society & Academic Computer Science Department Listings
• Numerical Tables, Mathematical Notation and Units of Measure

Highly-regarded as an essential resource for computer professionals, engineers, mathematicians, students and scientists, the Encyclopedia of Computer Science is a must-have reference for every college, university, business and high-school library.

Praise for the Encylopedia of Computer Science

The prestige of the Encyclopedia of Computer Science editors and contributors, the depth and breadth of its entries, and the overall utility of this new edition make this the standard one-volume reference in the field of computer science. - Choice

There is certainly no other single volume that can compare... a work of exceptional scope; the editors are to be congratulated on the success of what must have been a task of enormous proportions.- PC Update Online

Useful to everyone in the field, including the layperson, the non-specialist in computer science and related technology, and the specialist requiring detailed elaboration of a subject related to his or her profession.- Engineering Societies Library

The illustrations and authoritative entries offer excellent coverage of the field.- Popular Science

This new edition will remain the reference work of choice for those seeking information on computers, the computer industry, and computer applications.- Booklist

A selection of new topics featured in the 4th Edition of the Encyclopedia of Computer Science:

* Artificial Life * Automatic Programming * Biocomputing * C++ * Computer Ethics * Computers in fiction * Cyberspace * Data mining * Digital Libraries * Electronic Commerce * Internet * Java * Limits of Computation * Markup Languages * Microsoft * Mobile Computing * Pretty Good Privacy * Quantum Computing * Scientific Visualisation * Software Safety * Turing Test * World Wide Web