Encyclopedia of Computer Science

Covers hardware, software, computer theory, artificial intelligence, desktop publishing, and the computer industry.

For 25 years, Ralston's Encyclopedia of Computer Science has been one of the standard reference works in its field. This new edition continues that tradition by updating the information to include the latest developments in the theory and practice of computer science. Of the 623 entries, more than 100 are new, ranging from Cyberspace to Electronic reference works to Virtual reality. Other entries have been updated to reflect the ever-changing nature of computing and computer applications. For example, the entry on Portable computers now covers Palm Pilots as well as laptops, and the entry on the history of computing now includes networking and the Internet. Approximately one-third of all the articles have been similarly revised. Unfortunately, in a field that changes as rapidly as computing, some articles already appear dated, including those on Videogames and the World Wide Web. In addition to the text, most of the illustrations have also been replaced with more modern examples. Appendixes provide lists of acronyms, scientific notation, a chronology, related Web sites, and a list of universities offering computer science programs. This new edition will remain the reference work of choice for those seeking information on computers, the computer industry, and computer applications. RBB
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Since 1976, this has been the definitive reference work on computer, computing, and computer science. The newly revised fourth edition offers more than 2000 pages, containing over 100 new articles and over 600 completely updated articles by internationally known experts. This means that about 20 percent of the material is brand new, 60 percent is extensively revised, and only 20 percent is not revised from the 1993 edition. Overall, the book is about 25 percent larger than the previous edition, and there are 16 pages of color illustrations. Alphabetically arranged and classified into broad subject areas, the entries cover hardware, computer systems, information and data, software, the mathematics of computing, theory of computation, methodologies, applications, and computing milieu. The editors have done a commendable job of blending historical perspective and practical reference information. The encyclopedia remains essential for most public and academic library reference collections.
-Joe Accardin, Northeastern Illinois Univ., Chicago.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.