Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology (Facts on File Science Library)

Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology bridges the gap between scanty "computer glossaries" with brief definitions and dense multivolume compendiums geared to the scientific and engineering communities. It features more than 400 cross-referenced entries (each with its own further reading sources) that detail a topic's significance and development in computer science or technology and its relation other topics. To articulate the main themes of the reference and to aid the reader in managing time, the introduction features a complete listing of the entries grouped into specific categories, including fundamental ideas of computing, development of computers, computer architecture, personal computer components, computer languages, operating systems, software development and engineering, graphics and multimedia, and the World Wide Web.
The encyclopedia also includes four helpful appendixes - bibliographies and Web resources, a chronology of discoveries in computer science or technology, a selection of significant awards, and computer-related organizations - as well as an extensive index.
Encyclopedia of Compuier Science and Technology is an indispensable resource that will meet the specific demands of students, interested laypeople, and computer professionals who need accurate and straightforward information.

Grade 9 Up-In this A-to-Z resource, 400 mini essays are geared to students who want an overview of the topic, a discussion of its significance, and a guide to further reading. An introduction ends with a list of subject groupings of related entries such as "Computer Languages," "Business Applications," and "AI and Robotics." Biographies of historical figures such as Charles Babbage and Grace Hopper and modern visionaries like Bill Joy and Marvin Minsky are often accompanied by captioned photographs. Articles explain the role of "women in computing," "fuzzy logic," and "hypertext and hypermedia"; many entries are devoted to the future of computing and social issues such as intellectual property and privacy. Nearly every page contains a diagram, chart, or photograph. An illustration of the inner workings of a mouse and a simple graphic of computer animation are useful for students. More complex flowcharts explain database structure, HTML, and network systems. Appendixes list people who have received major awards in these fields and related organizations and include a chronology and a bibliography with Web resources. The general index is hierarchical and synonym rich. This solid resource succeeds in explaining technical aspects of these subjects to general readers.
Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This encyclopedia focuses on computers and issues related to computers. More than 400 entries, arranged alphabetically, provide information on hardware, software, computer languages, operating systems, applications, the Internet, key individuals, and social issues such as the digital divide. With a limited number of entries, topic selection appears based on popularity. For example, Microsoft Windows gets a three-page main entry, while the Macintosh operating system is only mentioned within articles related to Macintosh (e.g., Jobs, Steven Paul).

Articles average about a page in length. The longest, History of computing, stretches to just over four pages. All articles have a list of further readings, usually two to eight items, often including Web sites. Citations for books and articles are current, with several from 2002.

Articles on various computer languages might be too technical for the novice computer user. For example, the article on C++ provides sample code. On the other hand, articles on hardware seem tailored for the beginner. Mouse traces the development of the mouse, includes a diagram of a mechanical mouse, and has statements such as "Activating a button is called clicking." As a result, both beginners and more experienced computer users should find this resource helpful.

The 167 black-and-white illustrations include charts, drawings, flowcharts, photographs, and screen shots. Four appendixes include a list of bibliographic guides (both print and Web based) to the computer field, a chronology of computing, important awards, and computer-related organizations. The encyclopedia also offers a listing of entries by general category in the front and a keyword index in the back.

The strength of this resource is its currency. It makes a nice supplement to older works such as the Encyclopedia of Computers and Computer History (Fitzroy Dearborn, 2001), the Encyclopedia of Computer Science (4th ed., Grove's Dictionaries, 2000), and the World of Computer Science (Gale, 2002). Recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries. RBB
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