Webster's NewWorld dictionary of computer terms

book

Many computer dictionaries are available, but with rapid change, up-to-date sources including new terms and products are essential. There is very little overlap between these two works. The Webster dictionary includes 4500 brief, nontechnical definitions and cross-references, much expanded from the 2500 of the first edition. Acronyms, organizations, and major software packages are covered. Programming language entries include brief sample programs. There are definitions of a few major terms in artificial intelligence, such as Prolog. Informal terms are included, but the definition of hacker is inadequate and computer virus is omitted. Jerry M. Rosenberg's Dictionary for Computers, Information Processing and Telecommunications (Wiley, 1987. 2d ed.) is more comprehensive, but this is an inexpensive resource for the computer user and lay reader. Recommended for public libraries. The Facts on File Dictionary of Artificial Intelligence has lengthy definitions and cross-references to more than 2000 concepts in artificial intelligence, including a large number of descriptions of existing expert system programs. Charts and diagrams will be included, but were not seen. Coverage is extensive and current, but there is no entry for neural networks. V. Daniel Hunt's Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems Sourcebook (Methuen, 1987), while not as recent, provides comprehensive coverage of terms in the field, as well as a bibliography and directory of software companies , which this lacks. Nevertheless, this is recommended for academic, special, and public libraries with extensive computer science collections for its timely, technical coverage of this important field.
- Kendra Peterson St. Aubin, Codex Corp. Lib., Mansfield, Mass.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.