Rating: 
Summary: Great for DANTES test
Review: I read this book to prepare for the DANTES test in Computer Science. Anyone who understands the material in this text will ace the Intro. to Computer Science test. This is well worth the price of the book considering the test gives 3 undergraduate units without any classroom time. Additionally, the book was enjoyable to read. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to know more about computers.
Rating: 
Summary: Good CS GRE Review
Review: I took the CS Gre on Dec. 8th, 2001; this book does a good but not complete job of prepping to take this exam. The majority of my exam focused on algorithms, algorithm analysis and code execution, which the book does not cover very well. However, there were 3-4 questions on the test for each of the following subjects:1. Machine Architecture, including Binary math
2. Operating Systems
3. Programming Languages, specifically
a. Scope of Variables
b. Compilation vs. Interpration
4. Data Structures
5. Computability/Computation Theory The book did an excellent job of providing a basic overview of the above subjects. Although, I only studied for about 2 weeks for the CS Gre, I thought this book's most important role is that it did an excellent job of getting me in the computer science mindset after being out of school for more than a year. For a complete prep for the CS Gre, i would recommend reviewing this book, INTRODUCTION TO ALGORITHMS by Cormen, Leiserson, and Rivest and also anything covered basic logic principles applied to computer science (there were several questions on logical circuits).
Rating:
Summary: Awesome book
Review: I'm a 14 year-old and i know how to use a computer pretty well and I was interested how they worked on the inside so I bought this book and taught myself everything i needed to know. With a little review and just a little more info on C++, I will be ready to take the AP BC COMPUTER SCIENCE without taking the class. BUY THIS BOOK
Rating:
Summary: One of the better introduction to CS books
Review: It is sad that this book is even in print. Yes, it is that bad! Here is why: Abstract and convoluted examples, lengthy, roundabout explanations, and abstract review questions. For example, one review question requires the student to abstractly compare writing programs to writing music. If you have no experience with music how could you answer this question? I think the author was trying to ask questions that inspire critical thinking and creativity, however because the questions are so abstract and so broad and in many cases unclear it made assignments frustrating and laborious. I had to read this book as a course requirement and by no means am I new to computer programming or computer topics. I would even go as far to say that I feel closer and more comfortable with computers than I do with people, but this book brought me to the brink of disgust and hate for the topic. I'm not going to resell my book after I'm done with it, I'm going to burn it and watch it burn with glee and pray that the author is never given another chance to write a book again. Shame on you Brookshear!
Rating: 
Summary: Straight from the bookstore into the trash!
Review: It is sad that this book is even in print. Yes, it is that bad! Here is why: Abstract and convoluted examples, lengthy, roundabout explanations, and abstract review questions. For example, one review question requires the student to abstractly compare writing programs to writing music. If you have no experience with music how could you answer this question? I think the author was trying to ask questions that inspire critical thinking and creativity, however because the questions are so abstract and so broad and in many cases unclear it made assignments frustrating and laborious. I had to read this book as a course requirement and by no means am I new to computer programming or computer topics. I would even go as far to say that I feel closer and more comfortable with computers than I do with people, but this book brought me to the brink of disgust and hate for the topic. I'm not going to resell my book after I'm done with it, I'm going to burn it and watch it burn with glee and pray that the author is never given another chance to write a book again. Shame on you Brookshear!
Rating:
Summary: Like a rock.
Review: It's like a rock. A good foundation for computer science majors. I got schooled as a dbl major in CS and IS and I'm now working on my MCS at UIUC, so I've had to survey and digest various texts on the "intros" to computer science. I actually read "Computer Science: An Overview" (5th edition) during my first lower division computer science course. I was so newbie back then. hahaha. Anyways, each chapter was totally addictive. Every once in a while I'll pick up this book for a computer science reference because there are advanced topics in this text as well. But there are also beginner topics too. It's a impressive mix. A computer science text as best by far.
Rating:
Summary: This overview has the right depth
Review: This book covers all aspects of the 'computer' world with enough detail so the "non-geek" can understand how computers work, how they store data, the basics of operating systems and networks, how 'data' is organized into information, programming languages, algorithms and software engineering, finishing with AI and the theory of computation. I use this book in an extension class at UCSD, an introductory course to computer science. When one is finished with this book, at least they will have a good foundation to "talk'n the talk!" and an understanding of how "them thar conducting rocks really work." Some of the students feel that there is to much information for an 18 hour course, yet they feel the book is a valuable, readable informatative resource.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Non-Programming Computer Science Overview
Review: This book provides the fundamentals of the Science behind computing and the machines called computers in a down to earth, straightforward, easy to understand manner. An absolute MUST READ for anyone who works with computers and computer science, and simple enough to understand that anyone interested in computers can read it. If you are interested in learning the details of how comptuers work but don't know much about them yet, this is a WONDERFUL place to start as it assumes no prior knowledge and FINALLY MEANS IT FOR ONCE! You can pick up this book having never seen a computer and understand it. It's about time!
Rating:
Summary: Great book about computers.
Review: This is a great book for anyone who is interested in what makes a computer tick. It covers a lot of different subjects from hardware to programming. The author uses easy to understand explanations when trying to convey a concepts. Certain concepts such as the concept of an algorithm, are explained and defined several different places in the book. For some concepts, logic examples are used, but there is no heavy math involved. I would definitely buy this book if you are interested in learning more about computers.
Rating:
Summary: Good for beginners, non-comp scientists and exploring pros
Review: This is a GREAT book. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. I have crossed the line between computer hobbyist and professional several times in the last twenty (20) years. I have been a professional programmer, I have taught computer science classes at local community colleges, have edited courses on the same, and have been responsible for staff training. I have used this book and previous editions as a planning tool for teaching courses to students of various ages and exposure. From my experience this is a good "lay of the land" book. It is highly recommended if you are in one of the following situations:
* If you are a beginning student in a computer science program and you want a good conceptual, mildly technincal overview of what is to come
* If you are a non-computer scientist who wants a better grasp of the field (perhaps a writer of technical articles for the general public)
* If you are looking for a good conceptual overview of a subject before doing a more thorough technical investigation (for example - machine architecture, assembly language, networking, high level languages, artificial intelligence, etc.)
* If you are reviewing a concept without needing an in depth technical explanation or are moving to a more technical explanation later
With the exception of many game programmers that I know, technical professionals have a tendency to specialize in one area. This is due to the fact that many professionals get a start working in a highly focused area of the field. Some readers like to jump immediately into technical documents like highly mathematical treatments or RFCs but a good conceptual overview works well for others.
With its size, it can't be everything to everyone but it is a great starting point or review resource.
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