Rating: 
Summary: One of the better introduction to CS books
Review: This isn't a book about programming, it isn't a book about laying out a spreadsheet, reading this book isn't going to give you skills on the latest Microsoft operating system.It's a book on COMPUTER SCIENCE. Computer Science is more related to math than the "computers" most people think of. It isn't practical, it's theoretical -- it's supposed to be. It cracks me up to read the reviews where the reader just doesn't get the whole premise of the book. I first read this book in the Fourth Edition when I had a CS-101 class. About 8 years have passed, and I'm considering going for a MSCS, so I wanted a refresher. This book was invaluable in the 4th Ed, the 7th Ed is even better. The material is easier to follow, better diagrams, and expanded material. Get it if you want a good overview of Computer Science -- if you're looking for Microsoft training, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: For absolute beginners only!
Review: Those who have a general understanding of how computers work and have studied a programming language, particularly modern ones such as C++, are unlikely to benefit from this book. The book provides an extremely general and conceptual view of computer hardware (e.g., what is a megabyte? what are the types of media?), programming (what is a variable?), and software (e.g., what is an operating system?) in terms of terminology definitions, pseudocode, and flow charts. Chances are, if have an aptitude for computers, the broad and lengthy explanations in this text won't enlighten you or teach you anything that you didn't already know. Look elsewhere if you want a general overview of computer science to help you to advance to more specific topics in computer science. - Computer software is categorized as an operating system or an application. - Not very helpful. Do not buy this book if you are looking for information that you can use. All topics are covered on an extremely shallow surface. For example - The book mentions Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools, but only in terms of what it is and what the advantages are of this method. In addition, you should not buy this book if you are looking for a comprehensive overview of computer science in the context of current technology. Part of my reason for buying this book was to get an overall understanding of what's out there and how it all fits together. This book is just way too vague of an overview. A non-technical person or a middle school student or someone studying computer science only to pass a test may find merit (hence the two stars). But, for the rest of us, it's a waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: I Loved This Book
Review: Very well written. An excellent overview or review. Explains many concepts BETTER than 'specialty' books. Hey Professor, How about a book on Java?!
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