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Computer Science: An Overview
Now in its ninth edition, this book continues to provide a comprehensive, accessible, and up-to-date introduction to the dynamic field of computer science using a breadth-first approach. This book presents an introductory survey of computer science. It explores the breadth of the subject while including enough depth to convey an honest appreciation for the topics involved. The new edition includes reorganization of some key material for enhanced clarity (Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence chapters), new and expanded material on Security and Data Abstractions, more on ethics and different ethical theories in Chapter 0. Anyone interested in gaining a thorough introduction to Computer Science.
624 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2006
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991 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 19, 2017
This book is a must-read for everyone who wants to enter the field of computer science or wants to have general knowledge about what's going on in the field.
The book does not give you enough knowledge to do practical stuff, but it will guide you to choose a path for your studies and gives you a very good insight of opportunities exist in the field.
It took me a long time to read the book, but it worth every single second I've spent reading it.
The book does not give you enough knowledge to do practical stuff, but it will guide you to choose a path for your studies and gives you a very good insight of opportunities exist in the field.
It took me a long time to read the book, but it worth every single second I've spent reading it.
August 1, 2007
Err.. actually I worked to translate this book for one major Indo publishing company. So inevitably I read it. It's quite good though.
February 19, 2014
for any one want to know what is the meaning of computer science read this book .the book is very useful and lead me to understand the computer science as a science ,understand how computer work and explain the fields of computer science and support with the references that help you to more understanding each filed finally i finish the first reference in 2014
May 17, 2016
I liked it. Very good for someone looking to brush up on the basics. I think that if you are interested in the subject, this book is an easy read. The author does a good job of not over complicating things, by keeping the details on a "An Overview" level.
August 9, 2018
I wish it was the first Computer Science book I've read (It wasn't). Great introduction to the field of CS. It describes every major CS topic, meaning that the beginners will be able to define their subject of interest in a broad variety.
December 3, 2012
Ever want to know how computers work? If you answered yes this is the book for you, very comprehensive.
February 22, 2015
Done in twleve weeks.
Skipped the last chapter; The Theory of Computation.
Skipped the last chapter; The Theory of Computation.
November 21, 2017
This book illustrates basic computer science concepts and explore some frontier area in computer science, you will have a global view of computer science after reading this book.
It's language is quite simple and easy to understand, I did admire the author's ability to explain a concept so clearly and simply, to some people, you may feel that the author is wordy. And this book pay large attention to social issues caused by computer science, which is very meaningful: technology is made by us, for us. If it cause some problems that overshadow its benefits, obviously it's useless.
What I must say is that this book is a enlightening book, giving me a global understanding of those parts and researches computer science. But I found that this book has its own shortcoming. It just give us some concepts of computer science, and it never gives us a through implementation of these functions mentioned in this book.
All in all, after I finished this book, I am delighted to find that I have a global view of computer science, while thereafter I realize that I cannot make something useful: I don't know python programming, though it's mentioned throughout the book, I can't implement a neural network, I can't do some computer graphics that is eye-catching; I really don't know how to do them; the book is so blank and contains nothing but some concepts simply illustrated. To do those things, you must learn more and practice more, which is not that easy as the description of those structure or techniques in computer world that you may feel in this book. But this book is a lighthouse throughout your learning in some specific fields in computer science. Remember: this book is an index( it even may not be all-included) of computer science, in which you need study more to achieve a goal, to make something useful out.
It's language is quite simple and easy to understand, I did admire the author's ability to explain a concept so clearly and simply, to some people, you may feel that the author is wordy. And this book pay large attention to social issues caused by computer science, which is very meaningful: technology is made by us, for us. If it cause some problems that overshadow its benefits, obviously it's useless.
What I must say is that this book is a enlightening book, giving me a global understanding of those parts and researches computer science. But I found that this book has its own shortcoming. It just give us some concepts of computer science, and it never gives us a through implementation of these functions mentioned in this book.
All in all, after I finished this book, I am delighted to find that I have a global view of computer science, while thereafter I realize that I cannot make something useful: I don't know python programming, though it's mentioned throughout the book, I can't implement a neural network, I can't do some computer graphics that is eye-catching; I really don't know how to do them; the book is so blank and contains nothing but some concepts simply illustrated. To do those things, you must learn more and practice more, which is not that easy as the description of those structure or techniques in computer world that you may feel in this book. But this book is a lighthouse throughout your learning in some specific fields in computer science. Remember: this book is an index( it even may not be all-included) of computer science, in which you need study more to achieve a goal, to make something useful out.
June 25, 2024
A very good professional book that offers a comprehensive view of computer science. It can be considered an essential introductory read for CS majors. Although it mentions the range of floating-point numbers, it does not explain scientific notation, so readers won't understand why the range is what it is. Understanding the range of floating-point numbers requires knowledge of scientific notation. However, that's okay. After reading this book, you can read Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface, which can be considered a comprehensive deepening of this book.
Additionally, the book mentions the abacus, stating that it can only store data and not algorithms, meaning it cannot store the wisdom required to solve problems. However, it later introduces the concept of stored programs, where both data and instructions can be encoded into binary and stored in hardware. From this perspective, the abacus can also store algorithms. But this is not mentioned in the book, so I think it would be best to reference the abacus again when discussing stored programs.
Additionally, the book mentions the abacus, stating that it can only store data and not algorithms, meaning it cannot store the wisdom required to solve problems. However, it later introduces the concept of stored programs, where both data and instructions can be encoded into binary and stored in hardware. From this perspective, the abacus can also store algorithms. But this is not mentioned in the book, so I think it would be best to reference the abacus again when discussing stored programs.
February 27, 2025
One of the absolute Best Computer Science books I've ever read. J. Glenn Brookshear writes it in a structured and well-formatted way. It's content is easy-to-absorb and this book is used in swedish universities for Introduction to Computer Science, a lot of fun and interesting and value information contained within it's pages that offer deeper understanding and insight if you like, work with or are interested in computers and computer science! A Must-read for all computer enthusiasts! :)
January 26, 2024
Before fully stepping into the CS terrain, this book gives an excellent panorama of computer and everything associated with it. it's quite helphful for some layperson like me who want to learn CS more but dont have the tool of know-how.
April 5, 2019
An amazing book explaining the basics of computer sciences
February 28, 2021
It's been a few years since I read it. It was a textbook for a wonderful college class on basic computers. I might be remembering more class than the textbook but I really enjoyed the learning!
Want to read
July 30, 2021Have a copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
Mình vẫn chưa hiểu hết cuốn này, chắc cần đọc hai ba lần với làm bài tập thêm mới được.
July 19, 2024
Comecei a ler durante a cadeira de Introdução à Computação e achei incrível. Oferece muito conhecimento com uma ótima didática, ideal para estudantes ingressando na área de computação.
Currently reading
March 20, 2025Chapters 3, 4, 9.
October 3, 2022
P.S: Chapter 10 on Computer Graphics was skipped due to time.
June 4, 2022
Overall, pretty average. To be honest, the quality of education tends to swing between sections. There are parts that are excellently explained, others that are so-so, and some which are terribly and totally convoluted. When the text goes wrong, it’s usually because it doesn’t explain with enough depth. It glosses over concepts too briefly although there would be room to expand upon them if some of the pointless waffle was cut.
It doesn’t help that there are outright mistakes in the answers of the exercises. Also, in chapter 11, the answers to exercises of Section 5 list four answers…although there are only three questions in the chapter. There are also a *lot* of typos.
There are also no answers (that I could find) for the Chapter Review exercises, so I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with those. Also, the author(s?) have this incredibly irritating habit of naming deeper concepts behind things like JPEG compression or how variables are handled in Java, and then immediately saying “but let’s not worry about those details here” or some equivalent. I literally took to scribbling profanities aimed at the writer whenever I came across one of these instances of “I’m not going to explain this complicated thing even slightly, but I’m going to be enough of a dipsh*t to mention it anyway.”
So this is definitely a book that needs to be coupled with a good helping of personal initiative in clarifying or delving further into areas and subjects the text won’t deign to expound upon.
On the more positive side, there are good chunks of just plain good explanations. The chapters also cover a nice range of topics that fall under the broad umbrella of “Computer Science.” Moving from high school level studies into first year university level, this book not only refreshed what I’d been taught before but expanded upon it nicely (for the most part). I expected to have to do a lot of extra research on the side, so it didn’t come as a surprise, but the frequency of how often I needed to “fill the gaps myself” did start to chafe.
I saw some reviews on Amazon along the lines of “it’s alright, but there are better books out there” and I would wholly agree.
If you are getting / studying this because your educational facility has mandated it, then it’s fine enough. It gets the job done.
If you are getting this because you’re just interested in the subject and want to learn more, I’d recommend starting with something cheaper—like Khan Academy (that’s a website, not a book).
I honestly don’t think this is worth the €70 I paid for it, but that’s the educational books market for you.
It doesn’t help that there are outright mistakes in the answers of the exercises. Also, in chapter 11, the answers to exercises of Section 5 list four answers…although there are only three questions in the chapter. There are also a *lot* of typos.
There are also no answers (that I could find) for the Chapter Review exercises, so I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with those. Also, the author(s?) have this incredibly irritating habit of naming deeper concepts behind things like JPEG compression or how variables are handled in Java, and then immediately saying “but let’s not worry about those details here” or some equivalent. I literally took to scribbling profanities aimed at the writer whenever I came across one of these instances of “I’m not going to explain this complicated thing even slightly, but I’m going to be enough of a dipsh*t to mention it anyway.”
So this is definitely a book that needs to be coupled with a good helping of personal initiative in clarifying or delving further into areas and subjects the text won’t deign to expound upon.
On the more positive side, there are good chunks of just plain good explanations. The chapters also cover a nice range of topics that fall under the broad umbrella of “Computer Science.” Moving from high school level studies into first year university level, this book not only refreshed what I’d been taught before but expanded upon it nicely (for the most part). I expected to have to do a lot of extra research on the side, so it didn’t come as a surprise, but the frequency of how often I needed to “fill the gaps myself” did start to chafe.
I saw some reviews on Amazon along the lines of “it’s alright, but there are better books out there” and I would wholly agree.
If you are getting / studying this because your educational facility has mandated it, then it’s fine enough. It gets the job done.
If you are getting this because you’re just interested in the subject and want to learn more, I’d recommend starting with something cheaper—like Khan Academy (that’s a website, not a book).
I honestly don’t think this is worth the €70 I paid for it, but that’s the educational books market for you.
June 20, 2021
3.0 out of 5 stars
For Computer Science Beginners
May 26, 2007
This is a very good introductory survey course of Computer Science provided you're planning to major in CS. The reason I've rated the book at only 3 stars out of 5 is solely because of the first sentence in the Audience section of the Preface on page vii:
"I wrote this text for students of computer science as well as students from other disciplines."
That last clause (saying the book is also for non-CS types) is the killer. Basically, the book's level of detail far exceeds anything that any non-CS person would be willing to put up with. Mitigating that, the Organization section of the Preface on page viii lists those sections that non-CS students should read. The Table of Contents also has asterisks indicating suggestions for optional sections (though there's no indication in the actual text noting the optional nature of those sections). Still, overall, it feels like the author uses too technical a vocabulary for non-CS types even in those remaining sections.
Just to emphasize, this book is really for beginners in Computer Science. It's a survey book designed not to teach the material in depth, but to give the student enough knowledge of the material to wrap later courses around. But, that leads to another problem with the book. The book is written for someone with no knowledge of computers, BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, assumes that person is fairly familiar with the topic. In other words, if you don't know anything about computers, you'll soon be wallowing in an awful lot of technical concepts and terms and will probably get confused. On the other hand, if you're already somewhat familiar with the topic, the basic nature of the material will probably bore you. Sort of a Catch-22.
Still, if a person is just starting a Computer Science degree, this is probably a 4 star out of 5 book. For non-CSers, it would be a problem. For them, I'd recommend The Analytical Engine: An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet, Second Edition: An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet (with CD-ROM) .
For Computer Science Beginners
May 26, 2007
This is a very good introductory survey course of Computer Science provided you're planning to major in CS. The reason I've rated the book at only 3 stars out of 5 is solely because of the first sentence in the Audience section of the Preface on page vii:
"I wrote this text for students of computer science as well as students from other disciplines."
That last clause (saying the book is also for non-CS types) is the killer. Basically, the book's level of detail far exceeds anything that any non-CS person would be willing to put up with. Mitigating that, the Organization section of the Preface on page viii lists those sections that non-CS students should read. The Table of Contents also has asterisks indicating suggestions for optional sections (though there's no indication in the actual text noting the optional nature of those sections). Still, overall, it feels like the author uses too technical a vocabulary for non-CS types even in those remaining sections.
Just to emphasize, this book is really for beginners in Computer Science. It's a survey book designed not to teach the material in depth, but to give the student enough knowledge of the material to wrap later courses around. But, that leads to another problem with the book. The book is written for someone with no knowledge of computers, BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, assumes that person is fairly familiar with the topic. In other words, if you don't know anything about computers, you'll soon be wallowing in an awful lot of technical concepts and terms and will probably get confused. On the other hand, if you're already somewhat familiar with the topic, the basic nature of the material will probably bore you. Sort of a Catch-22.
Still, if a person is just starting a Computer Science degree, this is probably a 4 star out of 5 book. For non-CSers, it would be a problem. For them, I'd recommend The Analytical Engine: An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet, Second Edition: An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet (with CD-ROM) .
October 23, 2009
This is a good book as per its title - an overview of computer science - and a good fit for its intended audience: students venturing into computer science.
The book touches on many computer science topics but does not go in-depth - just enough to give a primer for subsequent courses. The book isn't a light read for non-computer science students though, it does go into technicalities that kind of require the readers to at least have an idea of what it is - so this book is definitely really only good for computer science students (not as the preface would otherwise suggest).
The book touches on many computer science topics but does not go in-depth - just enough to give a primer for subsequent courses. The book isn't a light read for non-computer science students though, it does go into technicalities that kind of require the readers to at least have an idea of what it is - so this book is definitely really only good for computer science students (not as the preface would otherwise suggest).
March 1, 2016
A great book to understand the basics required in my university and my daily activity, code. I truly recommend this book to anyone interested in technology, especially those who develop computer software or even those who are curious about how thing happened behind the screen you are using right now. I tell you what, there is a whole other world waiting for you to be discovered and this book is the leading step to those insights.
August 15, 2017
O conteúdo trazido no livro é muito bom, porém a forma como é escrita é tão entediante que é difícil ir até o fim. Parágrafos para explicar conceitos que poderiam ser explicados de forma objetiva em duas linhas. Minha recomendação é: pegue a lista de conteúdos abordados por este livro e busque de outras fontes, pois a sequência e os conteúdos abordados compoem uma ótima base sobre o tema.
January 12, 2010
intense. took forever to get through. but it felt like a real achivement when I had.
Read
March 13, 2013verry nice book
May 15, 2014
Decent book. A nice overview, but nothing that can be put into practice.
June 19, 2014
hard to read. Plenty of good information but way to wordy and hard to comprehend.
August 5, 2014
Pretty good supplemental reading to an intro programming class
Want to read
September 23, 2014jljllj
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews