Product Description
This best-selling review manual has been thoroughly updated to reflect the College Board's elimination of the Level AB course and the updated Level A syllabus. The new edition presents three full-length AP practice exams for the Level A course. The first exam is a diagnostic test and contains charts detailing the topics for each question. All three model tests have questions answered and explained. Test takers will also find an extensive subject review including new sections on static variables, the List interface, Integer.MAX_VALUE, and Integer.MIN_VALUE. A section on two-dimensional arrays is included for the Level A exam. The enclosed CD-ROM contains two additional full-length model AP exams for Level A. These tests are presented with answers, explanations, automatic scoring for the multiple-choice questions, and a scoring chart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good review book for AP computer science test
My daughter used it to study for the AP Computer Science test and she passed it and got AP credit for the course. I guess that is a good enough reason to endorse it.

A CD-ROM explains the exams and provides two addition practices including a scoring chart
The fifth updated edition of Barron's AP Computer Science A offers the latest review and practice tests, has been updated to reflect the College Board's current Level A syllabus, and offers three full-length AP practice exams with all questions answered and explained. A CD-ROM explains the exams and provides two addition practices including a scoring chart.

Great Preparation Tool for the AP Exam
I found that after taking the exam without taking the AP CS course at my school, I knew more than the people that actually took the course. In addition, I only reviewed for about two weeks before the exam. I did already have 4 years worth of C# experience however, so classes, methods, etc. were not new to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Students and instructors alike continue to praise the broad coverage and clear exposition that Computer Science: An Overview uses to present a complete picture of the dynamic computer science field. Accessible to students from all backgrounds, Glenn Brookshear uses a language-independent context to encourage the development of a practical, realistic understanding of the field. Introduction; Data Storage; Operating Systems; Networking and the Internet; Algorithms; Programming Languages; Software Engineering; Data Abstractions; Database Systems; Computer Graphics; Artificial Intelligence; Theory of Computation. For all readers interested in the basics of computer science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Computer Science
The service I received from Amazon was fantastic! The Computer Science book for class on the other hand is highly boring. In order to enjoy this book an individual would need to enjoy engineering or the concepts of computers.

Excelent shiping.
Nice book i use for my computer class at college, shipping in one week (regular shipping), and new.

Great overview
This book really got me interested in CS.Its easy to read and motivated me for my next class in CS.

excellent service
I haven't read the book, even though my instructor recommends it.I know it is a good book though.What I want to praise is the company I ordered it from. I ordered it Nov. 17, they mailed it Nov. 18, I had it on Nov. 23.Excellent service is all that I can say.

Computer science book
An excellent book helped me a lot during my study and arrived in a good condition,thanx Amazon. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the fourth edition of the best-selling AP Computer Science exam prep book. Thorough review chapters cover all of the AP CS material and the GridWorld case study. Includes four complete practice exams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Tests are good but reviews arent
i used this book along wiht the 5 steps one, and thank god i did. maria litvin's prep book is not at all a good book to use if you havent picked up much during the school year and need help quick for the ap test. the best thing about this book is the practice tests. they're actually harder than the real one in may, but it makes sure taht you are thoroughly prepared. i know a lot of people use that same justification for the barron's practice tests, but i found that the barron's ap comp sci practice tests were too hard to an unlikely extreme. litvin's challenges you, barron's just tortures you. the lessons and review in this book were rather disappointing. it didnt teach you a whole lot. i used 5 steps to actually learn the material. i would highly recommned this book to those you know their stuff and just want to prep. and to those you are completely lost in the subject, use 5 steps or some other material to reivew the information and then this book for last minute prepreations.

oh and also, the links they give you are really great for studying frq.

a little bit too easy
maria litvin - i'd recommend it to anyone who never learned java b4. this book definitely stresses over concept, but the problems are not enough and much easier than the test i took in may. as a result, i'd recommend u to buy this book, but a harder book to go along with it like ds-marketing or barron's.
princeton - this book is pretty alright. it has good information, but i don't think it's enough. the way the author writes is understandable, but again, problems are not enough. sometimes there are only 4 problems per chapter. also, the practice test at the end of the chapter are not enough. there's only 1 set for A and 1 set for AB.
barron's - this book places emphasis on the problems. for example, in marine biology, there's at least 40 problems. don't buy this if u get bored easily because reading this book is like reading college textbooks. however, i can guarantee u that this book will raise ur score much quicker than any other book. however, this book is MUCH MUCH MUCH harder than the actual exam. i'd say that if u get a raw score of 50/80 on the practice test, u can probably get a 5.
5 steps - i borrowed this book from a friend about a week before the test. i feel like this book is almost exactly like the test. it has every type of problem, and gives excellent short summaries at the end of each chapter. it's quite understandable.
b4 taking compsci ap, i did 5 books: maria litvin, barron, princeton, 5 steps to a 5, and ds-marketing. i'd say that if u have a pretty decent teacher, u'll probably only need 5 steps or barron's. otherwise, i'd recommend at least 2 of the books above. however, remember that ds-marketing DOES NOT have marine biology (which makes up about 20% of the exam)

A boon to AP Java students
This is a great book. I feel that I owe them for making this book. The authors do a great job in simply summarizing the concepts covered on the AP test, and providing great examples - the free response questions were right on the money! Highly suggested.

Great Review Manual for the AP Comp Sci Exam in Java
Maria Litvin has done an extraordinary job of putting together the new "Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam in Java".This review manual, which has enough detail to double as a text book, has everything students need to focus on prior to taking the exam.It addresses everything in the ETS Java subset that students should have studied during the school year and has outstanding multiple choice and free response practice exam questions. The tests even include questions about the Java Marine Biology Simulation program which students need to know for the exam.Her web site also includes the 2003 C++ free response questions, which have been translated into Java.If you are searching for a great review manual with great practice questions, this is it!

Definetly Better then Barron's Guide for Review
The Barron's giude is very nice, but it basically reteaches evrything for the student, which is only good if you have the typicall AP Computer Science teacher, like the ones in the Reviews :My teacher was horribale, she doesn't know anything about Java/C++/Pascal.She only knew about some other language and never assigned homework and was just horrible.If that is your teacher then get barron's, but if your school is respectable enough to actually try to get a good Computer Science teacher then get this book, it actually reviews.Another plus over barron's, this book actually has tips and an introduction to the test, Barron's only has 3 pages compared to a chapter with Litvin's guide on this subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Revised and updated with the latest information in the field, the Fourth Edition of Computer Science Illuminated continues to engage and enlighten students on the fundamental concepts and diverse capabilities of computing. Written by two of today s most respected computer science educators, Nell Dale and John Lewis, the text provides a broad overview of the many aspects of the discipline from a generic view point. Separate program language chapters are available as bundle items for those instructors who would like to explore a particular programming language with their students. The many layers of computing are thoroughly explained beginning with the information layer, working through the hardware, programming, operating systems, application, and communication layers, and ending with a discussion on the limitations of computing. Perfect for introductory computing and computer science courses, the fourth edition's thorough presentation of computing systems provides computer science majors with a solid foundation for further study, and offers non-majors a comprehensive and complete introduction to computing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Fun book
This was a fun book to go through especially of you are into computers in any way.

College book
This was purchased for an international college student who has spoken English for only two years.Computer Science is his major.He is doing very well in the class and is enjoying it.

Amazon Purchase
Textbook was received in the condition expected based on seller's comments.Shipping occured quickly and textbook was received well before estimated delivery date indicated.I was also thrilled with the $5 price for a new book.Thank you and good job.

Great !!
With the economy in the shape it is in - finding a great deal is key! I purchased this book online here to avoid the "hefty" price of it being sold in a college bookstore ...Saved about $100 and that is a GREAT DEAL

Computer Science Illuminated
My experience in ordering this book was so easy, and the shipping time was fast.I received the book fast and it was in top condition.Just what I needed to start this class. ... Read more

Product Description
This introductory computer science text begins by introducing the foundation of computer science and algorithms, then builds on each central idea before finally discussing common applications, artificial intelligence, and social and legal issues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

It feels like a connect the dots with some missing dots
Four chapters in and I am ready to ditch the book.It lacks quality conceptual explanation paired with questionable content organization.Learning how to construct a circuit diagram is interesting but the information does not touchdown to earth nearly enough to make it practical for novice conceptual understanding.Throughout the book are streams of rambling facts instead of concise and articulate summarizing of pertinent points.I am constantly pulling from other sources to gain understanding.Once I do have working understanding of the chapters, I am left scratching my head as to the lack-luster or sometimes backwards approach from the book. The material is obviously introductory and perfectly suitable for beginners but, it lacks a sensitivity to the level of exposure students reading it may have.It kind of feels like a connect the dots with some missing dots.

Listen not to idiots ..This book is as good as it gets !
What did you think my darling young ones ?That computer scienceis for the faint of heart..?That if you can set up a spreadsheet you can do Computer Science ?
OF COURSE it is a brutal introduction ! Computer Science is a complex and demanding discipline and this book does a miracle of explanation.
So what if the authors URL is non-functioning ?

As an initial overview of CS, this book is a winner!!
With a Master's Degree in Computer Science and over 7 years on the jobexperience, I can say this book is the best introductory book I have everread. It refuses to allow one to dive too fast into "programming"and instead encourages a strong foundation of basic knowledge thatunderlies the field of Computer Science before one embarks into anyindividual programming language approach.The approach and content isappropriate, logical and laudable, and unfortunately rare among most textbooks in this area.

This book is a bomb.....
I was very disappointed in this book.The guy puts his URL in the book and I get a 404 error.Then I send him an e-mail and he never acknowledges it.The laboratories are busy work.They take over an hour each and I didnot learn anything from them.They were just to keep you busy.They werenot clearly explained.I have worked in IT for 5 years and I wasscratching my head most of the time.The topics were scratching thesurface and very high level with no substance.At the end of the chapter,I would outline it and it was eight or nine pages explaining somethingwhich would have taken me half the page to explain and then it did notexplain it clearly.He touched on unimportant concepts and ignored reallyimportant and interesting stuff.I pan this book.Terrible.Don't buyit.

Not to good
I am actually getting a major in Computer Science and this book was my very first. I think it is a brutal introduction because there is not that much information in the book to help you solve the problems that I thinkare way too complicated for first timers. I had to get tutoring for theentire semester in order to pass the class and I had to use more than oneother book not by the same author to help me understand better what I wasdoing. ... Read more

Product Description

Learn the essentials of computer science

Schaum’s Outline of Principles of Computer Science provides aconcise overview of the theoretical foundation of computerscience. It also includes focused review of object-oriented programming using Java.

Customer Reviews (2)

Meh.
This is a competent book on Computer Science, but just about any introductory CS textbook will cover these topics and many more.If you are familiar with other Schaum's outlines, you'll probably know what to expect.The price is no doubt much lower than most CS textbooks, so this book certainly is justified in certain cases.Nothing terrible in here, but also nothing terribly exciting or original.Worth buying and reading if you are interested in CS as a subject of study and are not required to buy some other CS text for an Intro course.

Schaum Computer science
In depth wide ranging analysis of major aspects of computer science. Engaging discussion and capsules in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
The elements of good writing are an essential part of success in science. With comprehensive practical help for students and experienced researchers, Writing for Computer Science: - Gives extensive guidance for writing style and editing; - Presents sound practice for graphs, figures, and tables; - Guides the presentation of mathematics, algorithms and experiments; - Shows how to assemble research materials into a technical paper; - Offers guidelines and advice on spoken presentations. This second edition contains detailed new material on research methods, the how-to of being a scientist, including: - Development of ideas into research programs; -Design and evaluation of experiments; - How to search for, read, evaluate, and referee other research; - Research ethics and the qualities that separate good and bad science. Writing for Computer Science is not only an introduction to the doing and describing of research, but is a handy reference for working scientists in computing and mathematical sciences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Useful Book
The book is a useful handbook when writing computer science research papers. The tips and guidelines are helpful in improving ones paper and there are also guidelines for presentations.

An authoritative book with pertinent examples
My roots are in computer science where I started my professional life. Therefore I was attracted by the title. I borrowed the book from the library and read it from cover to cover, frustrated not to be able to use my yellow highlighter on the pages of quite a few chapters.
The pertinence of the examples chosen proves that Justin Zobel has reviewed his fair share of papers. If you referee papers, chapter twelve on "Refereeing" is for you. If you are in computer science or if you use computers in your research, then chapter5 ("Mathematics"), 7 ("Algorithms"), and 11 (Experimentation") are written specifically for you.

Scientists outside of computer science are not left out. Chapters two to four are about style and grammar. His examples will often bring a smile to your face as you recognize your own mistakes. Justin Zobel's book has the merit of systematically illustrating the principles of writing he recommends to the readers. I cannot say I always agree with his examples. For example page 32, he writes "Beginning a paper by stating that a topic is popular or that a problem is important is flat and uninspiring" (I could not agree more); he then illustrates such a flat start with the great example "Use of digital libraries is increasingly common". But then the "may well be preferable" example that follows has the same problem: "Digital libraries provide fast access to large numbers of documents". It uses two imprecise adjectives and does not enhance the knowledge of even the most junior researcher in computer science.
Chapter 6 on graphs, figures, and tables gives many examples. Justin believes in making figures "less dependent on the paper's text" (page 112) by making their caption more informative. I do too.
Chapter 9 gives general instructions for writing the various parts of a scientific paper, from its title to its conclusion.

Very useful tips for writing papers
This book presents a list of useful tips for writing conference papers and research reports. It presents advices on what to do and what not to do when writing. I would strongly recommend it to beginners as well as to experienced writers.

Essential for any computer scientist!
It's the computer scientist's "Elements of Style". Concise and clearly written. A must have!

Many examples and clear guides
This book is a perfect guide for producing reports/theses papers related to Computer Science.I was in the midst of writing a thesis and was struggling with the conventions and styles to use, but after a quick perusal of this book I had all my doubts cleared.Examples are numerous and clear and easily aid you in the writing process.Also, I like this book because it explains the motivation for certain styles and conventions rather than just stating them.

This book was recommended to me by a professor, and I noticed it sitting in several of my professor's offices, as well as offices of several graduate students I worked with. ... Read more

Product Description
The new fourth edition of Barron's Advanced Placement Computer Science test preparation manual has been updated with a new case study. This new GridWorld Case Study will be tested on the AP exam starting in May 2008. The manual presents four full-length AP practice exams, two each for Levels A and AB. Two of these exams are presented as diagnostic tests, with charts detailing the topics for each question. All four model tests have questions answered and explained. Prospective test takers will also find an extensive subject review, starting with a review of Java 5.0 and going on to cover all topics questioned in both the Level A and Level AB exams. There are new sections on storage of numbers and random numbers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Met expectations
Product was intended for High school students taking AP Computer Science class and had fully met expectations for this purpose.

Excellent reference
This book is an excellent resource for students preparing to take the AP Computer Science exam.The book is divided into chapters by topic and each topic has clear explanations as well as approximately 25 multiple choice problems per chapter.Each multiple choice solution comes with a clear explanation.There is a practice diagnostic test (both A and AB level) at the beginning of the book with an answer key that indicates which section of the book students should refer to for help.There is another practice exam (both A and AB) at the end of the book and if you buy the book with a CD, there is an additional A and AB practice test on the CD.My students find this book very helpful.As a teacher, this book has made my life so much easier.

Roselyn Does It again
Fantastic nuts and bolts review book for the AP exam. Very readable and educational. The author manages to get all the material in there AND provide 2 practice exams per level (A and AB) as well as exams on CD that diagnose any weak areas. The updates for GridWorld are champion efforts and Barron's should feel blessed to have this teacher on board for their review book.

If you have to pick one, this is the AP Review Book to choose.
The Barron's book is, by far, the best choice for a one-stop resource to prepare students for the APCS Exam.I have taught APCS for 8 years and each edition of this book has been increasingly helpful in getting my kids ready.Whether used concurrently with course study or as a review guide for exam prep, the Barron's text is awesome.The author is still heavily involved with the field and is very accessible for comments and questions, which is a perk.

A Very Good Book
It is a bit useless to review this book for it's value as an AP study guide, because the AP exams were two days ago, and next year there will be a major change to the content of the exam (No more APCS-AB).

However, I can say this is a very well made study helper. A little sense of humor combined with solid writing, thorough and frequent sections of example code, practice problems for every section, full explanations of every problem, chapter recaps and a specific diagnostic test will teach you all you need to know.

The book assumes it is being used as a supplement of a Java course, or by someone with a cursory knowledge of the language.This book is a great resource for teaching yourself (or anyone, for that matter) how to program, however I would recommend you take a basic Java tutorial online first.
... Read more

Product Description
This is the second edition of John Zelle's Python Programming, updated for Python 3.This book is designed to be used as the primary textbook in a college-level first course in computing. It takes a fairly traditional approach, emphasizing problem solving, design, and programming as the core skills of computer science. However, these ideas are illustrated using a non-traditional language, namely Python.Although Python is used as the language, teaching Python is not the main point of this book. Rather, Python is used to illustrate fundamental principles of design and programming that apply in any language or computing environment. In some places, I have purposely avoided certain Python features and idioms that are not generally found in other languages. There are already many good books about Python on the market; this book is intended as an introduction to computing.Features include the following:*Extensive use of computer graphics.*Interesting examples.*Readable prose.*Flexible spiral coverage.*Just-in-time object coverage.*Extensive end-of-chapter problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

python programming
When I ordered the book I expected it to come a little worse then what was advertised because the price was so low. However, I was pleasantly suprized when I recieved the book and it was still in it's original srink-wrapped package.

Beautiful and deep introduction to programming for the very first beginner

Zelle's "Python Programming" takes you smoothly and slowly through the art of programming and you also learn a little computer science. He uses a modern object oriented script language (Python) for this purpose: a surprisingly good choice for a first language. Python is clear and powerful and does not require you to learn bad habits too early.

If you are more advanced and just wanted to learn Python you will probably find the pace of Zelle way too slow. If you are the brilliant type you might want to read Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - 2nd Edition (MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science). For all others I can fully recommend this Zelle's "Python Programming".

Great book...
For my whole life I've been meaning to "get around" to programming.But online tutorials could not teach me anything useful, and the introductory texts I had acquired through the years all told me one thing: that I shouldn't bother.Zelle, though, has written an outstanding introductory text to not only Python but also programming.He emphasizes what many authors do not - that programming is as much a way of thinking as it is a set of languages.To program effectively, one must problem solve.It is an obvious point oft ignored by other authors.Zelle hammers it home.After studying his book for just one week, I was able to code my own set of non-trivial and useful programs with minimal reference to his book or to a guide elsewhere.

What I don't like is that Zelle's discussion of graphic design relies upon a module of his own design (graphics.py) and NOT a standardized toolkit that a user would benefit from learning.Zelle's logic is that toolkits can overwhelm the beginning programmer and that any introductory text must include heavy discussion of graphic design (because graphic design is what interests most people).So he must figure out a way - and he writes a very good module - to teach GUI design to beginners.While I see Zelle's point, it was frustrating to use a module that Zelle himself admitted wouldn't be of much use down the road.

Ultimately, though, I highly recommend this book for beginners, as it will teach you to think like a programmer, and understanding that thought process is more important than mastering the syntax of any language.

not good for an introductory course in programming
I am a professor of computer science and specialize in teaching intro programming courses. I am currently considering several Python books for use in an introductory course with no prerequisite programming knowledge. I just read chapter 1 of this text and have already decided NOT to use it for my class.In chapter 1, the author manages to introduce machine code (never really explained), binary storage (never explained), the eval and input functions, for loops with "in" and mathematical chaos theory, all with little or no explanation and quite a few "we'll put this off until later" remarks, along with "this is complicated but don't worry if you don't understand it yet" statements.I can just imagine what my students would think of this.This book may be great for those who have *already* taken at least 1 programming course, or for graduate students who have a certain level of intellectual sophistication but don't know how to program yet, but for undergraduates in an intro course with no pre-reqs - there is no way I would subject my students to this level of confusion.There is a basic principle in teaching: before you can teach B, you must teach A to the level of understanding.

Update to a classic
I teach high school computer science and greatly welcomed the new edition to this classic book.Zelle has written a book that manages to serve two purposes quite well: 1) a good introduction to computer science, and 2) a good introduction to Python.

Sure, you could say that it could be better in one way or another, but any changes would push it more towards one of those purposes, and not really serve the other.As it stands, I believe this is the best book available for a high school computer science class.Zelle teaches good programming and encourages students to learn a "software development process" that will serve students well as they further explore programming and computer science.The clarity of Python ("pseudocode that runs") allows Zelle to focus on a strong programming foundation that will allow students to move on to other languages, including Java--the current language for the AP Computer Science exam.

Zelle has updated his graphics library for this edition, and this book covers Python 3.x.His graphics library is a great supplement to any class teaching Python to beginning programmers, and there is a nice reference to it in this text.The library module is, as always, released under an open source license (GPL).

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This test preparation book includes four full-length examswith explanations modeled after the actual GRE in Computer Science.Areas tested include software systems and methodology, computerorganization and architecture, computational math, and advancedtopics.Contains a section on important computer science topics and acomputer science glossary.For computer science students bound forgraduate school. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

In response to David J. Wilkinson
This is in respose to David J. Wilkinson
f(n)=n is NOT a constant function

Just to write n in binary you need log(n) space/time
remember, we are not talking about what happens in a C/C++ or some other compiler. We are talkign about theory here. In C you would represent a number as lets say 32 bit int, in that case the function f(n) is constant, assuming n is always less than 2^32, but this is not true for the general case.

f(n) = n is a constant funciton
Just so no one studying for the test gets confused, f(n) = n is in fact a constant funciton.

In this context constant means that its execution time does not vary based on the imput.

Compare this to a bubble short algorithm where the excecution time would vary accourding to the square of the number of items.

So 10 item would take 100c time units to sort, 1000 items would take 1 million!

Lets be fair, it does what it is supposed to do.
Having read all the reviews I am not quite sure why people are so unhappy. Yes, this is not an exciting page turner, but it is not supposed to be.It sais on the cover "4 Full-Length Exams" and this is what you get, sample exams and explanations for questions. There will never be a book that will tell you how to "crack" the CS GRE, because such a book would have to contain the information of about five textbooks.

The only way to study for a CS GRE is to use this book to get an idea of the questions (plus the sample test ETS sends you). If you cannot answer the question then go to a textbook and read the corresponding chapters, so when you come back you can answer the question.

Ideally, you are a CS Junior in Undergrad and know that you will be taking this test. This way study for this from the start, while still in class.

Can there really be no alternative?
OK, this book is terrible, like everyone said.I didn't buy it: I got it free from a colleague at work.I used it for the sole purpose of practicing answering CS-type questions quickly and filling in the bubbles.Here are a few of my pet peeves:

1) The book assumes an expert-level knowledge of PASCAL and no knowledge of C.The sample test from ETS requred only basic C and PASCAL.Since I didn't know PASCAL at all (who does these days?) until I studied for the GRE, I really hope that the ETS test is closer to the real thing.

2)Questions that are far more difficult (both in terms of knowledge required and time required to answer) than anything in the ETS sample GRE.There are questions where the "explanation" is more than 2 pages long.

3)Errors.To take one example I just met, they think that f(n) = n is a constant function.

4)Ambiguity/unstated assumptions in question.

To sum up, yes, this book [bites].Don't pay any money for it.And come on -- will someone out there write a decent GRE CS review book??

Worst Test Preparation Book EVER
If you are thinking about taking the GRE Computer Science test, buying a review book is probably a good idea.However, do not, under any circumstances, buy this one.If you cannot find a better review book, consider buying the latest Michael Crichton novel, or perhaps a collection of The Far Side comics, because either of them would be more useful for test preparation than this book.

I bought this book in preparation for taking my GRE subject test, and was incredibly discouraged after taking some of the sample tests contained within.Most of the questions I was unable to answer, and the answers given in the book often left me scratching my head and wondering what the writers were talking about.I was about to actually cancel my appointment to take the test, when I decided to give the official sample test sent to me by ETS a try.On that test, I was able to score in the 91st percentile.I haven't taken my official test yet (it is tomorrow morning), but, assuming that the real test is not drastically different from the official sample (a real test from 1996), the questions in this book bear no resemblance to any of the questions on the real test. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the ACM model curriculum guidelines, this easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate text covers all the fundamentals of computer science required for first year students embarking on a computing degree. Divided into five parts ? computer and data, computer hardware, computer software, data organization and with an introduction to some of the more advanced topics ? Foundations of Computer Science gives students a bird?s eye view of the subject. Each chapter includes key terms, summaries, review questions, multiple-choice questions, and exercises to enhance learning, while introducing tools such as UML, structure chart and pseudocode, which students will need in order to succeed in later courses. The text is also supported by numerous figures, examples, exercises, selected solutions and a test bank, all designed to ease and aid the learning process.Updated to cover the latest technologies and changes to course requirements, this second edition features new and updated coverage of: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Ethics and Crimes, Networking, LINUX, and Security. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

it is satisfy KIS rule
KIS = Keept It Simple

i am surprise to have a booke like it
it is cover many aspect of computer scince and put the reader at the begining road, it acts as a key to many sciences inside computer science.


yeh i know it give an intruduction but think first we takl about
Introduction To Computer Science

It is so nice book...
I like it.

... Read more

Product Description
The importance of computer security has increased dramatically during the past few years. Bishop provides a monumental reference for the theory and practice of computer security. This is a textbook intended for use at the advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate levels, non-University training courses, as well as reference and self-study for security professionals. Comprehensive in scope, this covers applied and practical elements, theory, and the reasons for the design of applications and security techniques. Bishop treats the management and engineering issues of computer. Excellent examples of ideas and mechanisms show how disparate techniques and principles are combined (or not) in widely-used systems. Features a distillation of a vast number of conference papers, dissertations and books that have appeared over the years, providing a valuable synthesis. This book is acclaimed for its scope, clear and lucid writing, and its combination of formal and theoretical aspects with real systems, technologies, techniques, and policies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

5 stars
Great Book! I had to buy for my class ... happy that we are using this :-)

Comprehensive Discussion of Computer Security
Excellent book describing both the technical aspects of Computer Security as well as the heuristic methods used to secure computer networks. Helpful to everyone who is trying to understand how computer security works.

Fails as an Intro book for Students
This book was used in my Intro to Computer Security class, which I thought was going to be an interesting until I had to read the book. This book is suited more for those already in the field or have knowledge about computer security.

The way the book is writen makes it a hard read as it is full of theory and hardly any application. Complex theories are not explained in a way that allows somebody new to the field the chance to understand them.

Examples are more or less useless as they are either complex or not explained in full. Most of the examples cause more confusion then understanding. This is not just my opinion but the majority of my the class.

A Service to Duplicate!
Excellent service! The book arrived within five days of placing the order, and I was totally blown away when it arrived, considering the fact that it was a text book that I needed to have in a timely manner. Thanks again Amazon! I'm now hooked more than ever, and I'm telling my friends about the wonderful shopping experience.

Very detailed reference
I used this book for a graudate-level introductory computer security class and it was very detailed and explained concepts well. I took a security and privacy course in undergrad and Bishop's book is much better than the book I used last fall. If you have strong math skills and strong coding skills, this is the book for you. It is even helpful to people studying for the CISSP and Security+ certifications in information security. ... Read more

Product Description

A Brand-New Book on an Essential Topic:
Computer Science Made Simple offers a straightforward one-stop resource for technology novices and advanced techies alike. V. Anton Spraul clarifies the basic concepts of hardware and software as well as networks, the Internet, graphics, and other applications, emphasizing how to put computers to work for you (instead of the other way around).

Customer Reviews (4)

Really made things "click"
After reading this book, computers weren't as scary. Somehow it made sense how it operates.Now I enjoy time on the computer!!

Very good, very good!
I have read several beginner computer books lately and this is by far best of them, if this is beginner book at all! This book doesn't underestimate the intelligence of reader and doesn't "buy more pages" with nonsense. I mean, if you don't know how to move mouse or where Enter button is on keyboard, buy '-for dummies' books. But if you want to get little bit (well a lot actually) deeper than that, buy this book.

Excellent Seller
Book was in perfect condition as promised. Service was great and shipping wason time. The price was also very reasonable. Overall excellent seller. Would buy from again and recommend to others.

explains hardware and software to a general audience
Spraul gives a quick and easy introduction to explaining this mysterious thing call computer science. He explains the common Neumann architecture of a single CPU computer. Something which has essentially remained unchanged since the Manhattan Project.

Then he talks about the software that runs on this hardware. From this model of software running on 1 computer, the discussion segues naturally into a network of such machines. Wherein the Internet appears. And its common version, the Web, which many users casually and wrongly assume to be synonymous with it.

There is little specialised hardware knowledge or maths required for the book. Indeed, the Boolean logic is shown to be utterly simple. Though, within the constraints of his presentation, the reader is not shown enough to appreciate that from the Boolean logic, one can build up an entire edifice of digital maths. [It's properly the subject of a more advanced text.] ... Read more

Product Description
A presentation of the central and basic concepts, techniques, and tools of computer science, with the emphasis on presenting a problem-solving approach and on providing a survey of all of the most important topics covered in degree programmes. Scheme is used throughout as the programming language and the author stresses a functional programming approach to create simple functions so as to obtain the desired programming goal. Such simple functions are easily tested individually, which greatly helps in producing programs that work correctly first time. Throughout, the author aids to writing programs, and makes liberal use of boxes with "Mistakes to Avoid." Programming examples include: * abstracting a problem; * creating pseudo code as an intermediate solution; * top-down and bottom-up design; * building procedural and data abstractions; * writing progams in modules which are easily testable. Numerous exercises help readers test their understanding of the material and develop ideas in greater depth, making this an ideal first course for all students coming to computer science for the first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great intro to Computer Science, not just to programming
The first part of this book will give the basic programming `how to' knowledge: Common abstractions and basic program design.

The second part introduces Computer Science and will show you what others have been doing with the techniques explained in the first part. It will give a panoramic view of modern CS: databases, operating systems, artificial intelligence, compilers, `soft-computing', etc...

Only the chapter on compilers seems a bit confusing, everything else is clearly explained.

You won't need a good background in maths to follow it.

excellent university teaching tool
I was a former teaching assistant this past summer for a lower divisioncomputer science course at UC Berkeley. We used this book as our primarytext. From several semesters of teaching introductory computer sciencecourses I can say that this book has proven to be an indispensible item forme. Ranging from concise writing to thought provoking questions, it is anexcellent introduction to future computer scientists. I recommend this toanyone. ... Read more

Product Description
The second edition of this elemental handbook reviews the current state of theory and practice in the field while emphasizing a more practical/applied approach to IT topics such as information management, net-centric computing, and human computer interaction. With a complete revision of its sections on software engineering, architecture, and operating systems, this now thoroughly up-to-date manual is as cutting-edge in the new millennium as it was in the nineties. The Computer Science Handbook, Second Edition includes new information on Web-based software, speech recognition, data mining, cryptography, and distributed objects computing as well as references and sources for further information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Awesome
This book was a surprise to me. I was expected something less than what I have received. Now I can look further into the theorethical foundations of turing machines, and data structures. Just the 2 first chapters are very interesting. I hope to found more in the remaining chapters.

An excellent and complete reference
This book provides a single substantive and comprehensive reference for practicing engineers and computer scientists, as well to other professional with strong computer experience and interest.

The handbook cover all mayor fields of CS&E, including algorithms and data structures, architecture, artificial intelligence and robotics, computational science, database and information retrieval, graphics, human-computer interaction, operating systems and networks, programming languages and software engineering.

An exceptional review of core CS material
I'm using this book to relearn core CS material in preparation for the CS GRE after several years in the industry. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This is not a book from which to learn concepts for the first time. If you've never heard of (e.g.) "undecidability", don't get this book intending to learn about it. However, if you know enough to know what you don't know, this book will efficiently fill in the gaps.

The book consists of over 100 chapters covering material across nearly major area of computer science. Each chapter is 20-30 pages long and is geared to someone who has seen the material before but is in need of a review and summary of core terminology and historical context. Someone experienced in one field who wants to be able to read current technical material in another field will also find it useful.

Most of the authors are academics; the remainder are members of major research labs. Some of their chapters, like James Feldman's piece on Digital Logic, are truly extraordinary. Most others range from solid to exceptional. The material isn't just that of concern to traditional academic CS; I was pleasantly surprised to see an entire section (8 chapters worth) on practical software engineering topics (development process and lifecycle models, requirements and specification, design, validation, tools, testing, project management, etc). The material was authored around 1995 or 1996, and nearly all of it is still relevant and as up-to-date as is appropriate for this sort of collection.

One minor weakness is there's no cross-chapter index or glossary. The book is organized as a collection of papers, and each paper includes its own index, bibliography, and glossary. To find material about the web, for instance, you have to hunt through the (excellent) 20-page table of contents for the relevant subsections scattered throughout. This weakness is far from fatal, however. Should the next edition add an index, it will only add value to an already exceptional collection, by making it easier to locate references to material that spans subfields.

Again, highly recommended for targeted learning.

Alot of info.....A little unreadable
There is a wealth of information in this book.Many engineers will enjoy having this reference.However, if you are not in the industry, or still a little low on the mathmatics totem pole.This book will appear to you asthough it is written in Greek!It practically is with all of thedifferential notation.When I am finished with my CSE degree, I will tryto read it again.Until then, it will stay on the shelf.Definitely NOTlight reading! ... Read more

Product Description

The third edition of Languages and Machines: An Introduction to the Theory of Computer Science provides readers with a mathematically sound presentation of the theory of computer science.  The theoretical concepts and associated mathematics are made accessible by a "learn as you go" approach that develops an intuitive understanding of the concepts through numerous examples and illustrations. 

Customer Reviews (14)

Clueless reviews
This is a college textbook, meant to be used in conjunction with a class. Some of the reviews call it boring or difficult to understand. No kidding! This is an advanced class. In my college, it's co-listed as a computer science and mathematics course. Were people really expecting a Steven King novel?

Solutions are available
A number of reviewers have mentioned that there are no solutions available at the back of the book.This is true.But there are solutions for about 1/3 of the exercises available from the publisher.If you are a prof, it might be an idea to obtain these and pass them on to your students; that's what I'm doing.If you are a student, talk to your prof about it, and if you are studying for comps, ask your supervisor.Here is the author's website for the book, which contains information on how to obtain the solutions: [...]

Now that said,I just finished choosing between about 6 books in the area.None of them are perfect.I ended up selecting this one, as it has good examples and clear definitions, and the coverage we need.

One reviewer mentioned the emphasis on Turing Machines as a strong point.My point of view is that Turing machines are not a model that means much to students.If I teach students computability with TMs and then ask them if they can solve the halting problem for C (suitably idealized), they don't see the connection. (Even though I've told them.) When it comes to complexity, the connection is even more tenuous.One of the weaknesses of this book is that it does not treat the RAM model or similar models that are more like the language and machines that students use (and hopefully program) every day.Personally, I'd like to see a book that has no TMs at all, or relegate them to an optional chapter. Anyway, this is a fault of the genre.There are only a few texts that don't focus on TMs, even for complexity.

No Examples ,No Answers,No Hints
Besides the fact that the book is "dry", in which most Math theory based books are,the examples are just the basis step towards solving a problem.I equate it to teaching a child how to add, and just giving them the example "1 + 0", then assume they can figure out the rest.There are no answers, either in the back of the book for particular exercies, nor was a study guide made available.What is really shocking is that it's the most expensive book out there! Not to mention that there isn't any programming steps made available.Great text for a Math major ... horrible textbook for Computer Science Majors, mainly becausecomputer science majors would want to see programming examples and may not be as strongly math oriented as a Math major would be.

A Good Book for a Tough Subject
Abstract language theory is hard, but Languages and Machines does a very good job of explaining the subject step by step. The topics are covered extremely thoroughly and with just the right amount of rigor.As for those who claim it's not exciting enough, you can't get blood out of a stone.Only the most dedicated computer scientist and mathematicians will find this topic interesting.Even so, this book does a superb job of tying theory to application (e.g., the machines one can use language theory to build) for even the most obscure concepts (like the Greibach Normal Form).

That being said, there are a few problems.First, the author's claim that this is a book for undergrads is not credible (except perhaps at MIT or CalTech).Even my graduate students have to read sections multiple times to "get it".Second, the author needs to provide solutions to selected problems at the back of the textbook.Most theory books do this, but not this one.This is a major weakness, especially given the difficulty of the material.Lastly, Sudkamp's proofs are extremely dry and very difficult to follow.He should take a cue from Sipser's "Intro to the Theory of Computation" book (which is generally too abstract for most students)and introduce "proof ideas" to give the big picture for important proofs.

emphasises the Turing machine
[A review of the 3RD EDITION, 2005.]

Sudkamp gives a formal and rigorous explanation of what constitutes a language. Where this is deliberately taken to include both natural (spoken) languages and programming languages. To do this, you should note that the treatment is necessarily non-trivial. It is not a lightweight book, conceptually.

The book summarises decades of work in this field, that have attempted to reduce human languages to a form that could be "understood" by a machine. So he explains the various techniques that have arisen. Like finite state machines (finite automata).

Notably, he discusses what is a Turing machine. A universal computing engine, that all other computers can map to. Such a Turing machine might be deterministic or non-deterministic. You can learn very powerful unifying ideas.

From the construct of a Turing machine, the book uses this to delve into problems that are NP complete or P complete. The implementation of a solution as steps to be done by a Turing machine are elegant, and show how such a machine, while an idealisation, can be used to give provable results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

APCS study guide
This book is my review bible. It is great. It goes with our AP Computer Science book. ... Read more

Product Description
The third edition of Computer Science: A Structured Programming Approach Using C continues to present both computer science theory and C-language syntax with a principle-before-implementation approach. Forouzan and Gilberg employ a clear organizational structure, supplemented by easy-to-follow figures, charts, and tables. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

CS book review
This book has a lot of examples and you can get practice before going to an exam or developing your own program.It is easy to understand and easy to read and go along with.

Great Book.
Great product, required for my computer coding class. Very informative. Great book to skim since there's a lot of useful information. If your having trouble on the homework, just whip this book out and you will almost always get an example similar to the problem.

Good Book!!! A+
This is a good book. I used for my freshman year in engineering. I sold it when the semester ended. However, I bought it again because I needed to review some material and I knew it was a good source. Recommended!!!

A bad book for learning C
I bought this book since the University website here in India "Recommends" this book for C and Data structures course. Since I myself have not done a Computer Science course as my major was Electronics, I tried to go through this book as my guide for C.

As it turned out this book is an utter Junk. It has 1000+ pages which will take you some time completing it and once you are done with it you will still not be able to solve a single problem in a more advanced C book -- Such as say K&R C.

The explanations of the concepts about the language is very bad and the Authors look like they have no background in C programming.

In all, there are better books out there for C. Save your money and do not buy this book.

Textbook, not a quick reference
I bought this for a textbook. It is not a quick read. However, it has a lot of examples and the summary pages and tips at the end of the chapters have been useful for class. The index is complete enough you can use it to find stuff. Whether you understand the explanation is another matter. The author can be quite verbose and attempts to cover everything. Good for a text, not so good for a reference. I'm sure there are more concise treatments, but this isn't a bad book and I am getting used to the format. ... Read more

Product Description
This new edition of Invitation to Computer Science follows the breadth-first guidelines recommended by CC2001 to teach computer science topics from the ground up.The authors begin by showing that computer science is the study of algorithms, the central theme of the book, then move up the next five levels of the hierarchy: hardware, virtual machine, software, applications, and ethics. Utilizing rich pedagogy and a consistently engaging writing style, Schneider and Gersting provide students with a solid grounding in theoretical concepts, as well as important applications of computing and information technology.A laboratory manual and accompanying software is available as an optional bundle with this text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Book and Service
Looks exactly how the description said it would. Also recieved the book sooner then I expected. Would buy from them again.

Programming Languages
An excellent text. This is a book if you wish to study Computer Science in general. It does cover the differences between programming languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, C/C++, Ada, C#, and .NET. It explains a lot about algorithms, bulding blocks, computer systems organization, system software, computer networks, compilers and language translation, computation, databases, information security, artificial intelligence.

Invitation to Computer Science - Java Edition doesn't Have Enough Java
The text is interesting, but too broad for anyone wishing to learn Java programming. ... Read more

Product Description
Recent years have seen the development of powerful tools for verifying hardware and software systems, as companies worldwide realise the need for improved means of validating their products. There is increasing demand for training in basic methods in formal reasoning so that students can gain proficiency in logic-based verification methods. The second edition of this successful textbook addresses both those requirements, by continuing to provide a clear introduction to formal reasoning which is both relevant to the needs of modern computer science and rigorous enough for practical application. Improvements to the first edition have been made throughout, with extra and expanded sections on SAT solvers, existential/universal second-order logic, micro-models, programming by contract and total correctness. The coverage of model-checking has been substantially updated. Further exercises have been added. Internet support for the book includes worked solutions for all exercises for teachers, and model solutions to some exercises for students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

OK
There's a black mark on the side of my book, and that's the only minor flaw.

Excellent introduction
I read this book to learn the basics of model checking, and I found it an excellent introduction. Logic can be a dry and intimidating subject but this text presents the theory in an engaging style. Concepts are always introduced with concrete examples to explain them and to show how they should be used to reason about software. Thisbook is essentially theoretical, there is no presentation of real world uses of the methods.

a reader
In my opinion (I refer to the II edition)the logic treatment is fairly complete for acomputer science student (anyway it's missing the treatment of Prolog and the relevant logic).This book is also an excellent introduction to Model Checking of Clarke.

Not for undergrads, advanced textbook
The coverage of this book is quite good for what concerns logic in computer science. However, using it as an introduction on logic for computer scientists is probably ambitious because the explanations are rather complicated for undergraduates. A first course on logic and another on AI would not hurt before getting into this one. Too many notions of computer science (syntax and semantics of programming languages, complexity) are needed to fully understand some topics, hence it is better that you already have a broad view of all aspects of computer science before reading this one. As an advanced course textbook to formal techniques in computer sciente on the other hand, this one would do the job.

It's a decent book
A lot of good material is covered and in a relatively tight fashion. The presentation of logic is well done, but when getting into the BDDs, the explanations get a little complicated and I personally had to read it over several times before I could make sure I understood what was going on. This book also does not have anything on symmetry, so if that's what you're looking for, there are better books out there. However, this book can hold its own and I recommend it to anyone interested in learning the basics of model checking provided they can take handle some of the heavy duty reading. ... Read more