This encyclopedia focuses on computers and issues related to
computers. More than 400 entries, arranged alphabetically, provide
information on hardware, software, computer languages, operating
systems, applications, the Internet, key individuals, and social
issues such as the digital divide. With a limited number of
entries, topic selection appears based on popularity. For example,
Microsoft Windows gets a three-page main entry, while the Macintosh
operating system is only mentioned within articles related to
Macintosh (e.g., Jobs, Steven Paul).
Articles average about a page in length. The longest, History of
computing, stretches to just over four pages. All articles have a
list of further readings, usually two to eight items, often
including Web sites. Citations for books and articles are current,
with several from 2002.
Articles on various computer languages might be too technical for
the novice computer user. For example, the article on C++ provides
sample code. On the other hand, articles on hardware seem tailored
for the beginner. Mouse traces the development of the mouse,
includes a diagram of a mechanical mouse, and has statements such
as "Activating a button is called clicking." As a result, both
beginners and more experienced computer users should find this
resource helpful.
The 167 black-and-white illustrations include charts, drawings,
flowcharts, photographs, and screen shots. Four appendixes include
a list of bibliographic guides (both print and Web based) to the
computer field, a chronology of computing, important awards, and
computer-related organizations. The encyclopedia also offers a
listing of entries by general category in the front and a keyword
index in the back.
The strength of this resource is its currency. It makes a nice
supplement to older works such as the Encyclopedia of Computers and
Computer History (Fitzroy Dearborn, 2001), the Encyclopedia of
Computer Science (4th ed., Grove's Dictionaries, 2000), and the
World of Computer Science (Gale, 2002). Recommended for high-
school, public, and academic libraries. RBB
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0816063826/
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