The Prentice-Hall Concise Book of Computers

Terry Haggerty was Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physical Education, University of Western Ontario, London.

Mark Frank, a computer industry instructor, has written an easy-to-comprehend text that concisely explains numerous computer concepts. The book consists of 44 discrete topics of approximately 1,000 words, with three full-colour photographs or diagrams for each entry. Sample topics are: “what computers do,” “computer languages,” “virtual memory,” “transistors and chips,” “super cool computers,” “the end of paper,” “how computers make mistakes,” and “can computers replace people.” The writing style is clear, the type large, and the format very attractive.

Unlike many of the “introduction to computer” books currently available, Frank’s book is general enough that it will not be quickly outdated. Each topic is discrete, making the book a concise basic reference text suited for school and public libraries.

A short bibliography is included; however, a selected bibliography or list of selected readings at the end of each topic would have been more advantageous for readers who require additional information.