Product Description
Engage, excite and enlighten your users with New Perspectives on Computer Concepts, Eleventh Edition. This book has been completely updated to provide your users with the latest, most in-depth information on computer concepts and their application today's world. The Eleventh Edition provides the most current information on computers, software, the Internet, and emerging issues and technologies. Its unique method transforms learning concepts into an approachable, hands-on experience that appeals to everyone, from the computer novice to the computer savvy learner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Computer Concepts
I received my order in a couple of days after I placed the order.The book was used but in good condition.The price was reasonable.I was satisfied with my order.

ONLY 4 chapters
Unless your course only studies the first four chapters this book is worthless. Completely my fault, it does say brief, what the brief means is incomplete. Spending $63 on a thin paperback does not ensure a complete book.

POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE -I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SELLER
I e-mailed this vendor several times and never received a response. They also do not have a return policy in place. I do not recommend. I will never purchase from them again!

Worth it, since it was needed for the course
It came in the condition stated. i havent had any problems, the book looked brand new and the shipping was very fast
Thanks

Good
The book was exactly like Amazon said. If you want to buy something, I suggest you find the one that is sold by Amazon because the refund and return processes are easy. ... Read more

Product Description
With the new developments in computer architecture, fairly recent publications can quickly become outdated. Computer Architecture: Software Aspects, Coding, and Hardware takes a modern approach. This comprehensive, practical text provides that critical understanding of a central processor by clearly detailing fundamentals, and cutting edge design features. With its balanced software/hardware perspective and its description of Pentium processors, the book allows readers to acquire practical PC software experience. The text presents a foundation-level set of ideas, design concepts, and applications that fully meet the requirements of computer organization and architecture courses.The book features a "bottom up" computer design approach, based upon the author's thirty years experience in both academe and industry. By combining computer engineering with electrical engineering, the author describes how logic circuits are designed in a CPU. The extensive coverage of a micprogrammed CPU and new processor design features gives the insight of current computer development. Computer Architecture: Software Aspects, Coding, and Hardware presents a comprehensive review of the subject, from beginner to advanced levels. Topics include:o Two's complement numbers o Integer overflow o Exponent overflow and underflow o Looping o Addressing modes o Indexing o Subroutine linking o I/O structures o Memory mapped I/O o Cycle stealing o Interrupts o Multitasking o Microprogrammed CPU o Multiplication tree o Instruction queue o Multimedia instructions o Instruction cache o Virtual memory o Data cache o Alpha chip o Interprocessor communications o Branch prediction o Speculative loading o Register stack o JAVA virtual machine o Stack machine principles ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointing:A good book done badly.
If this were the only book in the world on the subject, I would probably recommend it.As it happens, there are lots of other books out there, almost all of which are better.I picked up this book because I always enjoy reading how computer architecture is covered and it seemed to contain some subjects of particular interest.I promptly discovered that while it contains a lot of good material, it is incredibly poorly organized, badly edited and actually contains factual errors.

Parts of it remind me of a professor I had in college that covered material he had read about but have never actually worked with.I am kind of surprised to see material presented this way in such a nice looking textbook from a respectable publisher.

What is particularly frustrating is that there is a lot of good material here.If it were massively edited with some major rewriting (with fact checking), it could be turned into quite a good book.Until that happens, I would suggest avoiding this particular volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Filters out the hype and confusion and focuses on what you need to know to become a proficient; setting up your computer so it meets your needs, running basic applications, getting started on the Internet, and more. Softcover.Amazon.com Review
For anyone frightened or frustrated by the complexity of thePC, How to Use Computers offers the first step to opening thedoor to technology. It's a big, colorful, friendly guide filled witheverything from cartoon-like screen shots to winking wizards. LisaBiow doesn't just launch into the basics of word processing, sheprovides a more comprehensive background for how to coexist withcomputers. For example, topic 1 is titled, "Computers Are NotFragile," and she encourages readers to play around with theirsystems. Making mistakes and exploring are fine ideas, she extols. Sheeases readers into fundamental concepts, such as the differencebetween hardware and software, how memory works, and how to copy filesand folders. For those who are unpacking their first PC, How to UseComputers is a reassuring beginner's guide. --JenniferBuckendorff ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

How To Use Computers
I have used this book as text for a Basic Computer class that I have taught three times for adult students.I have used it both as a preparatory refresher text for myself and also have recommended it for mystudents.They were very satisfied with it also. The best part of thisbook is that it gets down to the basic level and covers computers andeverything concerned with computers on a level that everyone canunderstand. The illustrations are also first rate. I heartily recommendthis book as a basic text for anyone that does not have any knowledge ofcomputers. It is also an excellent review for anyone who thinks that theyknow it all.It is well written, well-organized, and has a wealth ofeasy-to-understand illustrations for all to follow. It covers all aspectsof computers from the basics to the internet. The only complaint I have isthat the binding leaves a little to be desired, however for its cost it isa good buy.

A MUST-HAVE FOR THE BEGINNER!!
This book is perfect for the beginner--full of basics & easily read & followed.The later edition in 1998 was equally as informative, and also full of really helpful how-to tips.Nowhere in the books do you getbogged down with information you really don't need as anovice---TERRIFIC!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Intended for the enthusiast looking for an alternative to off-the-shelf computer systems, this manual considers both cheap secondhand components and state-of-the-art technology. It cuts through the jargon and demonstrates how easy it is to create a custom-built computer from scratch using little more than a screwdriver. Readers will understand how computers actually work, save money and, most importantly, learn how to design and build the perfect PC that matches their needs both now and in the furture. The end result should be the only computer they ever need. ... Read more

Product Description
The skills and guidance needed to master RTL hardware design

This book teaches readers how to systematically design efficient, portable, and scalable Register Transfer Level (RTL) digital circuits using the VHDL hardware description language and synthesis software. Focusing on the module-level design, which is composed of functional units, routing circuit, and storage, the book illustrates the relationship between the VHDL constructs and the underlying hardware components, and shows how to develop codes that faithfully reflect the module-level design and can be synthesized into efficient gate-level implementation.

Several unique features distinguish the book:
* Coding style that shows a clear relationship between VHDL constructs and hardware components
* Conceptual diagrams that illustrate the realization of VHDL codes
* Emphasis on the code reuse
* Practical examples that demonstrate and reinforce design concepts, procedures, and techniques
* Two chapters on realizing sequential algorithms in hardware
* Two chapters on scalable and parameterized designs and coding
* One chapter covering the synchronization and interface between multiple clock domains

Although the focus of the book is RTL synthesis, it also examines the synthesis task from the perspective of the overall development process. Readers learn good design practices and guidelines to ensure that an RTL design can accommodate future simulation, verification, and testing needs, and can be easily incorporated into a larger system or reused. Discussion is independent of technology and can be applied to both ASIC and FPGA devices.

With a balanced presentation of fundamentals and practical examples, this is an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses in advanced digital logic. Engineers who need to make effective use of today's synthesis software and FPGA devices should also refer to this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best book ever for synthesis
This book focuses on the IEEE 1076.6 VHDL RTL synthesis standard. If you want to do behavioral modeling, look to Peter J. Ashenden's Designer's Guide to VHDL. If you want to make circuits that work. This is your book. VHDL is a complex language that can be used for different purposes. Actual hardware design is only one of these purposes. So if that's what you want to do, get this book that focuses on that particular aspect of the language.

There are plenty of End of Chapter exercises that are challenging but doable. Topics are in depth and good design practices are taught alongside good coding style.

Excellent book for digital IC designer
This is an excellent book for digital IC designer using
VHDL at the RT level. It does not cover the full VHDL
syntax, but it gives a lot of information on how to design
a digital ASIC using VHDL. ... Read more

Product Description
Put a hacker in a room with a Furby for a weekend and you'll hear a conversation that's fairly one-sided in its originality. Toss in an 802.11b network card, a soldering iron, wire cutters, a logic probe, and a few other carefully selected tools and materials and you'll have potential. Add a copy of Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks and by the end of the weekend that Furby will be saying things you never imagined.

From How to Hack a Toaster to building Cubicle Intrusion Detection Systems, Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks offers an array of inventive customized electronics projects for the geek who can't help looking at a gadget and wondering how it might be "upgraded." Beginning with basic hacks, tools, and techniques for those who may not have a background in electronics, the book covers the tools of the hardware hacking trade and basic soldering techniques. Clear step-by-step instructions allow even those with no formal electronics- or hardware-engineering skills to hack real hardware in very clever ways.

Hacks in the book are rated on a scale of difficulty, cost, and duration. Projects range from those that are truly useful to some things you may have never thought to do, but which are really cool, such as:

Building your own arcade game

Making radio-controlled cars play laser tag

Building an automobile periscope

Hacking an 802.11b antenna

Building a building size display

Perhaps you're an electronics hobbyist who likes to learn by doing. Maybe you hack software and want to see how the other half lives. Or, maybe you've never hacked at all, but you'd like to get started quickly with some projects that do something interesting from the start. If you're any of these, then Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks will indulge your inner mad scientist. Using the projects in this book as a jumping point for other new and clever hacks, it won't be long before you're looking around, asking, "I wonder what I can improve next?" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

For the geeks indeed
I bought this book for one reason:How to hack a furby (and other talking toys).The book is very thorough and I am very satisfied with the explanation.The rest are probably funbut who wants to build an aquarium inside a Mac:-)This is a very interesting book, though.Other topics of interest are How to Hack 80.11b Antennas, Build a PC water-Cooling system, Build an Internet Toaster, Build a Home arcade machine, build a remote Object tacker, build a wearable computer(hmm), build an internet coffeemakerand much, much more.And don't forget to look at Scott Fullam's photo at the back of the book.One look and I could tell its his kind of book.Smile.Cold Eyes

Fun with the Unusual
Useful, fun, or just plain strange projects abound in this book.Some of the unusual but useful projects include creating a portable laptop power supply using regular batteries, setting up a surplus Primestar dish antennae to be a 802.11b wireless system capable of almost ten miles, and creating an advanced digital video system.On the other end of the spectrum is making an aquarium inside a MacIntosh, building an 802.11b antenna from a can, hacking a Furby, and creating a car video periscope.And, of course, there are projects between those two extremes.Each project is classified by cost, time and difficulty level making it easy to determine which ones you might want to tackle.An interesting title for the geek who wants to have the unusual that their friends are not likely to have, Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks is a fun and unusual read.

Highrise building = LED-style display!?!?
The point of this book is to encourage creative engagement with electro/mechanical technology - to go beyond typical uses - to rediscover the inner inventor and toymaker.
Each project teaches the builder fundamental technologies that can be applied in many situations. Most of the projects can be re-scaled to a range of budgets and available materials.
Well written, illustrated, and resourced. A fun read!

Training the young hardware geek
This is a big, floppy paperback full of projects many geeks or would be geeks already know about.After all, the internet leaks this sort of information all over.However despite some of the projects being a little underwhelming for the geek about town, the fifteen projects would probably be the perfect introduction to hardware hacking for a youngster keen to get into electronics and computers.

Now that there are very few electronic hobbyist magazines around, it is hard to know how any except the most talented youngsters will get started on hacking gadgets, except via books like this.Having a talented toy designer write the book is a great ploy, as many of the best gadgets are derived from subverting toys and general consumer appliances.

Some of the introductory projects are a little wimpy.The author doesn't really make it sufficiently clear that an external battery pack for a notebook computer is unlikely to extend your working time much (alkaline batteries are ill suited to most high current drain computers).However there is an undeniable need for a very simple introduction to the tools and materials you need to use.This is one of six tasks teaching tools and materials.The last couple are hacking Furbys, and making a video periscope for a car.

The advanced section includes digital video recorders, building lighting control, a remote GPS object tracker (just like James Bond).There is a very nice one chapter introduction to making wearable computers.

The book would make a perfect gift for the potential hardware geek.

Very accurate and true to form
After making a few these hacks you learn a couple things about the book.Try to stay with the recommended materials list and you will do fine.It also gets you working on the basics of circuitry.However it is as labeled "projects" not really anything too much to learn from, but great if you just want to have some fun. ... Read more

Product Description
Following the extremely successful Essential Managers series, these four new Essential Computer guides are easy-to-follow and contain all the computer information you will ever need. Looking to hone your computer skills in Word, CorelDraw, and Excel? Are you interested in digital moviemaking or composing music on your PC? Essential Computer Guides are perfect for you! Written in clear, concise language with step-by-step solutions, these guides are ideal for learning specifics and overcoming issues that thousands of users face every day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well composed, could've been better!
This book is just the kind of product that we have to come to expect from DK Publishing Group - full of rich graphics and colors. The book has been written for Excel 2000, and not XP. Nevertheless, the concepts discussed in the book are very basic to the spreadsheet application from Microsoft, and hence, relevant regardless of the version.

The book is clearly meant for an absolute beginner, and anyone with more than a few weeks of experience with Excel 2000 will find this book passable. But this book is capable of having a novice up and running with Excel in no time. Explanations are lucid, simple, and free of boring and unnecessary technical jargon. The author has taken the pain of discussing even the minutest steps when explaining a feature/function. But alas! The book's fault lies not in the form, but the substance, i.e. in its coverage of the subject matter. It covers only the very basic steps in understanding and working with formulas, errors, and functions. The book could have easily spanned a few more topics that would have enriched the experience and knowledge of the readers.

Anyways! This book is a good reference to keep on one's shelf - atleast until the time that one gets fluent with the tricks and trades of Excel. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by best-selling PC repair author and educator Jean Andrews, the fifth edition of A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting maps fully to CompTIA's 2009 A+ Exam objectives. This full-color guide is the most complete, step-by-step book available for learning the fundamentals of supporting and troubleshooting computer hardware. At the same time, it prepares readers to successfully pass the A+ 220-701 and 220-702 exams. The new edition is formatted to support any teaching or learning style and course format, featuring an essentials-to-practical organization within each chapter and inclusion of tabs distinguishing exam content. Further content and live demonstrations with Jean Andrews are available on the accompanying CD, making this new edition a total solution for hardware maintenance and repair. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Flawed
Just an example of how the author doesn't know what (s)he's talking about:

"Probably the best-known technologies used by processors are Intel's Hyper-Threading and AMD's HyperTransport. Both allow each logical processor within the processor package to handle an individual thread in parallel with other threads being handled by other processors within the package."

This is an elementary error, that even amateur hardware enthusiasts know is wrong. Hyper-Threading and HyperTransport are two very different things. The former is what the author describes, the latter is a bus. It suggests that the author doesn't know much about hardware, and probably created the book by googling and using sources that may, or may not be correct.

Very well-written book
This book was written for someone who wants to go from "Caveman" to IT Professional.From beginning to end, this book is compiled with an abundance of great information in a very easy flow of delivery. (It's actually easier to read this book than to listen to lecture!)

Great book with some-what long chapters
I've been dealing with computers, now, for about 13 years. I can say that this is probably one of the better books out there. It goes in-depth into the hardware and how it works. It also describes some of the methodology needed to actually troubleshoot a computer. I say "some of the methodology" because every tech is going to develop their own methodology to get the job done with certain points that are same between all techs; Ms. Andres tells what those points are and gives ideas on effective methodologies.

The book doesn't go into that far into software. It only covers enough to get troubleshooting and installation done. It also only gives enough about OS installation to install an OS effectively. However, unlike what someothers in this review thread have said, software is not covered in the A+ exam, anymore, and hasn't been for about 4+ years. The test is only concerned about how much you know about the hardware, what can go wrong with the hardware, and how to troubleshoot those issues to come up with the correct answer. The A+ domains, or areas that are tested, can be downloaded from the CompTIA website; this will confirm what I've said about the software.

The downside to this book, which is a downside to most technical books I've read, is that it isn't an easy read. Most of the chapters are 30+ pages long. If you can stick through it, though, the A+ exam will be a breaze.

The book is also supposed to come with a CD. That CD has practice exam software on it called Certblaster. While I haven't had much use for it, I have heard others speak very highly of the software.

Terrible Book Done For Money Only
This book was essentially a book about the parts of a computer. I strongly suggest that no one buy this book. Check out the internet to answer the questions you may have about the contents of a computer. A professor of mine picked this book as the class text and it was a complete waste of money and paper. The student CD was missing a lot of referenced images and materials. The online student companion files were inaccessible. The text relied heavily on images from Intel's website. There was nothing original about this text or the contents it had in it. DO NOT USE THIS CLASS FOR A TEXT UNLESS YOU HAVE TO!

book
I received this product on time and was brand new like it said. My only good review out of everything I purchased online.
... Read more

Product Description

This book provides a clear and easy to follow treatment of communications and networking. It is written specifically for undergraduates who have no previous experience in the field. The author takes a step-by-step approach, with many examples and exercises designed to give the reader experience and increase confidence by using and designing communications systems.

Written by a lecturer with many years' experience teaching undergraduate programmes, the text takes the reader through the essentials of networking and provides a comprehensive, reliable and thorough treatment of the subject. The book is also accessible for business professionals.

Product Description
This text is intended to teach the fundamentals of physics to computer scientists, electrical engineers, and others interested in electronics. The presentation is thus directed toward understanding the fundamental physics of how a computer works, while still providing a broad and effective one-year introduction to classical and modern physics. The first half of the book includes many of the topics of a standard introductory physics course, but with the selection and presentation tailored to be of use in the second half, which develops the physics of semiconductor devices. This second part covers the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, crystal structure, semiconductor devices, and logic circuits. The mathematical complexities are alleviated by intuitive physical arguments. Students are encouraged to use their own programming skills to solve problems. Some knowledge of calculus is a prerequisite, and the second part can serve by itself as an introduction to the physics of electronic materials and devices for students who have had a standard two-semester introductory physics course.In this second edition, the material on electronic devices has been updated and the coverage of carrier transport, operation of bipolar transistors and MOSFETs, and fabrication of integrated circuits has been expanded. New material includes descriptions of the fundamentals of solar cells, dynamic random-access memories, charged-coupled-device imaging arrays, and of such compound semiconductor devices as light-emitting diodes and heterostructure lasers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Too short and not enough info
This book does not elaborate the topics . It is very short and not enough info to gain knowledge. So I am looking for a good study guide for this book, it might help. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Dated, but still valuable as a learning tool
When I first began my study of digital logic, I was fortunate that the first book I used was "Digital Computer Electronics: An Introduction to Microcomputers" by Malvino. After working through that book, I moved on to this one. While this one is also dated, it still provides a sound introduction to the fundamental principles of digital circuitry before it moves on to the basics of programming in assembly language.
The chapter titles are:

*) Combinational logic
*) Combinational logic circuits and logic technologies
*) Sequential logic
*) Register-transfer logic
*) Arithmetic unit
*) Machine language programming
*) Assembly language programming
*) Memory
*) Input/output
*) Computer systems

The last chapter is the one that is most dated, the systems covered are:

*) Hp-35 calculator
*) HP 41C
*) MCS-4 microcomputer
*) PDP-8
*) PDP-11
*) VAX-11
*)Motorola M6800
*) Motorola M68004
*) IBM 370
*) Computer networks

However, using the principle of starting at the beginning, an examination of these processors and their instruction sets is an excellent place to continue the process of learning exactly what goes on inside a computer chip. Therefore, this book, in combination with the one by Malvino mentioned earlier, still make up an excellent combination for the person who wants to learn the basics of digital circuitry.

... Read more

Product Description
A detailed guide to PC hardware for programmers discusses assembly language, system components, and how PC systems manage and communicate data, and covers the most recent information on the Pentium microprocessor and CD-ROM interfaces.(Advanced). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Hardware: 5 stars; software: 3 stars. (5+3)/2 = 4 stars.
Miss a lot of things in this book. For example, there is no good and right explanation about intersegment jumps and calls.

Makes the black box called PC as transparent as a fish pound
If you really want to know what really makes the PC works, read this one.It really helps people to understand the logic process that is inside each PC component.It teaches you the bases of electronics, from the diode tothe serial ports, and Pentium processor.The explanations are simple, butit does not goes in deep, leaving you with the necessary knowledge to justunderstand the innerworkings of the computer, no to make one from thescratch.

The assembler part is very good,but it is intended for peoplewith medium level skills in programming, hard to understand if your are abeginner.

I gave 4 stars because this book is a bit older, it does notcover things like the new USB, PCMCIA III, and DVD topics.I really use itas areliable refference material.

Excellent tutorial and reference
This book goes into all the nitty-gritty details that all REAL programmers are after.Although I'm a CS major at Ohio State, I knew little about computers except how to program them.Their inner-workings were still a mystery to me.This book was used for one of my courses and was exactly what I needed.It gives both a high-level view of the x86 architecture, and all the fine points down to the individual pins on the hardware components.It also covers x86 assembly language in some detail.This book has just about everything you need to know for programming in the Intel x86 architecture.Look no further. ... Read more

Product Description
Software and Hardware Engineering: Motorola M68HC12 is the second in a series of processor-specific texts designed to stand alone or to accompany Cady's previous book, Microcontrollers and Microcomputers: Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering (OUP 98). This two-text concept provides well-written text coverage of the general principles of software and hardware design. This accompanying processor-specific volume allows professors to choose a particular microcontroller for their course/lab work. The previous text focused specifically on the Motorola M688HC11. This text provides an introduction to the architecture and design of software and hardware for the Mortorola M68HC12. Specifically, it covers the hardware features of two versions of the M68HC12 -- the M68HC12A4 and the M68HC912B32. In addition to covering and comparing features common with its M68HC11 predecessor, this text features chapter on fuzzy logic and how to program a fuzzy inference engine. A detailed appendix explains the design of software for a debugging pod. There are more than 100 extensive programming examples. This text will provide the beginning student with specific material and examples to apply the Motorola M68HC12 microcontroller in real-world applications. It is written so that a student or engineer familiar with the Motorla M68HC11 will be easily assimilate the differences between it and the M68HC12. It is suitable for undergraduate students in electrical engineering or technology programs in electrical and computer technology.

This text can be used with its companion volume, Microcontrollers and Microcomputers: Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering, or with any other book that examines the general principles of microcomputer technology. It can stand by itself in a course devoted to the M68HC12. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not much more than the Documentaion Rehashed.
You can get this book used for 3.00, because that is about what it is worth.

While the authors seem to understand hardware, I seriously question that there is much in software of value here.

You will pay a lot more for:
"The HCS12/9S12: An Introduction to Hardware and Software Interfacing"
But it is worth every penny.

Foundation for Programmble Hardware
This book is used for the classic junior level microprocessor class at Montana State University - Bozeman (where Cady teaches) and is the starting point for modern digital design. After an "Intro to Logic Circuits" class this book then gives the essential foundation to build upon with more advanced design classes. The microcontroller book (also by Cady) comes after this one.

Highly Recommended - Very Valuable
This book, and potential customers, have been done a great disservice if they've been misled by previous customer reviews. While not for beginners, that fact does not take away from the value of this book to others. And it is far more than just data sheets. Anyone who's tried to learn a new microprocessor strictly from data sheets will certainly recognize the value of this book. It does not replace the data sheets; it supplements them. It straddles well the region between primers and reference material.

The intended audience for this book is college Engineering students, or people already familiar with microprocessors. A highly motivated beginner could use this book as well, but they would probably need access to someone with experience to answer questions when they get stuck. (For a more beginner's book see Fredrick Cady's "Microcontrollers and Microcomputers - Principles of Software and Hardware Engineering".) Familiarity with the HC11 could be helpful, but it's not required. I have never worked with the HC11, and I found that of little consequence.

The HC12 is an amazing microcontroller. But gleaning and understanding the necessary material from the 400 pages of Motorola data sheets isn't easy. The authors, one of whom helped design the HC12, have already done that for you. Several very useful, but complex peripherals have been integrated into this line of microcontrollers, in addition to tons of parallel I/O. But what initially attracted me to this chip were the native Fuzzy Logic instructions. The authors do an excellent job of detailing an "example" Fuzzy Logic application, and the basics of Fuzzy Logic. It's worth the read for no other reason than that.

Modern microprocessors and microcontrollers have become very complex. Learning a new one without the help of a colleague, strictly from the data sheets is a monumental task. This book can fill that gap well. My one criticism is its age. Published only in 2000, it is already out of date regarding some of the newer versions of the HC12. The A4 and B32 are covered in this book, and while the B32 is still a workhorse suitable for many applications, some of the newer chips include many additional features and peripherals. A new edition that dealt with those would be useful.

If you're interested in learning the HC12 and/or Fuzzy Logic, I highly recommend this book.

This book is terrible
This book is in no way for beginners. This book talks about Assembly language for the HC 12 without detailed explanation of the code. If you do not understand assembly language you are lost with this book. However the book is a good reference once you understand the basics. A good book for beginners with some level of C programing knowledge is Embedded Microcontrollers by Tood Morton. it explains the assembly code in comparison to C/C++ code.

A copy
It's a kind of a copy of M68HC12 data sheets. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is about computer networking and the discipline of engineering computer networks. The book's content also has all the network-related-terminologies linked to it's Wiki page, which can be accessed directly from your Kindle.

Content:
1 Views of networks
2 History of computer networks
3 Networking methods (LAN, WAN, WLAN, GAN, etc.)
4 Network topology
5 Understanding IP addresses
6 Basic Hardware Components
7 Building a Simple Computer Network
8 List of Computer Networking Devices
9 Terminologies ... Read more

Product Description
The fearless guide for seniors, It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer is a reassuring, friendly, straightforward guide that will turn computerphobes into computerphiles. Written specifically for people who did not grow up with personal computers or even use them in the office, it presents everything that older newbies need to know: selecting, buying, and setting up hardware and software; using and adjusting the monitor; getting comfortable with the mouse and keyboard; adding and operating peripherals, such as a printer or scanner. Special sections specifically address the different needs of Mac and Windows users. And then the fun begins, as the book not only shows how to use a computer, but also covers all the reasons why to. Staying in touch with families via e-mail. Looking after stocks. Booking travel plans. Shopping on-line. Researching health issues. Joining newsgroups. Meeting like-minded friends in chat rooms. Not to mention using the computer for other tasks and entertainment, like word processing (finally getting back to that novel) or playing games. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Useless Content
I bought this book to help my parents learn how to use computer. Half of the book talks about how to buy a new computer, and how to set it up. The part which talks about how to use it also is pretty useless. It doesnt have any illustrations and step by step procedure to follow. The book reads more like a storybook than a tutorial.

I threw it in garbage, and bought Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (4th Edition) (Absolute Beginner's Guide). A much more useful book. I would also recommends video professor starter pack. Unlike other packages from Video professor, this doesnt enroll you into a subscription.

You Are Never To Old Too Love A Computer: The Fearless Guide for Seniors
While the book was somewhat helpful, the print date of this book is 2005 and it definitely needs updating.Things change very fast in the world of technology. Vista and Wi-Fi and two topics that are not addressed.

This is the best book for the beginner of ANY age!
I am not a NEWBIE, as the book calls beginners, but I was trying to find the perfect book for a friend who is about to get her first computer at age 50.I read the book myself and still learned a lot of things that I did not know!!This is the perfect book and it covers so much from buying a computer, setting it up -- even to the number one game for NEWBIES -- solitaire!I was very impressed.

Fearless Computer Guide for Seniors
This book is the reason that my mom has become more comfortable using a computer.She is currently planning to take more classes in order to become more proficient.

A gentle and kindly teacher
If you are new to computers (PC or Mac) and remember your first kindly teacher this book will bring back the memories as well as help you to learn the basics about using a computer.
Even if you are not to buying checklist is a big help. ... Read more

Product Description
Fully revised and updated, the fourth edition includes new chapters on broadband multi-service networks, a revamped chapter with extended and updated coverage of FDDI, and a new section on Fast Ethernet, covering 100BaseT, 100Base X, wireless LANs, and several additional candidate technologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent book!
This is a very good book! It delves into the details right from the start.I recommend this book to anyone in the data communications field.It can be a bit dry and complex, but the material is complete and after two or so perusals is easy to understand.This book was used in my graduate course for data communications. Excellent book!

A bit dry sometimes, but extremely complete
I have been using Fred Halsall's book in my computer engineering degree and it has been very useful. This is a dense, fat book that will provide lots of information.It covers the basics, from the essential theory about digital transmission, protocol basics and implementation methods, legacy and wireless LANs, HS LANs, transparent and source routing bridges, packet switching and frame relay networks/protocols, internetworking architectures, protocols and routing algorithms, multiservice broadband networks, TCP/IP and OSI application protocols, data encryption and network security, network management structures like SNMP and CMIP and other stuff. I can complain about some of the excessive use of acronyms that leave some areas of the book much harder to read. I'm talking about hundreds of acronyms here.

Also, Fred's writing is sometimes a bit too dry, sometimes forgetting to give the readera general idea about the subject, instead of just jumping into all the details. This is something that is better done in other books, especially Andrew Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks". Tanenbaum also shares his sense of humour, which, in a dense volume about telecommunications, ends up refreshing the user. Also, Tanenbaum's dares to share his opinion sometimes, something Halsall seldom does, giving us only the facts and nothing more. But if it's the facts you want, he's good at it.

I found most of the book clear; the section about Huffman data compression for instance, was excellent. I remember having some trouble with the Viterbi EC algorithm, which isn't very well explained. The book also lacks information about some more modern technologies like GSM.

In general, this is a very competent title, and a great resource to the student or the computer professional. Be sure to check Andrew S. Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks", since you might prefer it to this title, or, the perfect choice, get both. (I have them both and some subjects are a lot better in one book, and others are a lot better in the other title).

Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems (Ele
Excellent book. I have read first edition (1992) and now it is one of my best reference at the university where I teach.

I am going to buy this last edition to keep updated. ... Read more

Product Description
A fun and easy way to learn about computers, now redesigned to match the other cartoon guides. Illustrated with cartoons throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Old Text, but still very Relevant
This book will not help you design applications around XML, nor show you how to use the SDK/IDE's for Java, C++/C#, etc.Nor will it explain how to write drivers for new devices, it is an excellent survey and introduction to the core concepts of information technologies.

The text includes some humor, and some history. But it clearly explains the basics of information theory, and logical operations.While computing hardware and software has become more complex and subtle, the data algorithms and logical operations performed have not changed since 1950. What has changed is the speed and degree of parallelism that is used to increase hardware and software performance (speed and power).

The cartoon format makes the book appear much less instructive than it actually is.But the illustraions clarify the text, as if to remind readers that a picture is worth many words.Unlike most hardcover texts, this one is likely to be read by bright or curious kids (the ones who go ot to excel in life).So, it's actually a much better book for teaching than most of the others offered by publishers (because students pick it up to read on their own).

Try this test: ask someone about computing, calculation theory, and logical operations before AND after they read this book. You might be surprised at how much they learn -- it even works on those adults and old people who never seem to be able to learn anything.

A nice history, but out of date.
"The Cartoon Guide to the Computer" by Larry Gonick is another of his informative cartoons about different subjects.This book was originally titled "The Cartoon Guide to Computer Science", and was published in 1983.So much has happened in the world of computers since 1983, that this book has become very dated.This book still works as a history of Computers, but the parts of the book which focus more on the current state of computers is no longer relevant, nor was it when the book was published again in 1991 by HarperPerennial.

The areas that are well done include the history of the subject and related subjects, the overview of how computers work, the sections on logic and binary numbers.The parts that are poor are those on the PC, and BASIC programming, which suffer from being out of date and no longer relevant.There are several subjects that are missing too, such as networking and the Internet.If you are seeking a light-hearted trip down memory lane in the field of computers, then this might be a good choice, otherwise you may want to look elsewhere.In 1983, this probably would have been a four star book, but today I can only give it two.

Learning can't be any funnier or more creative
Covers from logic (gate) design up through floating point and (Shannon) communication theory with flair for humor && information. Best used as a light read OR semester course introducing computing for ages 4 & up. ... Read more

Product Description
As computer systems grow more and more complex, it's become clear that utilizing diagnostic techniques early on plays a critical role in reducing overall life-time product cost. As a result, strong diagnostic skills on the part of today's designers are at a premium. That's why the timing couldn't be better for this unique one-stop diagnostics guide. Covering a broad spectrum of hardware-from microprocessor boards to video devices-the book delivers straightforward information on the basic principles underlying all diagnostics... plus a wealth of specific, detailed examples demonstrating different diagnostic types and how each is best used. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A useful book for embedded systems diagnostics
The book covers the fundamentals of hardware diagnostics, and is still quite usefull for the countless embedded systems that have more limited embedded processors that are often only able to run "C" or a subset of "C".Concepts for testing serial devices, ram, rom, and disks, are all presented.

Don't expect to be able to copy the example code in the book verbatim.

The reader will have to develop their own code for testing items like flash memory, and eeprom memory, as well as testing common buses like I2C bus, and SPI bus.

Nice to have would be better code for ethernet diagnostics.

Very basic, beginner level info
The info provided in this book is strictly for beginners to the world of diagnostic coding.The data is very out-of-date and applies mostly to basic computer systems of the 70's.The coding styles are also very elementary and is written in the style of an introductory level course in programming.The examples will have very limited use in any contemporary software development effort.The author apparently does not have a solid grasp of C or with code re-use.

If you want current and in-depth info about contemporary computer systems and diagnostics - look elsewhere.If you don't know anything at all about computer diagnostics, this book might be able to get you started.I would recommend that you buy it used, however, and save yourself some dough.The cover price is rather expensive for the limited use it will have. ... Read more