
Computer Science
A Concise Introduction
- 1st Edition - January 1, 1990
- Imprint: Newnes
- Author: Ian Sinclair
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 7 5 0 6 - 0 2 5 2 - 5
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 1 - 0 4 2 5 - 6
Computer Science: A Concise Introduction covers the fundamentals of computer science. The book describes micro-, mini-, and mainframe computers and their uses; the ranges and… Read more

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Request a sales quoteComputer Science: A Concise Introduction covers the fundamentals of computer science. The book describes micro-, mini-, and mainframe computers and their uses; the ranges and types of computers and peripherals currently available; applications to numerical computation; and commercial data processing and industrial control processes. The functions of data preparation, data control, computer operations, applications programming, systems analysis and design, database administration, and network control are also encompassed. The book then discusses batch, on-line, and real-time systems; the basic concepts of computer architecture; and the characteristics of main memory and backing storage. The main characteristics of common types of input, output, and input/output devices used in commercial computer applications and data transmission system are also considered. The book tackles the organization and accessing of serial, sequential, and indexed sequential file; file processing and management; and the concepts and functions of operating systems. The text describes on-line and off-line programming methods as well. Computer science students will find the book useful.
Preface1 Fundamentals Number Codes Other Bases Negative Numbers Binary Arithmetic Coding to Binary Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions2 Programs Programming Fundamentals Types of Program Instructions Algorithms Program Flow Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions3 Computers and Programs Types of Tasks Computing Work Work Classifications Higher-Level Functions Steps In A Program Project Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions4 Inside the Machine The CPU Managing Memory CPU Action Interfacing and Peripherals Memory Types Backing Stores Hard Disks CD ROM Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions5 Outputs and Inputs Printers Plotters Paper Handling The Keyboard, Mouse and Graphics Pad Scanners and OCRs The VDU Terminals Punch-Hole Codes Bar-Codes Transmitting Data The Modem Networking Preparation of Data Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions6 Introduction to Files and Filing File Labels Serial Files Sequential Filing Random-Access Filing File Organization and Access Other File Actions Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions7 File Processing and Management File Addressing Hashing Methods Btree Methods Sorting and Merging External Sorting and Merging Updating A Batch File On-Line Files File Integrity Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test Questions8 Programming Introduction Languages and Levels Compilers and Interpreters Operating Systems Advanced OS Actions Networks Spooling Timesharing Virtual Storage Job Control Languages Running Programs An Applications Package Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-choice test questions9 Programming Methods Program Design and Techniques Tools for Specification and Design Structure Modularity Planning for Structuring and Modules Specifications Documentation and Planning Coding The Next Version Patching Suggestions for Practical Work Multiple-Choice Test QuestionsAppendix 1 Useful TextsAppendix 2 ASCII Codes in Denary and HexAnswers to Exercises and Multiple-Choice Test QuestionsIndex
- Edition: 1
- Published: January 1, 1990
- No. of pages (eBook): 186
- Imprint: Newnes
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780750602525
- eBook ISBN: 9781483104256
IS
Ian Sinclair
Ian Sinclair was born in 1932 in Tayport, Fife, and graduated from the University of St. Andrews in 1956. In that year, he joined the English Electric Valve Co. in Chelmsford, Essex, to work on the design of specialised cathode-ray tubes, and later on small transmitting valves and TV transmitting tubes. In 1966, he became an assistant lecturer at Hornchurch Technical College, and in 1967 joined the staff of Braintree College of F.E. as a lecturer. His first book, “Understanding Electronic Components” was published in 1972, and he has been writing ever since, particularly for the novice in Electronics or Computing. The interest in computing arose after seeing a Tandy TRS80 in San Francisco in 1977, and of his 204 published books, about half have been on computing topics, starting with a guide to Microsoft Basic on the TRS80 in 1979. He left teaching in 1984 to concentrate entirely on writing, and has also gained experience in computer typesetting, particularly for mathematical texts. He has recently visited Seattle to see Microsoft at work, and to remind them that he has been using Microsoft products longer than most Microsoft employees can remember. Ian Sinclair is the author of the following Made Simple books: Lotus 1-2-3- (2.4 DOS version) MS-DOS (up to version 6.22) PagePlus for Windows 3.1 Hard drives He is also the author of many other books published under our Newnes imprint.Visit Ian's website at http://website.lineone.net/~ian_sinclair
Affiliations and expertise
Long-standing technical author, UKRead Computer Science on ScienceDirect