The Beginner's Guide to Computers
 US edition cover | |
| Author |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | |
Publication date | 1982 |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 0201112086 |
| OCLC | 9016145 |
The Beginner's Guide to Computers is a book about microcomputers and general computing. It was published in 1982 as an accompaniment to the BBC Computer Literacy Project[1] and The Computer Programme.[2]
Its content covers the basics of the history of computing, programming languages, debugging, logic programming, semiconductor memory, printing, ADCs/DACs, flowcharts, as well as some technologies only found in Britain (such as Prestel, Ceefax, ORACLE).[1][2] The possibilities of networks, robotics, electronic offices and publishing are also considered, with particular reference to the BBC Micro.[2]
Reception
The book's square shape was described in The New York Times as "clumsy", although this does not stop it from being a "quite decent introduction" which is "easy to read". Those interested in actually using personal computers to "do something" were advised to look elsewhere.[1] The World Yearbook of Education 1982/83: Computers and Education described it as "lucidly written and well laid out with profuse illustrations", noting the use of "appealing cartoons".[2]
References
- 1 2 3 Personal computers; primers-in old fashioned printers, The New York Times, 16 November 1982
- 1 2 3 4 World Yearbook of Education 1982/83: Computers and Education. 1983. p. 250.