Reviews (6)

read "Alan Turing: The Enigma"by Andrew Hodges instead
If your interest is in Alan Turing, and you are only just becoming familiar with him, you would probably be better served reading what many regard as not only an excellent biography of Alan Turing, but an excellent piece of biographical writing in and of itself, Andrews Hodges' ALAN TURING: THE ENIGMA.The current copy on the American Amazon site is an expanded and pricey edition, so you may want to go to the the United Kingdom Amazon site to get the slimmer, earlier edition, which not only costs less, but was also the basis for the award-winning play BREAKING THE CODE.After you've read Hodges' work, and wish to read more about Turing and his work and theories from other perspectives, then you may want to avail yourself on some of these other texts.

I wish other reviewers would take a step back
As a dual computer science and English major, I find it refreshing when I stumble upon a computer science book that surveys the field from a more literary and philosophical perspective. (Galloway's "Protocol" is another example of such a work that I've encountered recently.)
Sad ending to a great genius
This book gives a clear and accessible account of the life and the mathematical achievements of Alan Turing and his contributions to the development of cryptanalysis and the modern computer. Turing apparently committed suicide in the early 1950's because the British authorities were hounding him about his homosexuality. He was a man ahead of his time in one too many ways! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artificial intelligence    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Computers And Society    8. Gay men    9. General    10. Great Britain    11. History    12. History & Philosophy    13. Legal status, laws, etc.    14. Mathematicians    15. Scientists - General    16. Science / General   

Editorial Review

This book provides a solid statistical foundation for neural networks from a pattern recognitionperspective. The focus is on the types of neural nets that are most widely used in practical applications,such as the multi-layer perceptron and radial basis function networks. Rather than trying to cover manydifferent types of neural networks, Bishop thoroughly covers topics such as density estimation, errorfunctions, parameter optimization algorithms, data pre-processing, and Bayesian methods. All topics areorganized well and all mathematical foundations are explained before being applied to neural networks.The text is suitable for a graduate or advanced undergraduate level course on neural networks or forpractitioners interested in applying neural networks to real-world problems. The reader is assumed to havethe level of math knowledge necessary for an undergraduate science degree. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Only for an expert
Mr Bishop's book is very well written and contains a lot of useful information on neural networks.It is outlined well and progresses in a logical form.If, however, you are looking for a book that gives discussions with concrete examples of neural networks applications or set ups, you will be sorely disappointed.The mathematical treatment is universally generalized with very few specific concrete examples shown.Even the exercises will not serve you well.The term 'graded' is used; however, that simply referes to the description of difficulty.There are no answers to these exercises, so unless you have a teacher or are already firmly familiar with the material, you will not know if you have completed them correctly or not.Even worse, the exercises are in general not written to reinforce concepts in the chapter, but in most cases extend the chapter material into new regions.
Fabulous
This is the best book I have found for a general study of the of neural networks.I found this particularly useful when looking at how to write my own NN frameworks.The depth of the mathematics allowed me to easily answer questions like: 'what if I replaced function abc with xyz'.I have found other texts failed to show key mathematical derivations, or to explore the subtleties of what the maths imply.
Sheer pleasure.
If you want a very good, intermediate introduction to pattern classification this book must be on your bookshelf.It even does a very nice job explaining the EM algorithm ina few pages!Basic calculus is all you need to understand the book.A must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computers - General Information    2. Data Processing - Optical Data Processing    3. Europe - Germany    4. History    5. History: World    6. Neural Networks    7. Neural networks (Computer scie    8. Neural networks (Computer science)    9. Pattern recognition systems    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Computer Science    12. Computers / Neural Networks    13. Germany    14. Pattern recognition   

Reviews (1)

perspective supplied
A short but engaging book that lets you step back and take a look at this thing we call the computer industry. Yost traces its antecedants to Babbage and others in the 19th century. Yet it was only after the Second World War that it grew and grew, to ultimately affect Everyperson in a developed society.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - General Information    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Industry    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. General    7. History    8. United States    9. Computers / Personal Computers & Microcomputers / General    10. Information technology industries    11. USA   

Subjects:  1. Automata in literature    2. Computers in literature    3. General    4. History and criticism    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Machine theory in literature    8. Science fiction    9. Cybernetics & systems theory    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    11. Novels, other prose & writers   

Reviews (4)

An interesting pot pourri of articles on an important topic
There is a wide variance between the 11 contributing authors. Excellent network theory
This is the best 'network theory' book I've read.The book is a collection, and the 'field work' is more enthusiastic than thought provoking.Binding together the fieldwork, at front and back, is the analysis of Arquilla and Ronfeldt.Though only 20% of the text, their comments make the reading exceptionally rewarding. Lacks Index But Excellent Collection
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Subjects:  1. Cyberterrorism    2. History    3. Information warfare    4. Military    5. Military - Nuclear Warfare    6. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Internet    9. Political activism    10. Science / General    11. Social & Legal Aspects of Computing    12. Violence in society    13. Warfare & Defence   

Subjects:  1. 1889-1976    2. 20th century    3. Computers    4. Dreyfus, Hubert L    5. Heidegger, Martin,    6. History & Surveys - Modern    7. Influence    8. Movements - Phenomenology    9. Philosophy    10. Philosophy, American    11. Philosophy, European    12. Phenomenology & Existentialism    13. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (1)

Avoiding an imploding trainwreck.
On the surface this looks like the most dated and boring textbook on databases imaginable.Upon closer inspection I discovered that it's full of really sound advice on database design and implementation, much of which applies to newer technologies like mysql/php.I got my copy in the free bin at Powell's Technical Bookstore, which is a total candy store of geeky goodness.
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Subjects:  1. Computers - Data Base Management    2. Database Engineering    3. Database Management - General    4. Database management    5. Questions & Answers    6. History of ideas, intellectual history   

Reviews (1)

enlightening
This theoretically-savvy but nonetheless highly readable book makes a provocative and vital intervention in the field of internet studies.In an engaging romp through topics as diverse as cyberporn, cyberpunk, wecams, globalization, race, TV commercials, TCP/IP, and Schreber's turn-of-the-century delusions, the author argues compellingly that our freedom depends on moving beyond rhetorics of the internet as democratic and/or dangerous. It's a sharp and often stunning analysis that lays bare the ideological stakes of such notions as user-friendliness, protecting children, and techno-Orientalism -- a must-read for anyone interested in media archaeology or cyber-politics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computers - General Information    2. Fiber optics    3. History    4. Information Technology    5. Optical communications    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Social Aspects    8. Technology    9. Technology And Society    10. Technology and civilization    11. Cultural studies    12. Internet    13. Media studies    14. Technology / History   

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Industry    4. Computer Industry (Economic Aspects)    5. Computers - General Information    6. General    7. History Of Specific Companies    8. Microelectronics and Computer    9. Microelectronics industry    10. Strategic alliances    11. United States    12. Economic history    13. Information technology industries    14. Production & quality control management   

Reviews (4)

excellent
The book was wonderful. Even if I never get to make my own bow, I'am still glad I bought the book. Very well written and easy to understand. The last chapter is worth the price of the book.

Required reading for Anthropologists, and Archeologists.
Jim Hamm's book is very entertaining as well as enlightening reading. As an archeologist I am indebted to this author for filling in many blanks for me. My understanding of a primary technology for prehistoric peoples hasincreased many folds due to the work and clear presentation in Hamm's book.In my two professions as Archeologist and Indian Arts Dealer as well as anarcher, this publication has filled a void in knowledge. I'd finishedre-reading "Ishi in Two Worlds" just prior to picking up Hamm'sbook. Jim Hamm has provided understanding of"primitive"lifeways, technology, and the skill and diversity regarding a fundamentalweapon and food gathering tool for me. I'd begun to read only to be able tocomment to customer's inquiry about the title in our Indian Arts shop, butHamm's engaging writing style and obvious command of his subject drew mein. I recommend the title not just for those who would build their own bowand arrows, but also for archeologists, anthropologists, pre-historians andthe intellectually curious."Bow & Arrows of the NativeAmericans" would be an excellent supplementary text for academicAnthropology courses. Could we hope for a publisher to overcome the"out of print" condition for this book? Of course, I am nowintrigued by the other Hamm titles.

EXCELLENT SOURCE FOR THE BEGINNER
This book is well done. Full of good information for the beginning bowyer. The only criticism I have is that it does not cover all of the woods used by the american indian. overall I rate the book as excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer architecture    2. General    3. History    4. History: American    5. Native American    6. Sociology    7. System design    8. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    9. American history    10. Indigenous peoples    11. The Americas   

Reviews (1)

Fascinating reading
I highly recommend Shroyer's Secret Mesa.In a thought-provoking way, the author introduces the reader to the fascinating world of Los Alamos, research center AND town.Never dry, the book relates history and present day projects with a human interest focus. Frankly, I couldn't put the book down, and learned a myriad of new things by reading it.If you're looking for a unique read, pick up this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atomic And Nuclear Physics    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Science    4. Computers    5. Engineering laboratories    6. General    7. History    8. Los Alamos    9. Los Alamos National Laboratory    10. Military Science    11. New Mexico    12. Nuclear weapons    13. Research    14. Science    15. Scientific Methodology And Research    16. Computers / Computer Science    17. Science: General Issues    18. Social history    19. USA   

Reviews (2)

Very Superficial
This is a very simple introduction to computers in medicine geared to an undergraduate student who knows how to turn a computer on, and not much more.It does deal with information technology, but at such a superficial level as to be useless to anyone already in medicine.Indeed at a couple of points in the text it addresses the reader as "future healthcare professional".If you are a current healthcare professional trying to bring medicine into the 21st century, this book is not for you.It will not help you understand EHR's, e-prescribing, networks or true security concerns.

At best, a cursory exploration of the issue
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Subjects:  1. Family & General Practice    2. Health Care Administration    3. Information Processing (Computer Science)    4. Information Systems    5. Medical    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Medical Informatics    8. Nursing - General    9. Applications of Computing    10. Medical / Nursing / General    11. Nursing   

Reviews (2)

Johnson Had A Disability Following Lincoln.
The Civil War was not politically a 'bipartisan' war in anything like the sense what would be true of the two world wars.It was required to be waged as a party war.The Republicans became Union to throw people off. Theoretically, it was a Republican victory.It is legend that the ruthless quality of Southern reconstruction was the outgrowth of hatreds carried over from wartime and prolonged.The Northerners did not know how to manage their 'great victory' over the South; thus, it was a disastrophe -- to say the least.There was a conspiracy to take over and turn the white Southerners into slaves!Slaves of conscience, slaves to sin, not to Christ. Thoughtful analysis that puts much of the blame on Johnson.
I read this book some time ago for a college course and it is one of those rare books that sticks with you. It came to mind again recently since Andrew Johnson is the only other President other than the current occupantto undergo impeachment. Toward the end of the book there is an excellentsummary of the impeachment proceedings brought against Johnson in thewinter/spring of 1868. It is enlightening to compare that process with whathas gone on today. But the book is much more than about the impeachment. Itcovers a variety of topics centering around the way in which Andrew Johnsonsquandered many opportunities to make Presidential Reconstruction work andto cooperate at least somewhat with the Republicans in Congress. My historyprofessor always said that McKitrick reached a little far with some of hiscomparisons and analogies. In this book, for instance, you will findcomparisons of the defeated South and how the North related to it in termsof the U.S. and Japan after WWII. There is social psychology in the bookregarding symbolic requirements that a victor in war expects in order toconsider his victory complete. There is imaginary scenario making with JohnAndrew and Wade Hampton. Far reaching some of these techniques may havebeen, but they also always serve to make the authors' points and the bookis quite focused despite its scope. I will also say that it is a veryentertaining book. Some of its accounts will make you smile, if not laugh.For example, you won't find many better descriptions of Lorenzo Thomas'sattempts to become Secretary of War as Stanton refused to leave his office.Where else can you find a description of Congressman Ashley, rabidlypro-impeachment, as an "occult mixture of superstition andlunacy" or a description of Ashley, Boutwell, and Ben Butler as a"baleful trio of buzzards..." Andrew Johnson's disastrous"Swing Around the Circle" in the Congressional elections also,though tragic in ways, has some very funny descriptions.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1808-1875    2. 1865-1877    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Science    5. Computers    6. History - U.S.    7. History: American    8. Johnson, Andrew,    9. Politics and government    10. Reconstruction (U.S. history,    11. Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)    12. U.S. History - Civil War And Reconstruction (1860-1877)    13. United States    14. United States - Civil War    15. United States - Reconstruction Period (1865-1877)    16. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    17. History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)    18. History, American | Civil War & Reconstruction    19. Johnson, Andrew    20. USA    21. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (3)

Where's the beef?????
Pretty much no history of either the product or the company. Just lots of relatively meaningless pictures of board room type meeting poses. I gave the book away to a library - it was the only way I could justify the cost...

DEC lives on in these photos
I have a nagging feeling this book is best suited for those who worked at DEC. If this describes you, then you are welcome to a flood of nostalgia as you turn the pages.
Great for those of us who where part of it
I worked at DEC from from 1977 until the Compaq and HP mergers and enjoyed looking at the old photos.That said, you have to wonder why some of the pictures are included (unknown person in front of a door, doesn't say much about anything).I'm sure my fellow ex-DECies could have provided better photos to go with the text.
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Subjects:  1. Computer industry    2. Digital Equipment Corporation    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. United States    7. United States - State & Local - General    8. United States - State & Local - New England    9. History / United States / General    10. Massachusetts   

Reviews (17)

Great book. helped for class greatly
I got this book to help in a class since it was a course requirement. It has alot of good info and intangibles about game design that is very helpful to anybody that would want to know.

Didn't tell me much more than I already knew
Being an avid gamer, and dreaming of working in the video game industry, I pretty much knew everyhing there was in this book. However, if you're not like me, then I think you will find this book useful.
Solid and well done
This is a great walk through for a beginner.I would recommend it for its overview and insight into games and making games.I playeda few more games because of it and was able to hone my eye to know why I enjoy and what I look for in games.Great first book; if only for the interviews. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computer games    5. Computers    6. Computers - Languages / Programming    7. Design - General    8. Entertainment & Games - General    9. Programming    10. Programming - Software Development    11. Texas - Local History    12. Video & Electronic - General   

Subjects:  1. Acoustics and physics    2. History & Criticism - General    3. Instruction & Study - Theory    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Musical notation    7. Philosophy and aesthetics    8. Psychological aspects    9. 20th century music    10. Applications of Computing    11. Composition & orchestration    12. Music / General   

Reviews (9)

Pattern Recognition
Professor Theodoridis has written an exciting new book on pattern recognition. The topic is sometimes neglected, particularly in the fields of biomedical and electrical engineering, but it is essential to the understanding of signal and image shape on a mathematical basis, including similarities and differences in shape as well as how to extract, recognize, and measure the important components. Professor Theodoridis covers all of the classic steps in pattern recognition in great detail and in a readily understood fashion: sensors and pattern extraction, features extraction and selection, clustering, classification, supervised and unsupervised recognition, and evaluation of the system. Each section is backed up with computer simulation examples so that the reader can gain practical experience while reading the book. The author discusses essential concepts for computer programming of the pattern recognition techniques that are discussed. This work is necessarily mathematical, and therefore will tend to be of greatest interest to advanced students and practicing engineers in a variety of fields. Biomedical engineering is a rapidly expanding field that is key to the improvement of health care quality. There are plenty of biomedical examples including those in the section of the book on computer-aided diagnosis, such as for the detection of cancerous lesions in x-ray mammography. The section on speech recognition will be useful to engineers who are designing turnkey pattern recognition systems that include speech recognition as input and/or for use as a security key. Also included in the work are the most recently developed topics of interest including fuzzy clustering algorithms, and neural networks using genetic and annealing methods. This comprehensive work should prove to be an invaluable tool for the library of design engineers who work with signals and images. I heartily recommend it to all with a basic engineering background.
An interesting pattern recognition book
I teach and research in pattern recognition, and for both fields I find very interesting this book. In particular, my students use it when a particular topic in the book is studied because concepts are
A good book to learn the subject
I bought this book to teach my students on the subject. I am a professor in computer engineering and PR was not my research focus. However, there are many topics covered in this book, which have become more applicable in our area of research (VLSI design). We found this book easy to use. The algorithms are clearly described and my students could implement them easily by just reading the specific chapters we need. We think this is an excellent book to teach ourselves how to apply various PR algorithms in our domain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automation    2. Computers - General Information    3. Data Processing - Optical Data Processing    4. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    5. History & Theory - General    6. Pattern recognition systems    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Telecommunications    10. Communications engineering / telecommunications    11. Electronics engineering    12. Image processing    13. Imaging Systems    14. Pattern recognition    15. Technology    16. Technology / Engineering / Electrical   

Subjects:  1. Computers - General Information    2. Computers and civilization    3. Design - General    4. Digital divide    5. Education    6. Information technology    7. Multicultural Education    8. Social Aspects - General    9. Social aspects    10. Social movements    11. Cultural studies    12. Education / Multicultural Education    13. Social history   

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer network resources    3. History    4. History: World    5. Internet    6. Internet - Web Site Directories    7. Methodology    8. Reference    9. Research    10. Historiography    11. Internet directories    12. Research methods: general   

Editorial Review

Bucking the received wisdom of the wired elite, the authors collected in Read more

Reviews (1)

Women, Cyborgs, and Cyberculture
Whether you are merely intrigued by how women are represented in cyberculture, or doing serious research on how women are being affected by technology, this book is a great place to start. Not only does it provide a wide-ranging anthology of the best writing on the subject, including an amazing bibliography (I love bibliographies), but it also includes a number of excerpts from science fiction books portraying women and technology. Not only is this book giving me a lot to think about, it has provided a reading list it will take me quite a while to plough through. Well worth the price and a must for anyone writing seriously about cyberculture or cyberfeminism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American - General    3. American fiction    4. Computers and women    5. General    6. History    7. History and criticism    8. Literary Criticism    9. Literature: Classics    10. Methodology    11. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    12. Social Aspects    13. United States    14. Women Authors    15. Women and literature    16. American English    17. Feminism    18. Fiction anthologies & collections    19. Human-computer interaction    20. Social Science / Methodology    21. USA    22. Virtual reality