College Open Textbooks - Computer Science

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Computer Science

The Reviews

Computer Science

A man provided with paper, pencil, and rubber, and subject to strict discipline, is in effect a universal machine.

-Alan Turing

Textbook: "Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness after the Digital Explosion"

Author(s): Hal Abelson, Ken Ledeen, and Harry Lewis
Textbook URL: http://www.bitsbook.com/
Reviewer: Mitchell Levy, CEO and Author, Happy About

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0

Reviewer's Comments

I recommend this as a primary or supplementary textbook, being a necessary overview of the history and current state of the worldwide digital revolution. It's well-written and engaging, and should be understandable for college ages and above. I highly recommend it for students, technology policymakers and anyone concerned about the effects of the 21st century digital world and its constantly shifting landscape. Attractively laid out, clearly and concisely written with good illustrations throughout, the book uses examples of current situations to better understand the issues.

Textbook: "Blown to Bits: Your Life, Liberty, and Happiness after the Digital Explosion"

Author(s): Hal Abelson, Ken Ledeen, and Harry Lewis
Textbook URL: http://www.bitsbook.com/
Reviewer: Lani Smith, Professor/Librarian, Ohlone College

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0.

Reviewer's Comments

I recommend this work as a supplementary textbook or reference source. While technical to some degree, I see it more as a trade/popular book rather than an academic one. It is too narrow in scope to work as a primary textbook. However, it is an excellent book in itself (thus all "5's"). It considers the uses and impacts of the Internet and the politics, technology and law that surround it. The table of contents is broken down into clear chapters and helpful sub-categories. Chapters can be read individually and in any order, though the chapters do build on each other and are more powerful read in order as a whole book. The book is peppered with links to sites and sources for more information.

Textbook: "The Complete Guide to Google Wave" (First Edition)

Author: Gina Trapani with Adam Pash
Textbook URL: http://completewaveguide.com/
Reviewer: Reviewer: Jonathan Harden, MBA

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0.

Reviewer's Comments

I highly recommend this open textbook for computer science and business majors, as well as business managers in need of collaboration tools. Wave is a collaboration tool that allows users real-time conversations and edit functions unlike e-mail or instant messenger. The author�s list of shortcuts is very helpful and will shorten the learning curve for new Wave users. It is well written and easy to follow. The only possible downside is that Wave technology is new and not recommended for projects with more then 12 participants.

Textbook: "Introduction to Computer Science" (2009)

Author(s): Anne Friedman, Ren2k7
Textbook URL: http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Computer_Science
Reviewer: Melanie Reed, Technical Assistant, Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0.

	Reviewer's Comments
	I recommend this book for community college, high school, college prep computer science, Information Technology, General Studies, and Informatics classes. I think this book could, with some extensive edits, become a required primary textbook.

Textbook: "OpenOffice.org Manual" (2009)

Author: Hyde, Adam et al.
Textbook Url: http://en.flossmanuals.net/openoffice
Reviewer: Christine Sibley, Technology and Reference Librarian - Faculty, Ohlone Community College District

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0.

	Reviewer's Comments
	I recommend this open textbook to any student using the Open Office.org suite. It is a basic introduction for anyone using this software for writing or other projects. Offered in PDF or HTML formats, it is visually appealing, straightforward, and easy to follow. Following the basic instructions will get anyone ready to use OpenOffice.org for the first time.

Textbook: "Quick Start to Excel 2002" (XP) (1998-2003)

Author: Jean-Paul Van Belle
Textbook URL: http://globaltext.terry.uga.edu/userfiles/pdf/QuickStart%20to%20Excel%20XP.pdf
Reviewer: Margaret White - Adjunct Instructor, Consultant, College of the Siskiyous

*Average of all chapters. Maximum rating is 5.0.

	Reviewer's Comments
	I recommend this book for versions prior to Excel 2007 since the user interface changed dramatically in Excel 2007. Along with Using Excel 2002 (XP), it could be used as a primary text for a beginning class in Excel. It is very easy to read and understand, and has excellent screenshots that illustrate the concepts and steps. Instructors should be aware of non-US spellings and terms.