CS-101(B1): Introduction to Computers

[CC] Computer Confluence, by George Beekman, Addison Wesley Longman, 1997. This is the main (required) textbook for the class. It gives a clear, concise, and interesting overview of the history of computing, computer hardware and software, computer networks, and telecommunications, as well as illuminating discussions of many important issues that arise from living with computers. Included with the book is a CD that supplements the text with much helpful and informative multimedia material. An additional supplement to the text is the web site: http://www.aw.com/bc/cc, which provides unlimited opportunities to explore many of the text's topics in greater depth on the World Wide Web. This text is available at the BU Bookstore in Kenmore Square; it will be used throughout the semester. Make sure to buy the textbook ASAP. The bookstore often runs out of copies within few days of the start of the semester.
[WR] Web Resources. A collection of on-line lecture notes and reading materials will be available from the Course Home Web Page. The materials on these Web Pages will complement the textbook and, thus, constitute an integral part of the required readings.

[CU] Computing Unbound, Using Computers in the Arts and Sciences by David A. Patterson, Denise S. Kiser, and D. Neel Smith, W. W. Norton & Company. This textbook offers a balanced introduction to computers with some emphasis on algorithmic thinking and programming.
[GI] Great Ideas in Computer Science Second Edition by Alan W. Biermann, MIT Press 1997. This textbook offers a smooth introduction to Computer Science (not just computers). It places quite a bit of emphasis on algorithms for numeric and symbolic processing.
[IE] Internet Essentials, Third Edition, by Patrick Clancy, Que E&T, 1997. This short text gives a number of detailed examples of connecting to the Internet, using email, downloading information, accessing and searching the World Wide Web, and using the Unix operating system. It may prove helpful with a number of homework exercises. This text is available at the BU Bookstore. Please be forewarned that the second edition of this text is quite different from the third edition.
[AM] Approaching the Macintosh: A guide to learning Macintosh software by Tao, Berner, Elliott, Chu, Fernandez, Finkelstein, and Frost, Second Edition, Addison-Wesley.
[IK] Internet Starter Kit by Macmillan Publishing USA, a Simon and Schuster Company.

Created on: 1995.01.12 Updated on: 1997.09.02 Maintainer: Azer Bestavros best@cs.bu.edu