The Beginner's Guide to Computers

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The Beginner's Guide to Computers
Beginner's Guide to Computers book cover.jpg
US edition cover
Author
  • Robin Bradbeer
  • Peter De Bono
  • Peter Laurie
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Publisher
Publication date
1982
Media typePrint
ISBN0201112086
OCLC9016145

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. ^ a b c Personal computers; primers-in old fashioned printers, The New York Times, 16 November 1982
  2. ^ a b c d Megarry, Jacquetta; Walker, David R. F.; Hoyle, Eric; Nisbet, Stanley (1983). World Yearbook of Education 1982/83: Computers and Education. p. 250. ISBN 9780415392983.
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