Connecting With Computing Science

This visually appealing text for an introductory course in computer science speaks to both nonmajors and majors in a conversational writing style and offers high-interest features such as humorous vignettes and chapter introductions explaining why the chapter material is important. The text's two-color layout contains color key terms, tables, charts, and margin notes, plus b&w photos and screenshots. Other learning features include summaries, key terms, review and critical thinking questions, and Internet research exercises. The book's 15 modular chapters are convenient for a 15-week semester, but can also be used in any order for other schedules. This second edition contains two new chapters on user interface design and debugging, along with a new emphasis on Linux. The previous edition's single chapter on programming is now divided into two chapters with new coverage of Java and C++. A companion web site now holds the first edition's chapters on emerging technologies and software tools. The web site also contains tutorials and labs. Instructor materials and distance learning content are also available. Anderson teaches computer science at Weber State University. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)