Computer Science Books

This book is the ideal reference manual for any engineer that performs structural analyses. All the fundamentals of finite elements are covered without excessive maths, and all concepts are explained very clearly. This is something that textbooks which focus just on theory do very poorly. If you are looking for a guide on how to perform a FEA, how to set up a well defined problem, choose your elements correctly, choose the right solver, etc.. then this book is for you. If you want to write your own FEA code, then stick to the FEA theory textbooks.

As a design engineer, I find this book to be the ideal reference and I consult it often before I tackle a problem. The final section, with case studies, sums up all the chapters with real world examples. Highly recommended for structural and numerical analysis engineers.

I had to get this book for a course I was sitting. It was really helpful. I had a look at some similar books and they were full of equations etc. This book was a great help as it gives practical tips and explains the FE process clearly and how to avoid making mistakes. I would really reccomend it for beginners.

On initial review the book appears to be an excellent overview of the Finite Element Analysis method for solving complex engineering problems in a reasonably simplified manner. I have only read one chapter so far, and scanned the rest, but would say that the book appears to be a very practical and results-oriented treatise, geared toward working profesional engineers who need practical applications rather than extensive theory. For my purposes, I believe it was a wise purchase.

I have to do a lot of finite element modelling as part of my Ph.D. studies so I was searching for a book that took me from the basics and helped me to build models relevant to my research. I went through many other books before recently finding this one. All the other books I tried didn't actually tell you how to build a FEA model they just showed a load of maths and equations. After reading the other books I was still unable to do the most basic analysis required for my research.

There are a lot of very bad FEA books out there, however, this book is the exception! There is loads of information given and most of my questions were answered either in the main text or in the case study examples. The book starts out by giving an introduction to FEA, what it is and why is useful etc. The second chapter is a summary of stress analysis and is very useful. I found myself referring back to it several times as I read through the rest of the book and my software help manual.
The third chapter is where this book really comes into its own: a method for helping you pick each facet of your model is given. It's really practical, problem solving stuff, which really helped me out. After going through the method suggested I could easily build basic models of my research problem.

The rest of the chapters cover aspects of the FEA process in detail, such as element types and choices, material models - what they do and when to use them, boundary conditions and loads - which are the best to use in particular situations, how to set up the solution and how to fix the model if it breaks down.

The final chapter contains nine case studies/examples which go through various types of analysis in detail. They range from fairly basic beam models right up to non-linear type analysis using contact etc. These case studies are absolutely excellent!

Without question this is the best book on FEA currently available!

It is a very nice book that gives you a good background about simulation of communication systems which is very important for communication engineers to have good knowledge of. What makes this book be very valuable in my point of view is that it deals with a topic that there are relatively not too many good resources or documentations on the internet to learn about. So, I think you must buy one. But, I wash that the codes were written on a CD that comes with the book.

This book really gave me a joy of learning what simulation is. Cool...

This book is good for the beginners who need to understand the basic principle of communications. The basic matlab source will be usefull to understand the concept. But this book doesnot good for advance reserach. we can not find any detail principle of OFDM, CDMA or other multiple access technique that are better and close to the application. Therefore, this book may be (only) better for the undergraduate student but not for advance wireless communications research.

I started from zero knowledge on simulations of communication systems, and after reading 95% of the content, I realize that this book is a treasure! With its lecture note style, the book is so readable and accessible that a beginner would have no difficulty in paving through the so-called "simulation theory." Another nice thing of this book is that it comes with MATLAB codes that actually run correctly!

In sum, I really like this book, and I would suggest this book as the first book to anyone who wants to begin learning communication system simulations. Another book "Simulation of Communication Systems" by Jeruchim is also recommended for a further reading after finishing this book.

For someone with a little background and a lot of determination, this book provides a good basic grounding in the issues of tomographic reconstruction and the basic mathematical tools involved. Discussion starts slowly, with a chapter that establishes the vocabulary and notation of the signal processing involved. The next three chapters discuss non-diffracting cases, where the radiation that senses the body structures is not appreciably deflected by them, as is the case for CAT, PET, and SPECT. This includes discussion of the sensors, illuminators, and their geometries, on up to helical scans and complex sensor geometries. It also includes confounding effects, like the wavelength dependent nonlinearities in absorption of X-rays and how they affect beam transmission and the final image produced.

This chapter includes only brief menton of MRI, because of the very different physics behind it, and of ultrasonography, because of the diffractive and refractive features of the radiator and tissues being examined. Likewise, little mention is made of the reasons for different modalities or techniques for merging their results.

The final chapters address the special problems of ultrasound, digging as far in as the wave equations and the common approximations that make the wave equations at least somewhat practical as tools for solution. These chapters also address more advanced and computationally exhorbitant algorithms, though not in nearly the detail that back-projection got in the earlier chapters.

This book first appeared in 1988, which seems like centuries ago in the time scale of tomography algorithm development. Even the 2001 update is aging, and it never really went into the Feldkamp algorithms now widely in use. The discussion of sonography seems sketchier than discussion of the X-ray based modalities, and MRI newer exotica get little if any attention. That's fine, though. It's a big field, and the authors do reasonably well at defining and addressing the area they intended to cover. The working algorithm developer won't get much from this classic. The target audience today is probably a grad student or industrial practitioner who's been thrown in at the deep end. As long as its limits remain clear, this is a helpful introduction for readers with the math skills and time needed to extract its value.

-- wiredweird

This book is one of the clearest introductions to tomography. I use it as a text in my course, and my students have also liked it.

This is still a great text on the principles of tomographic imaging. Buy it!

This book, which has become a classic, is a must for anyone who wishes to study tomography.

This is an excellent book not only for new students to process control but also for the experienced practitioner in need of a handy basics reference book.

I am a controls engineer with 9 years of experience in designing advanced control and optimization strategies for the chemical industry. I have several excellent texts on chemical process control (Marlin, Luyben, Stephanopoulos, Camacho, Ogunnaike etc.) and I must say that this book is a welcome addition to my collection.

Prof Chau adopts an informal conversational style of writing that immediately puts one at ease. The practice problems are relevant and useful hints for their solution are provided in the book itself. I especially like the approach of using MATLAB to accomplish the drudgery of, for e.g., frequency response plots or state space solutions.

A great book for its price and one that should be on your shelf!

This book contains crucial, basic informations in understanding process control. With the Matlab supplement sections, this book will describe the necessary points in the book. Pao Chau, with his great wisdom, creates this book for undergraduate senior courses, or intro for graduate courses.

"Controls" is undoubtedly a very difficult subject for newcomers/beginners but Pao Chau knows well the roadblocks to learning and understanding and bypasses them by getting to the heart of the core, crucial matter without dismissing any vital points. This book is actually a lot easier reading than initially expected, and is presented in such a way as to lead to continual reinforcement of previous material while smoothly progressing to the next topic. It is not verbose and packs a wealth of information in lean, efficient chapters. If you are taking an introductory Process Controls class or simply need a review this is probably the best book out there for you!

A excellent and readable text for professionals looking for a brief reference on Process Control, who also want to learn to use Matlab, one of the most powerful engineering tools available for Process Control.

Each chapter concludes with problem sets, to which hints or solutions are provided. Despite the reliance on Matlab, theory and analysis of Process Control are well presented.

I have been working for more than 16 years as an Instrumentation, Automation, and Process Safety and Control Engineer for the Oil & Gas Industry, and I found this book to be very useful to learn how to use Matlab to help me solve day to day issues on my job.

Newcomers and students will also find this book useful it their area of interest is Process Control.

A good book. Topics are all well explained and good programming examples are provided. The target audience is more for people with little or no programming experience. But, experienced software developers can gain some insights, too. Overall, I highly recommend if you are looking for a book on this subject which doesn't contain in-depth technical details.

I bought this book for a class that I took at UC Berkeley and it's a great book because it teaches the reader xhtml and java in a simple way. I was amazed as to how easy it was understand all the terminology in the book. Usually I sell off my books at the end of the semester but this one was a keeper.

I got this book for a class, taught by Lagerstrom, and loved it. It does a great job explaining XHTML and JavaScript. I had never been exposed to any type of programming, but this book made it simple. When I originally bought the book, I was sharing it with two other people. However, we all found it so helpful that we had to each buy our own to keep it on the shelf.

Wow. Very few programming books I've read do much for me. Most of them are of no more use than a reference manual. But this book....this book is different. After just an hour of reading, I now understand the basics of JavaScript. The book does a great job explaining it. The other topic this book covers is XHTML, the successor to HTML. I admire the author's constant reminders to remain standards-complient in XHTML. Good job.

I got this book for a class, but I'll be keeping it forever. Scary, eh?

"Project Management for Modern Information Systems" is the text book I would recommend to new students of Project Management. It incorporates the latest techniques, terminology, and interfaces to related technologies. Well written and easy to read. Subject matter is well organized.

The author presents IT project management in an easy to understand, applied manner. A must for IT managers from large or small enterprises. Get this book. It's a must read.

"Project Management for Modern Information Systems" offers a thorough examination of Project Management for project mangement professionals emphasizing information systems, but definitely not limited to or constrained by IS. Development of each topic includes technical, business, and strategic perspectives, building clear imperatives for "best practice". Each chapter is well developed and easy to read with excellent examples throughout.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Brandon and hearing him speak multiple times on the subject of project management, and I feel confident in saying that you ll have a hard time finding anyone with the depth and breadth of experience Dan possesses. Furthermore, through his academic and industry experience, he has learned to write about project management principles in a manner that is both rigorous yet easy to understand.

This book not only explains PSIP it also "connects the dots" for the broadcast and cable system. Mr. Eyer has provided a valuable resource that is easy to read and understand. Any engineer "worth his salt" should read this book.

The 13818 and the accompanying ATSC and DVB specs are powerful, flexible, inclusive, and incomprehensible. Mr. Eyer does a fantastic job of deciphering the important information and even provides sample streams which are more useful than any diagrams when you're sitting in front of a scope. Highly recommended if you are working with ATSC SI information -- engineers and technical managers alike.

A few people usually participate in the development of complicated systems standards. A few more learn directly from the standard. Most of us rely on books to understand what's really behind a standard like PSIP. Mark Eyer does a fantastic job explaining what PSIP is about and what it means for the digital television industry. PSIP is critical to making digital broadcast television work for consumers, and Mark's book wraps it up in a highly readable, complete package.

This book, written by one of the primary authors of PSIP, is a comprehensive look at what PSIP is, what the information carred by PSIP is, and how to use it.

There are very few books available that explain in detail the standards and specifications for the ATSC digital television system. This is one of the best, taking on one of the most complicated and confusing topics.

Anyone involved in digital television, including broadcasters, programmers, PC and receiver designers, technology journalists, etc., should have a copy of this book on his/her shelf.

THIS BOOK IS UNQUESTIONABLY THE BEST QUALITY REFERENCE BOOK EVER WRITTEN! David Hoyle confidently explains the underlying logic behind ISO and QS requirements in such a manner that the reader is amazed at the simplicity of the requirement and how it will benefit his company. I feel more motivated and positive each time I use it!

The book is well organized and addresses complex issues in a logical, well ordered fashion. The author uses excellent examples to illustrate his points. The "task lists" and "Do's and Don'ts" provided for each section are the single best reference checklist I have come across. He makes extensive use of charts and diagrams to illustrate interdependencies and processes.

What I like best about this author is that he clearly understands the real world and the problems and challenges that face every company. He sites real-world examples and solutions. He takes a common sense approach so that you get a quality company and product, not just an expensive bound manual. So many other quality authors come off as dry and unyielding losing sight of the real goal.

The first thing any company should do when contemplating ISO or QS is to go and buy a copy of this book for every Senior Executive and Manager!

David Hoyle is a true pioneer in Quality and a guy to keep your eye on. I also follow his speeches and articles. I have no doubt that his contributions will someday reshape this field.

I not only read this book, but also I was the chief editor for a translation of it into Farsi (a limited companywide translation). Being Editor for the Farsi translation, I had to read it letter by letter, and compare the concepts with the original text. So I can claim that I am one of those who has read the book deeply and completely in detail. This is such a handbook that makes companies needless of consultors, for many parts of the implementation project. It takes the managers' hand, carrys them step by step, giving a deep insight onto the thoughts behind the physical name of "QS-9000". None of the words has been neglected to read critically from the consistency and interpretablity point of view. I and all the translation team, enjoyed and learned a lot through reading the book. (Unfortunately I have not the address of Mr. Hoyle and looking for his address, to communicate directly, to take the greetings and thanks of the team and mine, and to send a Farsi translation to him.)

We completed the translation and desktop publishing in only 28 days, (it takes normally at least 1 year)! What is clearly identifiable, Prof. Hoyle knows the backbone of ISO9000 and QS-9000 philosophy well, that is why his comments on the ambigous or confusing parts are completely consistent with ours as advisors with many practical experiences. I had some footnotes on Farsi translation of this book, but this never lessen a bit the value of it and I pride that it was a real remote training course of Prof. Hoyle himself for me and our experts.

The handbook can be also a good guide for implementing any standard system like VDA 6.1, ISO TS 16949, French, and Italian automotive companies' similar standards, becouse it is concept-oriented and not QS-9000 word- or phrase-dependent.

I leave my e-mail address, and looking forward to any kind mail about the address of Proffessor by others khowing him.

David Hoyle's book on QS-9000 is one of the best books I've read on the automotive standard. I use it as my 'bible' for instruction and for creating documentation. I would recommend it to anyone who is contemplating certification.

David Hoyle's QS-9000 Quality Systems handbook is essential reading for all interested parties who require a succinct accurate analysis of QS-9000, Quality System Requirements.

As a practicing QS-9000 Registered Lead Auditor the writer has informally recommended the text to numerous corporations worldwide. Divided into two parts - Preparation for QS-9000 and Satisfying QS-9000 requirements.

Part 1 - Preparation for QS-9000 initially reviews quality assurance fundamentals in clear language including discussion on the quality , price and cost relationship. The mechanics of the QS-9000 registration process (similar to ISO9000) are covered together with a listing of key QS-9000 requirements and many common misconceptions. ( These may be useful in discussing an invalid nonconformity with an over zealous QS-9000 auditor !!)

Part 2 - Satisfying QS-9000 requirements takes each of the 23 sections of QS-9000 (2nd Edition February 1995) and in very good detail explains the! actual QS-9000 requirement and how it may be incorporated within a quality system. A useful Task List, Questionnaire and 'Do & Don't' listing is included at the end of each section.

In summary its hard to criticize this book as it is truly a world class text !

Roland J. Kelly QS-LA , CQE , BS MS Natonal Standards Authority of Ireland Fremont California USA

This book consists of two parts (its not formally laid out that way, it just naturally organizes into two parts). The first part is a qualitative introduction to integrated semiconductor electronics (with emphasis on transistor junctions). The second part focuses on solid state quantum physics with emphasis on optical as well as electrical properties. There is also a smattering of material on super conducting materials and some basic material about how a digital computer works. The author's intended audience is the high school student or first-year college student who wants to pursue a degree in the sciences. An alternate audience is the informed layman who wants to be up to date at a qualitative level with recent advances in electronics and future directions in research and development.

I believe the book is well written for the intended audience. Turner has an easy-to-read style, and he manages to explain things (generally) in a technically accurate way without the use of mathematics. Without the mathematical details this book is not what you'd expect in a design reference - and that's not what it's intended for. But it is an excellent book to read in advance of a rigorous quantitative class on the subject. I think it's much easier to understand physical phenomena in mathematical detail if one first obtains a qualitative "feel" for what's going on.

Turner opens his book with two short chapters on matter and the origin of conductivity. He spends the next few chapters describing p-n junctions, how they are used to make transistors, and issues that limit their size and speed. Along the way he shows how transistors are used in computers both in the fabrication of basic logic elements, and also in the venerable "flip-flop" memory cell. His descriptions are clear and concise, making liberal use of figures and diagrams so that the concepts can be grasped with no particular pre-existing skills in physics or electronics.

The explanation of present semiconductor physics sets the stage for later discussions about the motivation for semiconductor devices at the quantum level. He does a good job of illustrating the fact that quantum-dominated semiconductor devices will not simply be miniaturized versions of the devices populating current integrated circuits. The physics would not allow it. Rather, they will be unique devices that are designed and custom tailored using quantum theory from the ground up. The result will be new devices that have similar - though often dramatically different - operating characteristics, and that are orders of magnitude smaller than present devices, as well as faster.

In illustrating the classical and quantum semiconductor circuits, Turner does a nice job of laying out the basic ideas behind these devices. In qualitative prose, he explains the exclusion principle, how it applies to fermions, and how the exclusion principle in conjunction with quantized energy states results in many of the phenomena that we observe in semiconductor devices. Turner's description of the optical properties of semiconductors flows naturally from earlier discussions. He describes the basic ideas behind a laser, though in this regard I found the descriptions somewhat lacking. Other interesting groundwork is provided in his descriptions of tunneling and Compton pairs (which are involved in super conducting).

A nice feature is the glossary of terms, along with a nice list of further reading material and a good index. The book is also well illustrated throughout, with figures that add considerably to one's level of understanding. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in a qualitative introduction to solid-state physics, electronics, or semiconductor optics. I found it enjoyable to read and rich in the sort of qualitative imagery and description that makes learning so much more enjoyable.

This book is a great refresher of concepts that are driving many of our modern semiconductor devices. It does not get into heavy equations or overly complicated scenarios.

This book gives sound, complete and comprehensible explanations for a number of solid state devices (pn diodes, FET and bipolar transistors, laser diodes, superconductors, Josephson junctions, etc). This book contains the best (most comprehensible) explanation I have ever read on the theoretical operation of bipolar transistors.

Turton has done a wonderful job descibing the technicalities of today's computer/electronic technology. His descriptions allow the lay-person to understand the current technology and to understand where the future is taking us - probably to the Quantum Dot - and other devices. I highly reccomend it for anyone interested in the nanotechnology field as a primer

I am not a statistician or programmer but was able to do some really good analysis using this book as my guide. I think this book would be good for college students or professionals looking to learn to utilize R, a powerful and free statistical software.

I find this book helpful as a beginner's supplement to regressions in R. It explains in an easy way the basics of regression analysis in R. Thereby, it is generally understandable and easy to follow even for beginners. The book takes a focus on application and is logically structured, making easy steps first and adding one step to the other in a natural sequence (going from easy to more advanced models and techniques). The book does not cover more intricate regression models like multivariate regression.

Overall, this book is recommended for beginners in R who want to get started with regressions. Although R as an open-source software also allows you to find such information free on the web, I find this book a helpful companion.

This text is a fantastic introduction to most regression techniques as well as a wonderful reference to the R and SPlus languages. Although there are many regression texts out there, you will be hard pressed to find one that is as comprehensive and pithy as John Fox's. Not only that, if you want to take advantage of the very powerful (and free) R language, do not buy a manual. Buy this book instead. It's what I use.

I found this book to be a good basic regression book that covers the basics and gives liberal examples with code, and points out differences between R, S-Plus, S3 and S4. The book does give some general background material on the basic systems, like working with arrays, matrices, writing programs and other basic details. Book also covers data transformation, linear models, generalized linear models, model diagnostics and graphing.

Fox is a sociologist and the examples come from his line of work, however this does not degrade the books ability to show regression modelling using R or S. Except for the specific examples the book plus the extra chapters available on the books website more or less covered what was covered in my graduate engineering regression class.

Topics such as nonlinear, robust, resampling, time series, nonparametric, while not covered in the book, chapters are however provided on the books website and appear to the same quality as what is in the rest of the book. Scripts for all the chapters, including the online-only chapters, are also available on the website.