| Title | The Definitive Guide to How Computers Do Math: Featuring the Virtual DIY Calculator |
| Author(s) | Clive Maxfield, Alvin Brown |
| Publisher | Wiley-Interscience |
| Year | 2005 |
| Edition | 1st edition |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 440 pages |
| ISBN | 9780471732785 |
| Genre / Domain | Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering |
| Size | 1.59 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
"The Definitive Guide to How Computers Do Math" by Clive Maxfield and Alvin Brown is a unique and engaging book that makes the fundamentals of computer arithmetic accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience . Published by Wiley-Interscience in 2005, the book demystifies how computers perform calculations through a hands-on, interactive approach . The authors have crafted a resource that is both educational and entertaining, filled with intriguing facts and trivia that keep readers engaged while they learn .
The core of the book is the "DIY Calculator," a virtual computer/calculator included on the accompanying CD-ROM . This innovative tool allows readers to follow along with step-by-step interactive labs that guide them through the process of creating a simple program to run on the virtual machine . The book covers essential topics such as binary and hexadecimal number systems, computer architecture, and assembly language programming, all within the context of building a functional understanding from the ground up .
For readers, this book provides a practical and immersive learning experience that goes beyond theory. By building a program on the DIY Calculator, readers gain a concrete understanding of how instructions are executed at the hardware level . The interactive labs reinforce the concepts covered in each chapter, allowing for immediate application and experimentation . The book also includes all illustrations and labs on the CD-ROM, making it a ready-to-use resource for educators .
The primary audience for this book is broad, encompassing non-technical readers, students of computer science, electronics engineering, and mathematics, as well as practicing engineers . The approach is designed to be accessible to beginners while offering depth and insight for more advanced learners . It is an excellent resource for high school, college, and university educators, providing lecture notes and handouts that can be easily integrated into a curriculum .
This book has earned high praise from educators and professionals for its innovative teaching approach and practical value . It has been recognized for making complex topics engaging and understandable, with reviewers noting its wit, beautiful illustrations, and comprehensive laboratory exercises . The book's companion website, DIYCalculator.com, offers additional resources, further extending its value as a learning tool . It remains a definitive resource for anyone looking to truly understand the magic behind digital computation .
Key Features
- Introduces computer arithmetic through a hands-on, interactive approach using the virtual DIY Calculator .
- Includes a CD-ROM with the DIY Calculator software and step-by-step interactive labs .
- Covers binary and hexadecimal number systems, computer architecture, and assembly language .
- Features engaging writing with interesting facts and trivia to maintain reader interest .
- Provides practical, project-based learning that builds understanding from the ground up .
- Accessible to non-technical readers, students, and practicing engineers alike .
- Offers all illustrations and labs on the CD-ROM for easy use by educators .
- Praised by educators for its innovative and effective teaching methodology .
- Published by Wiley-Interscience, a respected name in academic and technical publishing .
- Companion website (DIYCalculator.com) provides additional resources and updates .
About Author
Clive Maxfield is a renowned author, engineer, and educator with a deep passion for demystifying technology . He has written extensively on electronics, computing, and programming, and is known for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible and engaging manner . His career has spanned roles in industry and academia, giving him a unique perspective on how people learn and apply technical knowledge .
Alvin Brown is an experienced computer scientist and educator with a background in computer architecture and digital logic . Together with Clive Maxfield, he co-developed the innovative DIY Calculator project, which forms the centerpiece of this book . Their collaboration has resulted in a teaching tool that has been widely praised for its effectiveness in making computer arithmetic understandable and enjoyable for learners at all levels .
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FAQ
Q : Who are the authors of this book?
R : The authors are Clive Maxfield and Alvin Brown, both experienced educators and professionals in the fields of electronics and computer science .
Q : What is the main focus of this book?
R : The book focuses on teaching how computers perform arithmetic operations through a hands-on approach using the virtual DIY Calculator .
Q : What is the DIY Calculator?
R : It is a virtual computer/calculator included on the CD-ROM that allows readers to build and run programs to understand computer architecture from the ground up .
Q : Who is the target audience for this book?
R : It is designed for students, educators, and enthusiasts in computer science, electronics engineering, and mathematics, as well as non-technical readers .
Q : Does the book include practical exercises?
R : Yes, it features step-by-step interactive labs that guide readers through creating programs on the DIY Calculator .
Q : What is the ISBN of the book?
R : The ISBN is 9780471732785.
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