The Pattern on the Stone: The Simple Ideas That Make Computers Work (Science Masters) Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

The Pattern on the Stone: The Simple Ideas That Make Computers Work (Science Masters) Book

A computer's complex operation can be broken down into simple parts performing repetitive procedures. Hillis goes from basic logic to programming languages algorithms and memory. He then progresses to quantum computing parallel computing neural networks and self-organizing systems.Read More

from£14.83 | RRP: £11.99
* Excludes Voucher Code Discount Also available Used from £6.83
  • Amazon Review

    Daniel Hillis has made a career of puzzling over the nature of information and the mechanisms that put information to use. Now, he's distilled his accumulated knowledge of computer science into The Pattern on the Stone, a glorious book that reveals the nature of logical machines simply and elegantly.

    Millions of times each second, to the drumbeat of a clock signal, electronic computers compare digital values. These comparisons, and the actions taken in response to them, are what computers are all about at their lowest levels, and, with the help of this book, they're not hard to comprehend. Moving on from the nature of logical circuits, the author deconstructs software and the mechanisms it employs to solve problems.

    Hillis then stands atop the building blocks he's arranged into a sturdy foundation and discusses the future of computing. Parallel processors already are in use, and neural networks with limited abilities to learn and adapt have proved quite good at certain jobs. Hillis explores the potential of both these technologies. Then, he throws some light on quantum computing and evolving systems--emerging ideas that promise to make computers much more powerful, and thereby change the world. --David Wall

  • Product Description

    Danny Hillis offers a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of how computers perform their amazing feats.

    "Highly recommended." -Library Journal

    "When Daniel Hillis tells you computers are simple, he's quite persuasive." -Industry Standard

    "A helpful and succinct volume." -Publishers Weekly

    "Clear and down-to-earth; even hopeless technophobes should find it entertaining." -Kirkus Reviews

    Most people are baffled by how computers work. What they don't realize is that the computer's complex operations can be broken down into a few simple parts performing simple procedures over and over. In this welcome volume, W. Daniel Hillis makes a computer seem as basic as a bicycle. Hillis begins with a rundown of basic logic to clear descriptions of what programming languages, algorithms, and memory are. He then takes readers in easy steps up to the most exciting development in computing today-quantum computing, parallel computing, neural networks, and self-organizing systems.

  • 046502596X
  • 9780465025961
  • W.Daniel Hillis
  • 16 March 2008
  • Basic Books
  • Paperback (Book)
  • 176
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through any of the links below and make a purchase we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Click here to learn more.

Would you like your name to appear with the review?

We will post your book review within a day or so as long as it meets our guidelines and terms and conditions. All reviews submitted become the licensed property of www.find-book.co.uk as written in our terms and conditions. None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.

All form fields are required.