A Gift of Fire

Amazon.com

This book is a comprehensive look at various issues which are at the forefront of the information revolution: computers and privacy, censorship on the net, protection of intellectual property, encryption policy, computer crime, and the risks associated with unexpected computer failures. Sara Baase does a good job of balancing these controversies with various points of view, and offering perspective and solutions. Although this book is meant for academic use, it's extremely accessible.

Book Description

This book explores social, legal, philosophical, ethical, political, constitutional and economic implications of computing from a computer scientist's point of view. It covers the issues individuals face as members of a technological society and offers guidance for professionals in computer-related fields. One of the book's goals is to develop computer professionals who understand the implications of what they create and how it fits into society at large. Chapter topics cover privacy and personal information, encryption and interception of communications, freedom of speech in cyberspace, intellectual property, computer crime, computers and work, broader issues on the impact and control of computers, and professional ethics and responsibilities. For programmers and software engineers.

Customer Reviews:

This book leaves a lot to be desired........2006-03-04

This book is an incredible waste of time to read. If you must, I recommend briefly scanning the topic sentence of each paragraph. The book is tedious because Baase attempts to wring every idea possible from the subject material, whether it is significant or not. She does this because:

1. The book would only be 50 pages if all of the fluffy hand-holding were removed.

2. None of the ideas presented in the book are original or exciting, and must be trumped up with a lot of "high level" discussion. You know it well; it's the kind that only career academics would enjoy.

3. She has to dilute the terrible writing and editing that went into the book. I particularly enjoy this gem:

"A subsequent version of the product, known as Windows NT, a high-end system that incorporated networking technology and allowed users to link PCs together."

The only thing I like more than paying for common knowledge is paying for sentences that lack a predicate.

2 stars for an uninspired money-grab.

satisfied.......2005-10-13

very satisfied with this purchase. didn't take long for item to ship and looked as good as new.

Excellent textbook, unexpectedly thought-provoking.......2005-09-08

This was used as my text book for a graduate level ethics course. I read it cover to cover and found to be well-organized, informative and enlightening. Highly recommended.

very exciting and thought provoking.......2004-01-27

it's a great book to begin in-class discussions

Interesting and Accessible.......2002-08-15

Because the author's ethics class at SDSU uses this text as a primary source, I may be a bit biased in my judgment of this book. For the class, it was an excellent reference, bringing up interesting points for discussion and showcasing these points with anecdotes -- some humorous, some downright frightening. Baase's writing style is accessible to a wide audience, and even the parts that, by virtue of being part of a textbook, are dry and only mildly interesting are digestible.

If you're looking for a book that will give you a general overview of problems associated with computing, this book will hit the spot. Without any noticable bias, it provides information from different perspectives, and even gives fair treatment to Luddites.

Customer Reviews:

I loved it.......2007-02-26

I really liked this book, we were looking for books that included children with Down Syndrome, but did not ever actually say they had it. It was also great because Russ was doing something that all kids like to do, and overall I think it was a good message

Firehouse fun!.......2004-09-01

As an educator, I absolutely adore the inclusiveness portrayed in this book. So many books today which include characters with a disability, spend so much time trying to teach about a specific disability, or trying to impart a message of acceptance, that they forget the storyline. This certainly can't be said about Russ' books. If it weren't for the pictures, we wouldn't even know that Russ has Down syndrome and that's exactly how I like it- disability naturally.

A dissppointment.......2003-08-03

Our neighbor across the street has a little girl with downs syndrome and my daugther who is 4 has started to notice that she is different from her. I wanted to get her a book that showed someone with downs syndrome doing real things so that I could use it as an example. Unfortuntately the pictures are so far away that you don't really get to see Russ. It would have been better if there were some closer photographs.

I LOVE RUSS!.......2002-12-01

This is a terrific book about a little boy with DS who visits his uncle's firehouse in Chicago. The story is simple and clear. The photos are lovely. The actual story never mentions Russ' DS which I think is just the way it should be. He's just a little boy visiting a fire house, however, kids with DS will be excited to just see him in the photos and other kids will benefit from what I can only describe as his "normalcy". I purchased this book initially because my own son, who is almost 3, has DS. He really loves this book and it has become one of our regular story books. Which puts it in the ranks of classics like Brown Bear, and Goodnight Moon at our house. Russ is just a little boy who gets to help out around fire engines one day. What kid wouldn't want to do that!

Russ spends the day at a firehouse.......2001-07-01

I'm such a fan of books from Woodbine House! My kids love this series of books about a boy named Russ, especially RUSS AND THE FIREHOUSE. I think it's wonderful that Russ has Down sydnrome and the book doesn't even mention it. It just shows Russ as a regular kid, doing regular kid stuff. Any child who likes fire engines will love this tour of a real firehouse. We have the first book in the series, RUSS AND THE APPLE TREE SURPIRSE, and we hear that there is a new one coming out soon. Looking forward to it!

Vestal Fire: An Environmental History, Told Through Fire, of Europe and Europe's Encounter With the World (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)

Average customer rating:

Vestal Fire: An Environmental History, Told Through Fire, of Europe and Europe's Encounter With the World (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)
Stephen J. Pyne
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Human Geography | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0295979488

Fires Were Started: British Cinema and Thatcherism

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Fires Were Started: British Cinema and Thatcherism

Manufacturer: Univ of Minnesota Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0816620806

Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer, Collector's Edition

Average customer rating:

Good, but factually flawed
Revisionist history at its best!
Shallow
It's how we got where we are today...
Competent overview but no depth

Fire in the Valley: The Making of the Personal Computer, Collector's Edition
Paul Freiberger , and Michael Swaine
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0071358951

Amazon.com

This is not a computer book but rather a fascinating history of the personal computer. Even if the computer isn't your thing, and you don't remember arguing with Commodore 64, Apple II, and TRS-80 owners over whose computer was the best, you'll find the writing engaging and the subject matter more than entertaining. Who would have thought a bunch of misfit nerds could make history?

Fire in the Valley is an accurate, insightful, and often entertaining look at the many accidents and mistakes that eventually led to the computer you have on your desktop today. The history of the personal computer comprises a series of well-planned errors, with eccentric personalities floating from company to company, and geniuses so twisted they created for the sheer joy of it--never imagining the multibillion dollar industry that would result.

This book is magnetic. I started reading some of the Microsoft and Apple stories first, because I figured I would be more connected to the names Gates and Jobs than some of the earlier (and now retired) rabble-rousers. But the consistent and strong writing drew me in, and I found myself reading the entire thing. The entire story of the personal computer, from the vacuum tube to the iMac, is told and told well.

Fire in the Valley was originally published back in 1984. This copy is the "collector's edition," and updated to reflect contemporary issues. The book is hardbound, hence the hefty cover price. (It also has a CD-ROM.) I highly recommend it--especially for anyone who's into high tech and wants to understand the value of not putting creativity into a bottle. --Dan Gookin

Book Description

For people who fell in love with the first edition (published in 1984) and those who love the movie (TNT's Pirates of Silicon Valley), the original authors introduce a one-of-a-kind Collector's Edition of this outstanding classic about the birth of the personal computer. Not only will all of the original material from the first and second editions be there, but owners of this Collector's Edition will also get: 40 more photos of the amazing people and times that shaped how we work and play through personal computers today. Additional tales of courage and defeat from some of the finest minds in the industry. 100 more pages of fascinating information on who the players were and the increasing competition during this computer revolution. Comments and quotes from some of the key players from that time looking back on their parts in hindsight.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but factually flawed.......2006-11-29

First, this is a good book, and brings to light many of the early parts of
home and business use of microcomputers.

However, despite the "updated classic" state of the current printing, it
contains factual errors that should be corrected. I started the book
recently, and almost threw it out after seeing the historical errors in
the front of the book.

On page 9, the authors refer to ENIAC's "clanking teletype machines and
whirring tape drives". Fascinating, since the tape drive for computer
didn't arrive until 1951 (with the first Univac), and the ENIAC read and
wrote cards.

The book also drags out the tired story of Von Neumann creating the basic
architecture of the stored program computer. This is mainly a media
creation, since Von Neumann himself never claimed to have designed
the stored program computer, and in fact, all he did do was place his
name on a report from the EDVAC group drafted on a possible successor to
the ENIAC.

After the authors left early computer history, and went into the early
origins of the home microcomputer revolution, I felt better about the
book. However, I am skeptical of books where I see such obvious errors.
I have to wonder what other errors exist that I simply don't have
personal knowledge of.

Unfortunately, this may never be seen 35 reviews deep, but this book
is often quoted as being the "authority" on microcomputers.
Mrs Freiberger and Swain, please FIX THIS BOOK. It needs to be reviewed
for accuracy.

Scott Moore

Revisionist history at its best!.......2006-01-10

For the life of me, I cannot understand why this book and so many others completely fail to mention Commodore and it's contributions to the PC world. 1st millionth computer sold with VIC-20. Most computers ever sold with C64 (over 20 million!). First multitasking, etc. with Amiga. etc., etc... Commodore created the first, affordable home computer. They introduced computers to the masses. While Apple was trying to sell their Apple II series for astronomical prices, C64 was being sold for 1/3 - 1/5 the price.

I trully hope that in the end, the historical accounts of the birth of a personal computer will give credit where the credit is due - Chuck Peddle for creation of the 6502 processor, and Commodore for creation of the most sucesfull computer ever made - C64.

Shallow.......2005-04-30

If you wanted to know about the history of how Bill Gates got started, don't buy this book. I would recommand Hardrive. If you wanted to learn about Apple Computer, buy Apple Confidential 2.

Although this book does highlight the reason why the rise of the Personal Computer would happen. The major flaw of this book is it does not go in depth into the subject. The book is also too thick.

It's how we got where we are today..........2004-04-08

The TV movie based on this book was rather lame, but this is a great read on how the PC revolution got started.

Competent overview but no depth.......2004-04-04

This breezy read lightly covers the evolution of the personal computer mostly from the introduction of Altair until Steve Jobs' departure from Apple Computer. Covering as many people, machines and companies as possible the authors don't have time for a in-depth look at anything. The result seems like a 400 plus page newspaper or magazine article. The "Collector's Edition" has several additional chapters covering industry events up to 2000 and also contains a CD-ROM with more materials. I have not reviewed the CD-ROM.

Average customer rating:

why a review?

Aspect Book: Fire (Exalted)
Kraig Blackwelder , and Genevieve Cogman
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588466760

Customer Reviews:

why a review?.......2007-03-20

I have not received this product and all I know is that there was a delay in shipping , I have not received word that it had been shipped out.

Fire in the Core: A SouthTown Riders Devotional

Average customer rating:

This is a beautiful book.

Fire in the Core: A SouthTown Riders Devotional

Manufacturer: Bride-Logos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Inspirational | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0882700022
Release Date: 2005-07-11

Product Description

A teen devotional like no other. This book is a blend of lessons,sports tips,personal testimonies, and devotions.This book has over 140 great photos. Free 45 minute DVD of performance,testimony, and great music.

Customer Reviews:

This is a beautiful book........2006-07-23

This is a series of stories by teenagers who through hard work, dedication, and belief have become champion wakeboarders.
It's well written, interesting, and very inspirational.
It would make a good gift for young skateboarders particularly.

The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness: Saving the Great Gymnasiums of Nature (Fire Ant Books)

Average customer rating:

The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness: Saving the Great Gymnasiums of Nature (Fire Ant Books)
John Randolph
Manufacturer: Fire Ant Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0817351590

Advanced Video-Based Surveillance Systems (The Springer International Series in Engineering and Computer Science)

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Advanced Video-Based Surveillance Systems (The Springer International Series in Engineering and Computer Science)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0792383923

Book Description

Advanced Video-Based Surveillance Systems presents second generation surveillance systems that automatically process large sets of signals for performance monitoring tasks. Included is coverage of different architecture designs, customization of surveillance architecture for end-users, advances in the processing of imaging sequences, security systems, sensors, and remote monitoring projects. Examples are provided of surveillance applications in highway traffic control, subway stations, wireless communications, and other areas.
This work will be of interest to researchers in image processing, computer vision, digital signal processing, and telecommunications.

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By This Fire: By This Fire
Gloria Gaither
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Legendary songwriter Gloria Gaither takes a nostalgic look at treasured memories made around the hearth, the heart of her family's home. Her poetic language makes this comforting, affirming book read like her songs. You'll remember the warmth and meaningful associations of fireplaces past—or wish for such a place now.

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