Computers Ltd.: What They Really Can't Do (Popular Science)

Harel, David

ISBN 10: 0198604424 / ISBN 13: 9780198604426

Published by Oxford University Press, 2003

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Synopsis:

Computers are incredible. They are one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, dramatically and irrevocably changing the way we live. That is the good news. The bad news is that there are still major limitations to computers, serious problems that not even the most powerful computers can solve. The consequences of such limitations can be serious. Too often these limits get overlooked, in the quest for bigger, better, and more powerful computers. In Computers Ltd., David Harel, best-selling author of Algorithmics, explains and illustrates one of the most fundamental, yet under-exposed facets of computers - their inherent limitations. Looking at the bad news that is proven, lasting and robust, discussing limitations that no amounts of hardware, software, talents or resources can overcome, the book presents a disturbing and provocative view of computing at the start of the 21st century. Along the way he shows just how far from perfect computers are, while shattering some of the many claims made for these machines. Though we may strive for bigger and better things in computing, we need to be realistic: computers are not omnipotent - far from it. Moreover, the problem is real and here to stay.

About the Author: David Harel is the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and is incumbent of the William Sussman Professional Chair. He is a highly respected computer scientist who has carried out research in many areas of computer science. He has received a number of awards, including ACM's Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award in 1992, and the 1997 Israeli Prime Minister's Award for Software. His book, Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing (Addison-Wesley, 1987, 2nd. edn. 1992) was the Spring 1988 Main Selection of the Macmillan Library of Science. He is a Fellow of the AMC and of the IEEE.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Computers Ltd.: What They Really Can't Do (...
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: paperback
Condition: Good