books

are and not those accurate, that there are Technical knowledge in perspective The book starts and fin-

ishes with the premise that US communications are Books which address the review of today's primary everything. There is a historical and social impli- computer applications, grudging acknowledge- cations of computer tech- including word processing, The Age of ment in some sections of nology are seldom spreadsheets, database man- the rest of the world, but successful since much mate- agement systems, graphical Information no attempt is made to jus- rial included is often based user interfaces, desk-top byStephen Saxby tify or research these areas upon matters of opinion publishing and computer- Macmillan Press to any extent. Having said being backed up by few integrated manufacturing. (1990), £25, 240pp that, the book is still in hard facts. This book, how- Chapter 5 looks at devel- many ways a fascinating ever, is a remarkable excep- opments in the software commentary on the US tion. It demonstrates the industry, again succinctly telecommunications scene author's enormous depth of discussing the pertinent and, if that is what you are knowledge and attention to issues -- migration, UNIX interested in, it is worth- detail. The lengthy set ofref- and AT&T, IBM and SAA, while investing in. Don't erences and footnotes asso- X/Open, 4GLs, CASE, OOP, expect, however, that it ciated with each chapter expert systems, etc. will do more than provide attests to the great care and Last, but certainly not you with some basic ideas diligence given by the least, is the effect that of telecommunications in author, telecommunications has had PCs, often on a non-criti- The book addresses the upon the IT industry. The cal basis, information revolution in evolution of digital networks

There is an excellent our society, tracing its his- via new and diverse trans- compendia of such items as tory and drawing upon com- mission media, mobile and modem switch positions for parisons with other satellite systems is viewed a wide range of US technical revolutions. The particularly from the point modems. There are compre- first two chapters detailing of view of examining the hensive lists of US tele- this historical path alone are new ways in which we do phone access points for supported by over 250 refer- business. information services and ences. In summary, this is an bulletin board systems, and The evolution of early excellent book for both non- a fascinating set of emoti- computers and program- specialists interested in the cons using punctuation in ming languages is then cov- effects of IT on our society, electronic mail to convey ered in meticulous detail, as well as for IT profession- information. The Hayes The significance of the IT als wishing to put business modem communications industry is examined in and technical knowledge in usage is discussed in some Chapter 4, which a lso perspective.

addresses the range of corn- detail, and a good commen- tary is given on some of the puter equipment, from Ray Hunt shareware programs pro- microprocessors to main- University of Canterbury, vided with the book. frames. This is supported by Christchurch,

I suppose in terms of a verythorough and factual NewZealand weight for money, the book is a bargain, but one must Books for Review question how useful its application would be out- Computer Commur~icationsregularly receives books for side the USA. There is prob- review in the journal, and we are keen to recruit review- ably something for ers for these. We ask that our reviewers complete their everyone in the book -- reviews with:in two months of receiving a book, and they unfortunately, there is also a may keep the book with our complements. lot of nothing for most Should you be interested in acting as a reviewer for people. Computer Communications please write or fax stating

Richard Clark your areas of interest to the Editor at:

Chairman, Applied PO Box 140, Atdershot, Hants GUI2 5QX, UK Telematics Group Ltd, (lax:: 44 (0)252 519239)

UK

254 computer communications