Springer The Informatics Handbook: A guide to multimedia communications and broadcasting (Telecommunications Technology & Applications Series)

Product Description This is not a dictionary - and nor is it an encyclopedia. It is a reference and compendium of useful information about the converging worlds of computers, communications, telecommunications and broadcasting. You could refer to it as a guide for the Information Super Highway, but this would be pretentious. It aims to cover most of the more important terms and concepts in the developing discipline of Informatics - which, in my definition, includes the major converging technologies, and the associated social and cultural issues. Unlike a dictionary, this handbook makes no attempt to be 'prescriptive' in its definitions. Many of the words we use today in computing and communications only vaguely reflect their originations. And with such rapid change, older terms are often taken, twisted, inverted, and mangled, to the point where any attempt by me to lay down laws of meaning, would be meaningless. The information here is 'descriptive' - I am concerned with usage only. This book therefore contains keywords and explanations which have been culled from the current literature - from technical magazines, newspapers, the Internet, forums, etc. This is the living language as it is being used today - not a historical artifact of 1950s computer science. Review `Hurrah! Here is a totally wonderful 746-page reference to all of the technical terms, acronyms, codes and other strange things which inhabit the computing and IT marketplaces. ' Telecomworldwire `No matter how much you know about multimedia communications and broadcasting (and there is a lot to know), you need this handbook...the style manages to be crisp, concise, authoritative and mildly amusing all at the same time. ' Voice `the book is a dictionary that explains all those names, appellations, jargon and acronyms that are appearing as we go down the road to the information superhighway...The scope of the book is impressive and at this stage is the only one available on the subject...this invaluable guide should make it a lot easier for anyone who's trying. ' Convergence From the Back Cover The Informatics Handbook is a guide to the converging technologies of information technology, telecommunications, broadcasting and multimedia production. This reference provides comprehensive coverage of all these areas and in more detail than you would find in a conventional dictionary. Extensive cross-referencing leads the reader to other related subjects. Travellers on the information superhighway will find this an essential guide. Because different groups use terms in different ways, it is important that the implications of each term are clear. Many variations in common usage are included in this handbook to help readers tread a path through the jungle of acronyms and jargon in current telecommunications and computer literature. The Informatics Handbook assumes some knowledge of computing, and a basic understanding of telecommunications. It is intended for enthusiasts, network and EIS managers, multimedia producers and other specialist professionals who require a thorough knowledge of the terms used. It also provides a ready reference for competing technologies, frequencies, channel spacings and other fundamental data.