I get a bit nervous at the idea that a company like Microsoft would get into the business of Computer Dictionaries out of concern for a conflict of interest - that perhaps words specific to competitors might be left out or altered. However, there is something compelling about the idea of a dictionary of computer related words written by people who are in the business of using those words, and I do find this edition to be fairly balanced.

Consider the entries on Netscape Navigator and Linux:

"Netscape Navigator n. The widely used family of Web browser programs, made by Netscape Corporation. Versions of Netscape Navigator are available for the Windows and Macintosh platforms, and for many varieties of UNIX. Netscape Navigator, which is based on NCSA's Mosaic Web Browser, was one of the first commercially available Web browsers. In 1999, Netscape Corporation was purchased by America Online."

"Linux n. A version of the UNIX System V Release 3.0 kernel developed for PCs with 80386 and higher -level microprocessors. Developed by Linus Torvalds (for whom it is named) along with numerous collaborators world-wide, Linux is distributed free, and its source code is open to modification by anyone who chooses to work on it, although some companies distribute it as part of a commercial package with Linux-compatible utilities. The Linux kernel works with the GNU utilities developed by the Free Software Foundation, which did not produce a kernel. It is used by some as an operating system for network servers and in the 1998/1999 timeframe began to gain increased visibility through support from vendors such as IBM and Compaq."

All in all, this dictionary is comprehensive and precise, and I highly recommend it.

Yes, this edition of "Microsoft Computer Dictionary" has been revised and updated, when compared to the previous editions. Its 10,000 entries centered on software, hardware, and internet terms. They are easy to understand. But the fact that Microsoft stopped adding attached CD-ROMs (with this edition), without any significant price reduction is irritating. It depicts the company's insensitivity to the consumer needs.
However, this is not a bad dictionary to use, if you will tolerate this latest arrogance. It contains some new acronyms on XML, Xbox, tablet PCs, and wireless network. But, be aware that there are other computer dictionaries in the market, which offer much more for less money: including attached CD-ROMs.

I personally think that as far as Computer Dictionaries go this is an excellent one , but I must WARN YOU.... If you looking for the accompanying CD that came with all the past versions , YOUR OUT OF LUCK.... I think portability is a big factor and having the book on CD in the field is much easier than lugging the desktop book around.. EITHER "MICROSOFT" PRESS IS GETTING REALLY CHEAP OR BILL IS GETTING PARANOID OVER ALL THE LAWSUITS AND DECIDED TO SAVE SOME MONEY , I DON'T KNOW.. I DO KNOW THAT I GIVE THIS BOOK THREE STARS BECAUSE OF THIS , OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT A HIGHER RATING... So be AWARE of this.......

Using it while studying for Certifications. Have always found what I eas lookig for in it! Every serious computer enthusiast needs a reliable resource library. Add this one to yours.

This book is not for the novice computer user. I bought this book for my 74 year-old father, who has just recently dipped his toe into the vastness of the Internet. He needed something that would let him look up the terms he reads about so that he'd understand what a URL is, know how to read an emoticon, and be able to chose between compressed or uncompressed JPEGs.

While the book gives him that information and more, it does so using more complicated definitions than he'd like. He gripes that when he looks something up, the definition is filled with words he doesn't know, which he then has to go look up as well!

So, while this book might be an excellent resource for an experienced computer user, it's not geared towards the novice. What he needed was "The Internet for Dummies" or something like that, but wouldn't get the joke if I'd sent it to him.

Bottom line, buy this book if you have a basis from which to work, avoid it if you're just beginning in computer and online work.