Computer Systems

Citation

Mann, C.J.H. (2005), "Computer Systems", Kybernetes, Vol. 34 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2005.06734fae.001

Computer Systems

To mark Professor Roger Needham's contribution to computer science an “in memorium gathering” was held in 2003. Many of the most distinguished scientists in the field presented papers on a wide range of topics in computer systems research and development. Some topics were concerned with retrospective projects at the Cambridge Computer Laboratory where Dr Needham was Director. This book contains more than 40 short papers about trends in computer systems and covers, amongst others, some important topics in operating systems and networking and computer security. It gives a good measure of Dr Needham's contributions and provides us with an overview of what has already been achieved in this field. It offers us the chance to relate earlier endeavours in computer systems research and development to some of our current ones. It is a book well-worth reading. The details are as follows.

Computer Systems: Theory, Technology and ApplicationsAndrew Herbert and Karen Sparck Jones (Eds)Springer (see springeronline.com)2004ISBN 0-387-20170-X313 pp.Hardcover, US $59.95

Human Factors

There are many different interpretations of what human factors (HF) implies and often an explanation or even a definition is needed. Human-computer interaction (HCI) or even the original term man-machine interaction (MII) and others too, need to be specified. A new book on HF seems to be clear on its meaning and aims. Its details are:

Guide to Applying Human Factors Methods: Human Error and Accident Management in Safety Critical SystemsPietro CacciabueSpringer (visit springeronline.com)2005ISBN 1-85233-705-2347 pp.Hardcover, US$69.95

It claims to be a text that will be an essential guide for anyone who uses human factors (HF) in their everyday work. It aims to provide what they believe to be consistent and ready-to-use procedures and methods that can be applied to real-life problems. The first part of the book covers theoretical framework methods and techniques. This is with particular reference to safety analysis needs that require to be used when working on HF-related projects. The rest of the book gives details of four case studies. These studies are designed to show how the theoretical framework discussed in the first part can work in practice. The book seems to have the engineer or safety analyst in mind as indeed the title suggests. Evenso, the link between the theoretical methods and techniques and their application in particular case studies should provide a worth-while study.

C.J.H. MannBook Reviews and Reports Editor