Why is there so much bluff in computer science textbooks?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived quality and clarity of content in computer science textbooks, specifically focusing on "Operating System Concepts" often referred to as the "dinosaur book." Participants express frustration regarding the complexity and presentation of the material, particularly in the context of learning operating system concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant criticizes the writing style of the textbook, describing it as "bluffly written" and suggesting that it complicates understanding rather than aiding it.
  • Another participant questions the use of the term "bluff," asking for clarification on whether it refers to "fluff" or "bluster," indicating a potential misunderstanding of terminology.
  • A participant expresses that the book is particularly challenging for those who prefer hands-on learning, describing it as a "1278-page nightmare."
  • There is a mention of a user being a sockpuppet of a previously banned member, which raises concerns about the credibility of the criticisms presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the quality of the textbook, with some expressing strong dissatisfaction while others focus on clarifying terminology rather than addressing the content directly.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a mix of subjective opinions and concerns about the clarity of the textbook, but lacks specific examples or detailed critiques of the content itself.

Brief-Wishbone
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Homework Statement
useless cs
Relevant Equations
useless cs
I'm reading operating system concepts the dinosaur book as a linuxadmin to understand operating system concepts, but I find most stuffs there to be bluffly written. Total garbage. I'm currently reading about file system. Do have a look at it. It feels like authors are intentionally wanting to make things more complicated in name of generalization.
 
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I'm not sure the word "bluff" is translating well from whatever language you are familiar with. Do you mean "fluff", or "bluster", or something different? Can you say more about what you mean by that word? Thanks.

Brief-Wishbone said:
Homework Statement: useless cs
Relevant Equations: useless cs

operating system concepts the dinosaur book as a linuxadmin
Which book specifically? This one?

1694798792765.png

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119800366/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Can you post a scan of a page that contains an example the confusing text?
 
Brief-Wishbone said:
I'm reading operating system concepts the dinosaur book as a linuxadmin to understand operating system concepts, but I find most stuffs there to be bluffly written. Total garbage. ...
For someone who learns by "seeing and doing", that book would be a 1278-page nightmare.
 
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Brief-Wishbone said:
Homework Statement: useless cs
Relevant Equations: useless cs
It turns out that this user is a sockpuppet of a previously banned member (who also went on rants like this). The sockpuppet has been escorted from the building, and this thread is now closed.
 
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