Because of the rapid growth and wide use of computers, in practically all fields of man's activity, there is a need for students in all specialities to have a concise, yet thorough presentation of computer theory, design and operation.This book is an attempt to fill this need. It covers the circuitry and operating principles of analog and digital computers, special-purpose com­puting devices, machines and systems. Ample space is devoted to a basic theory of similitude and simulation, and a fairly detailed description is given of basic functional elements, assemblies and units which make up typical analog and digital computers, in conjunction with an introduction to the mathematical and logical basis of electronic digital computers.Separate sections deal with block-diagram synthesis of analog compu­ ters to solve algebraic, transcendental, ordinary and partial differential equations and their systems. The reader will find a survey of methods used to program problem solving on analog and digital computers, analog with a brief outline of digital differential analyzers and hybrid systems.Written by leading authorities in the field of Soviet computer enginee­ring with a wealth of teaching and research experience at colleges, the book is student-oriented in the presentation of the subject-matter.The book will be of primary value to college students and faculty mem­ bers and also to researchers and engineers concerned with the develop­ ment and application of computers. The late PROFESSOR SERGEEV N.P., Doctor of Technical Sciences, was Head of the Chair (automatic informa­tion retrieval systems), rector of the Penza Polytechnic Institute. Lectured on computers (both digital and analog) and engineering and business applications of computers. Read lectures on automatic informa­tion retrieval systems. Has penned a total of 250 papers of which 200 have been published, including three monographs and 23 study aids on computer engineering and data processing.   PROFESSOR VASHKEVICH N.P., Doctor of Technical Sciences, Head of the Chair (computer engineering) at the Penza Polytechnic Institute. Is a prominent authority in the Soviet Union on computation and computer engineering, especially in the field of product quality control. Has penned 200 publications, inclu­ding several study aids and a mono­graph.Translated from the Russian by Boris KuznetsovFirst published 1976Revised from the 1973 Russian editionSecond printing 1981 Third printing 1987