I study computer engineering and computer science at PADA. I had taken this book during the quarantine of 2020 but I hadn't read it until recently. This book is an introduction to the science of computer science and touches on various areas such as: networks and network applications, computer architecture, operating systems, digital design/arithmetic, object-oriented programming, databases, parallel programming, and hardware. It implements these areas in Python after first teaching you the basics. HOWEVER: you should NOT take this book if you want to learn the Python language in depth NOR if you want to delve into any of the above areas. After all, that is not the purpose of the book, which only INTRODUCES you to the concept of each area. Yes, I would recommend it to any child who has never dealt with computer science before and wants to pursue the field so that they can learn the various branches in a language that will not complicate them with syntax and which provides many ready-made functions that offer particular ease to the newcomer.

I knew Mr. Avouris from Mathesis.cup.gr where I had followed him. I had not found significant references for the book, so the choice was made based on the reliability of the University Press of Crete and the authors. Starting the first pages, I immediately realized that it is not like other programming books, which usually start with variables, then operators, then loops, and so on, exhausting every detail of the language. Although the title "Introduction to Computers" confused me, I later understood that it was not about learning the language itself. Through case studies in the everyday functioning of computers, the language becomes understandable in terms of its ease and usefulness exactly where it is needed, making a journey into the science of Computer Science, refreshing the entire academic scope (Operating systems, memory management, binary system and Boolean algebra along with logic gates and databases, networks, etc.)

Do not be confused, this particular book is primarily an introduction to computer science, examining topics such as data representation in computers, logic, operating systems, networks, etc. It includes some introductory elements of Python, but it is mostly complementary to the basic topics it covers. It may be good as a book for an introductory computer science course (which is also its purpose, as it was written by professors of the Computer Science department for the course "Introduction to Computers"), but for a deeper learning of Python, you will need to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, the book was not what I expected. It is aimed at a specific audience (mathematicians, programmers) and is not at all a good introduction for a beginner in the field of Python programming. Its content is almost exclusively focused on solving mathematical problems and nothing more. If you are not looking for something like that, turn elsewhere.

The book is better than I expected. It manages to introduce the reader to several concepts of computer science while simultaneously learning the Python programming language. It includes several good exercises with practical interest. Its price is particularly low.

Simple, concise, and understandable with plenty of examples. It doesn't cover many advanced topics, but it thoroughly addresses many issues. Just for the chapter on databases and networks, it's worth buying. Cheap and enjoyable book.
I think there is nothing better in the Greek language...

The professor-author is truly exceptional