Rating:  - This one IS worth the money.
For anyone needing an introduction into COBOL or as in my case, a review of something that they learned years ago then this book is just the ticket. Learning programming from a book is bad enough and learning from a bad book is even worse but Hubbell's book gets you up and running in short order. The compiler that comes on the CD is a tremendous aid and I installed in on a system running Windows 98 with no problems. Once you understand that COBOL programs need to be compiled, linked and then executed you should be off and running. Chapters one and two might need to be read with pen in hand but after you compile your first program you will see actual real world errors. There is also a lot of 3rd party software on the CD that I havent even looked at yet. The chapters are loaded with information but the reading is fairly straight forward. All in all, a very good buy.
Rating:  - cd-ROM defective
After numerous tries at installing the compiler (chapter 1), we have tired of the computer freezing up, looping and telling the names of files over and over and not doing anything worthwhile at all. I'm returning the book and cd-ROM immediately.
Rating: - VERY GOOD BOOK!
I just changed postions in my company's MIS department and now am working with COBOL. It had been over 10 years since I worked with it and needed a refresher. The book really met with my expectations and helped re-introduce me to the language. I would recommend it to anyone from beginner to those getting back into it.
Rating:  - The most complete tool for getting started with cobol.
I have been studying Cobol for about 9 months. Due to this being a "Home Study" course I have browsed several books and manuals to compliment my supplied texts. I can honestly say that "Teach Yourself Cobol in 24 Hours" by Thane Hubbell is not only the most comprehensive introduction to cobol I have found, it is also the most readable. The examples and exercises are well thought out and give many hints as to the pitfalls encountered by newcommers and helps you to avoid common mistakes and missconceptions. The chapter on Tables (Hour 12) has aided my understanding of, what is agreed by many newcommers to be, one of the most difficult concepts to grasp. I find the lighthearted but realistic approach to this subject makes learning such a dry subject much less of a chore. This book also takes you through the use of the compiler supplied on disc so not only does it teach you cobol "Theory" but you also get to put it into practice. Before using this book my experience of compiler options and environment variables was minimal to say the least.The other programs that come with the compiler allow you to create printed reports for output and user interface screens for input with such ease it is difficult to stop "examining the potential" or playing with them as my girlfriend would say. Never the less these tools take a lot of the tedious parts of coding out of the equation and allow you to concentrate on the more vital areas of your program. In conclusion I would like to say that in my humble opinion Sams,Fujitsu and Mr Hubbell have provided a complete and comprehensive tool for getting started with cobol and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Yours with immense gratitude Stu Talbot.
Rating: - Excellent, easy to follow ,with great supporting software.
I bought this book to help prepare me for a course in programming and systems analysis. It did a lot more! I found myself actually compiling and executing programmes within the first couple of hours! I have found that the software cd provided, with fujitsu compiler, lots of info and questions and answers has put me streets ahead. I am completing 8 week sections of my course in two weeks! Excellent value for money.
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