Books by Professor Andreas

A database is a logically organised collection of related data, generally accessed by a set of programs known as a Database Management System (DBMS), which oversees the creation and use of the database and controls access to the data. The organisation of a database obviates the need to duplicate information to meet the various requirements of different groups of users, and ensures that the data always remains consistent. A large database requires extensive storage facilities. In some organisations and services, databases can be accessed over networks from microcomputers or as videotex. 'Relational' databases and hypertext techniques include extensive and complex cross-reference facilities so that information on related items may be retrieved. Many database programs have been designed to run on micro-computers. Some of these contain computer languages that enable users to change the operation of the database to suit their requirements.

Although the development of the computer has been largely played out during the 20th century, there is a long history of automatic calculation. Among the earliest electronic computers were the Colossus series of special-purpose computers, developed secretly in the UK from 1943. A new era for reliable software started by using small layers of software above the hardware and by developing the microcode it enabled the computer to execute a larger set of instructions, which allow reading from and writing to files, input/output devices. This is provided by the compiler or interpreter, which permits a programmer to write programs in a problem-orientated computer language. Such a development of software engineering made the design and implementation a less error-prone process. The major challenges for the future of computing and the programs include the development of even higher level computer languages for the in-depth Internaut surfacing, and artificial intelligence thus being closer to human behaviour.

Science Fiction explores the probable consequences of some improbable or impossible transformation of the basic conditions of human (or intelligent non-human) existence. This transformation need not be a technological invention, but may be some mutation of known biological or physical reality: artificial or extraterrestrial life-forms and travel through time are favourite subjects. Science Fiction stories may involve Utopian political speculation, or satire, but most rely on the marvellous appeal of fantasy. The term Science Fiction was first given general currency by Hugo Gernsback, editor of the popular Amazing Stories magazine from 1926. Once uniformly dismissed as pulp trash, SF gained greater respect from the 1950s, as writers like Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and John Wyndham expanded its range; themes of alien invasion and brain-washing became especially popular at the height of the Cold War.

This book deals with Eschatology as a philosophical, scientific, technological, political, religious, mythological, astronomical, biochemical and a philological concept or belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind. Specifically, any of the various religions, cultures and Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, reincarnation or the Last Judgment. For many readers the term eschatology is considered, mainly, as an established branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind.