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Quantum Computing For Dummies
Comprehend the mysteries―and the amazing potential―of quantum computing Quantum computing has the promise to be the next huge thing in technology. How do we know that? Look at how much the big players in tech are investing in the technology. Quantum Computing For Dummies preps you for the amazing changes that are coming with the world of computing built on the phenomena of quantum mechanics. Need to know what is it and how does it work? This easy-to-understand book breaks it down and answers your most pressing questions. Get a better understanding of how quantum computing is revolutionizing networking, data management, cryptography, and artificial intelligence in ways that would have previously been unthinkable. With a Dummies guide by your side, you’ll get a primer on the inner workings and practical applications of quantum computers. For technologists and IT pros interested in getting on board the quantum train―plus anyone who’s quantum-curious―this Dummies guide is a must-have.
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 25, 2024
Page 19, author needs to define "state" ...
"Because the bits in classical computing can hold only one of two values — a 0 or a 1 — at the same time, the number of states that a classical computer can hold is represented by the number of bits, n, to the power of two: n^2. But a set of entangled qubits can hold all the possible values of the qubits at the same time. For this reason, the number of states that a quantum computer can hold is represented by two to the power of qubits, n: 2^n. "
The number of states for a classical computer should be 2^n - much bigger than n^2.
If I am wrong, then please convince me by listing for n = 5:
the 25 (5^2) classical states and the 32 (2^5) quantum states.
Page 26
...
"1, 3, 5, and 7 are all prime numbers."
1 IS NOT A PRIME NUMBER!!!!!!!!
FFS!
"Because the bits in classical computing can hold only one of two values — a 0 or a 1 — at the same time, the number of states that a classical computer can hold is represented by the number of bits, n, to the power of two: n^2. But a set of entangled qubits can hold all the possible values of the qubits at the same time. For this reason, the number of states that a quantum computer can hold is represented by two to the power of qubits, n: 2^n. "
The number of states for a classical computer should be 2^n - much bigger than n^2.
If I am wrong, then please convince me by listing for n = 5:
the 25 (5^2) classical states and the 32 (2^5) quantum states.
Page 26
...
"1, 3, 5, and 7 are all prime numbers."
1 IS NOT A PRIME NUMBER!!!!!!!!
FFS!
October 9, 2024
Could have been more technical.
October 8, 2025
Provided a great overview of the quantum computing, however two expansions afterwards: learning Qiskit & learning advanced quantum mechanics… oopsie that’s enough of planning for today time to sleep or work
June 29, 2026
"I liked it." - 3 out of 5 star rating.
Getting ahead of my Quarterly Cyber/Tech/Professional Development type read for Q3 2026.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a very easy entry point for people new to Quantum Computing from all walks of life.
The big reasons for -2 stars are:
#1 there is some repeat content in here.
This is a personal distaste of mine, where it shows the book was peiced together by the author over time... which of course is perfectly fine! However, when the reader is exposed to this, it breaks the immersion of a continual flow of thought being delivered... where you instead begin questioning yourself "wait a minute... this has already been covered..."
#2 too much of an agenda to promote, support, and enlist people into the field of Quantum.
I was mostly okay with it, until the authors really leaned heavily into the whole "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO) gimmick angle, that was not only delivered once, not twice, but more than 3 times.
I would have respected the authors a lot more if they had focused a bit on the NEGATIVE aspects of quantum computing. It would have shown their maturity and overall confidence for the topic at hand.
Having a one sided conversation here doesn't feel good, fair, or right.
[ BREAK ]
Despite those 2 pain points, I still enjoyed the book. The 'For Dummies' collection overall has been remarkable good for all the various times I've opened one of them. Another hit for them for sure, even with its shortcomings.
I suspect more Quantum related books ahead in my 2026 future! At least one or two I am thinking, as this definitely scratched the itch of curiosity on the subject.
Getting ahead of my Quarterly Cyber/Tech/Professional Development type read for Q3 2026.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt like it was a very easy entry point for people new to Quantum Computing from all walks of life.
The big reasons for -2 stars are:
#1 there is some repeat content in here.
This is a personal distaste of mine, where it shows the book was peiced together by the author over time... which of course is perfectly fine! However, when the reader is exposed to this, it breaks the immersion of a continual flow of thought being delivered... where you instead begin questioning yourself "wait a minute... this has already been covered..."
#2 too much of an agenda to promote, support, and enlist people into the field of Quantum.
I was mostly okay with it, until the authors really leaned heavily into the whole "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO) gimmick angle, that was not only delivered once, not twice, but more than 3 times.
I would have respected the authors a lot more if they had focused a bit on the NEGATIVE aspects of quantum computing. It would have shown their maturity and overall confidence for the topic at hand.
Having a one sided conversation here doesn't feel good, fair, or right.
[ BREAK ]
Despite those 2 pain points, I still enjoyed the book. The 'For Dummies' collection overall has been remarkable good for all the various times I've opened one of them. Another hit for them for sure, even with its shortcomings.
I suspect more Quantum related books ahead in my 2026 future! At least one or two I am thinking, as this definitely scratched the itch of curiosity on the subject.
August 2, 2025
Not many math or science details, but it did cover how quantum annealing is different general qbit gates. Also includes a survey of companies and universities currently involved int quantum computing.
September 21, 2025
Very little to learn, essentially a long form advertisement
March 16, 2025
Nicht schlecht, aber viele Konzepte werden zu schnell abgearbeitet. So zum Beispiel Verschränkung oder Superposition. Ich verstehe, die Konzepte sind nicht einfach zu verstehen und noch schwieriger zu erklären. Aber es wird zu wenig angeboten. Wenn einem die Erklärweise des Authors nicht passt, hat man Pech gehabt. Von einem "für Dummies" Buch hätte ich mir mehr Metaphern, mehr Brücken, mehr Beispiele gewünscht um wirklich ein Gefühl für die Theorien zu entwickeln.
Als Ergänzung kann ich dafür "Warum wir nicht durch Wände gehen: Unsere Teilchen aber schon" von Florian Aigner empfehlen.
Als Ergänzung kann ich dafür "Warum wir nicht durch Wände gehen: Unsere Teilchen aber schon" von Florian Aigner empfehlen.
February 17, 2025
A dummy's book is written for everyone and not an expert audience. Nonetheless, I found a wide-ranging understanding of the quantum principles involved in the algorthrims. It helped me bridge over into reading in Wikipedia or more expert level materials.
May 13, 2025
Skimmers Delight
This is not a book. It is a pamphlet. It introduces boatloads of concepts without explaining any at the granularity it requires. In other words it is perhaps right for the dummy series!
This is not a book. It is a pamphlet. It introduces boatloads of concepts without explaining any at the granularity it requires. In other words it is perhaps right for the dummy series!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews