This 1987 book is a self-contained text on the probabilistic modelling method. It provides the reader with an understanding of the available results as well as with examples of their application. The only background assumed is a knowledge of basic calculus. The necessary fundamentals of probability are presented followed by an introduction to stochastic processes. The remainder of the book is devoted to the treatment of various single-station and their application to uni-programmed and multi-programmed systems and local and wide-area networks. Both exact and approximate solution methods are discussed, with as much emphasis on explaining the ideas and providing information, as on derivations and proofs. This book will still be of use for anyone with an interest in the history of computer science.
To perform computer simulation successfully, two rather different sets of skills are required. One of these relates to programming: a simulation program should do what its author intends and do it efficiently. The other is concerned with the collection and analysis of data: statistical tools have to be used in order to obtain with a minimum of effort, accurate and reliable estimates for the desired performance measures. Dr Mitrani covers both of these aspects of the simulation method. The important topics of point and interval estimation, simulation efficiency and the analysis of simulation experiments are discussed in detail. This book, first published in 1982, will be useful to both undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses on simulation in departments of computer science, operations research and statistics in universities and polytechnics. It will be of benefit also to practitioners in the field.
