Xref: utzoo comp.ai:2142 comp.lang.prolog:1198 comp.lang.lisp:1077
Path: utzoo!utgpu!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!lll-tis!ames!vsi1!daver!mfgfoc!mike
From: mike@mfgfoc.UUCP (Mike Thompson)
Newsgroups: comp.ai,comp.lang.prolog,comp.lang.lisp
Subject: How do I learn about AI, Prolog, and/or Lisp
Keywords: AI Prolog Lisp
Message-ID: <398@mfgfoc.UUCP>
Date: 19 Aug 88 00:16:39 GMT
Organization: FOCUS Semiconductor Sys., Sunnyvale, CA
Lines: 38



I have just graduated with a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering and
I am finding that I am extremely interested in A.I. and Expert Systems.
Unfortunately, my education did not touch on any of these areas (which
I think is almost a crime these days) so I guess I am going to have
to take the initiative, and teach myself.  The company I now work for
could benefit from somebody knowledgeable in this area and my manager 
is encouraging me to learn an AI language by offering to pay for any
classes I take from a local college.

I have three question which I hope one of you can answer:

1.  I have an IBM/XT at home with the newest version of TURBO PROLOG.
Can I use this system to gain an understanding of AI applications
such as expert systems?  If so, what books can help me?  I have not
seen Turbo Prolog mentioned in this newsgroup and I fear that
it is considered by experts to be a toy Prolog or an implementation 
so neutered as to be worthless.

2.  Does anyone know of classes offered in my area (I live in Los Altos,
California) at local colleges which would teach me Prolog?  I have already
checked local community colleges, but their classes are only on 
languages such as Fortran, Cobal, Pascal or 'C'.  Would I be better taking
a more general class on AI instead of a specific language?  Should I
consider Lisp over Prolog?  (It came with GNU Emacs and is available on
my Unix system at work.)

3.  What is the best way to get introduced to the AI field?  I'm I 
taking the right approach?  Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Mike Thompson

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael P. Thompson                      FOCUS Semiconductor Systems, Inc.
net: (sun!daver!mfgfoc!engfoc!mike)      570 Maude Court
att: (408) 738-0600                      Sunnyvale, CA  94086 USA