Book excerpt: Neural Network Parallel Computing is the first book available to the professional market on neural network computing for optimization problems. This introductory book is not only for the novice reader, but for experts in a variety of areas including parallel computing, neural network computing, computer science, communications, graph theory, computer aided design for VLSI circuits, molecular biology, management science, and operations research. The goal of the book is to facilitate an understanding as to the uses of neural network models in real-world applications. Neural Network Parallel Computing presents a major breakthrough in science and a variety of engineering fields. The computational power of neural network computing is demonstrated by solving numerous problems such as N-queen, crossbar switch scheduling, four-coloring and k-colorability, graph planarization and channel routing, RNA secondary structure prediction, knight's tour, spare allocation, sorting and searching, and tiling. Neural Network Parallel Computing is an excellent reference for researchers in all areas covered by the book. Furthermore, the text may be used in a senior or graduate level course on the topic.