The book explores the nature of computer science and its major topics, from history and systems design to software, hardware, and the effect of computing on society. In prior versions of THE ANALYTICAL ENGINE, authors Rick Decker and Stuart Hirsahfield provided non-majors and beginning CS students with a fresh, exciting, and interactive look at computer science, and the skills required to solve problems faced by professionals in this young and dynamic field. In this new version, the authors define the discipline (and the introductory computer science course) with a state-of-the-art suite of Internet-based laboratories, and a thorough examination of new and emerging topics, including computer applications, interface design, programming, computational theory, computers in society, and the all-pervasive impact of the Internet and the World Wide Web. The result is a textbook and an accompanying Web site with text, video, and interactive laboratories. The labs are also provided in a bound-in CD-ROM to support students' use of the labs off-line.