For an introductory course in computers and information technology (IT) or in computer competency, often offered in Business, CIS, or Computer Science. The comprehensive version is appropriate for a full-semester course while the brief version meets the necessary requirements for a shorter course or a course combined with a lab component. Designed to accommodate the computer competency needs of students from a broad spectrum of disciplines and interests, this best-selling text/supplements package provides an exceptionally well-illustrated overview of computing concepts and IT applicationsall in a format that allows instructors the flexibility to meet their courses' educational objectives. It strikes a good balance between efficiency of presentation and content that holds students' interest and invites learning. Only concepts critical to general information technology competency are covered in order to provide the breadth of topics necessary to the understanding that is applicable today and in the future.