9780131405721

Providing an overview coverage of computing/IT concepts and applications for beginners, this 11th edition has been updated to keep readers abreast of the thousands of changes in this rampaging technology; currency is the top priority. Over 150 new or updated images reflect the latest releases and innovations in software. Everything has been adjusted to reflect the state of the art. Beginning with a comprehensive section called “Getting Started,” this book covers such topics as the technology revolution, software, inside the computer, storing and retrieving information, networks and networking, going online, information technology ethics, personal computing, information systems, business information systems, and technology and society. This book provides useful and relevant information for anyone who uses a personal computer whether at home or in the office.

(NOTE: The Brief Edition consists of the “Getting Started” section and the first 8 chapters; The Comprehensive Edition consists of the “Getting Started” section and Chapters 1-12.)
Getting Started.
The Personal Computer (PC). The Microsoft Windows Operating System. Data and File Management. Going Online. Popular Internet Applications. Popular Applications.

1. The Technology Revolution.
Our Information Society. Rx for Cyberphobia: Information Technology Competency. The Net Connection. The Basics: Hardware, Software, and Computer Systems. Personal Computers to Supercomputers. Computer System Capabilities. How Do We Use Computers? IT Illustrated: The History of Computing.

2. Software.
The Operating System. Windows Concepts and Terminology. Productivity Software: The Software Suite. Applications Software for Your PC.

3. Going Online.
The Internet. Internet Browsers. Internet Resources and Applications.

4. Inside the Computer.
Going Digital. The PC System Unit. Describing the Processor and Its Performance. Processor Design. IT Illustrated: The Computer on a Chip.

5. Storing and Retrieving Information.
Mass Storage, Files, and File Management. Magnetic Disks. Optical Laser Discs. Viruses and Virus Protection. Backing Up Files: Better Safe than Sorry.

6. Information Input and Output.
Input Devices and Capabilities. Output Devices and Capabilities. The Multimedia Experience. Assistive Technology for the Disabled.

7. Networks and Networking.
Our Wired World. The Data Communications Channel. Data Communications Hardware. Networks. IT Illustrated: PC Buyer's Guide.

8. IT Ethics and Healthy Computing.
The Information Technology Paradox. The Workplace. Ethics in Information Technology. Computer, Internet, and System Security.

9. Exploring the Cyberworld.
Internet Issues. E-commerce. Electronic Publishing. Working at Home. Creating a Web Site.

10. Information Systems.
Leveraging Information Technology as a Competitive Strategy. Information and Decision-Making. The DP System and the MIS. Decision Support Systems. Expert Systems. Intelligent Agents.

11. Developing Business Information Systems.
The System Life Cycle. System Development Techniques and Concepts. Computer-Aided Software Engineering. Prototyping. System Conversion and Implementation. Programming.

12. Technology and Society.
Careers in an Information Society. Robots and Robotics. Virtual Reality. Down the Information Highway. Our Challenge for the Twenty-First Century.

Comprehensive Edition

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

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Computers: Information Technology in Perspective

Computers: Information Technology in Perspective

0131405721

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials