Alan Evans is currently a faculty member at Moore College of Art and Design and Montgomery County Community College teaching a variety of computer science and business courses.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Rider University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Drexel University, and he is a certified public accountant.  After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized his true calling was education.  He has been teaching at the college level since 2000.  Alan enjoys giving presentations at technical conferences and meets regularly with computer science faculty and administrators from other colleges to discuss curriculum development and new methods of engaging students. 

                                                
Kendall E. Martin, Ph.D.
Kendall has been teaching since 1988 at a number of institutions, including Villanova University, DeSales University, Arcadia University, Ursinus College, County College of Morris, and Montgomery County Community College, at both the undergraduate and master’s degree level. Kendall’s education includes a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has industrial experience in research and development environments (AT&T Bell Laboratories) as well as experience from several start-up technology firms. At Ursinus College, Kendall developed a successful faculty training program for distance education instructors, and she makes conference presentations during the year.

Mary Anne Poatsy, MBA, CFP
Mary Anne is an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery County Community College, teaching various computer application and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. Mary Anne holds a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Mary Anne has more than nine years of educational experience, ranging from elementary and secondary education to Montgomery County Community College, Muhlenberg College, and Bucks County Community College, as well as training in the professional environment. Prior to teaching, Mary Anne was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Municipal Bond Investment Banking department.

Using Technology to Change the World

How Will You Put Technology in Action?

Technology on the World Stage

Political Issues

Other Global Issues

ETHICS in IT: The Digital Divide and the Mobile Bridge

Technology and Our Society

Technology Impacts How We Think

Technology Impacts How We Connect

Technology Impacts How We Consume

TRY THIS: Skyping Around the World

How Will Technology Improve Your Life?

Technology at Home

Technology and Your Career

Retail: Working in a Data Mine

Arts: Ink, Paints, and a Laptop?

Education: Teaching and Learning

Law Enforcement: Put Down That Mouse-You're Under Arrest!

Medicine: The Chip Within

DIG DEEPER: Making Reality Even More Real

Science: Simulating Reality

Psychology: Computerized Coach

Chapter 2

Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Understanding Digital Components

Understanding Your Computer 

Computers Are Data Processing Devices

Bits and Bytes: The Language of Computers

Types of Computers

Input Devices

Keyboards

Mice and Other Pointing Devices

Image Input

DIG DEEPER: How Touch Screens Work

Sound Input

ETHICS in IT: What Is Ethical Computing?

Output Devices

Monitors

Printers

Sound Output

TRY THIS: What's Inside My Computer?

Processing, Storage, and Connectivity

Processing and Memory on the Motherboard

Memory

Processing

Storing Data and Information

Hard Drives

Cloud Storage

Portable Storage Options

Optical Storage

Connecting Peripherals to the Computer

High-Speed and Data Transfer Ports

Connectivity and Multimedia Ports

Adding Ports: Expansion Cards and Hubs

Power Controls

Setting It All Up

TRENDS in IT: Innovations in Printing

Chapter 3

Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web's Resources

Working and Playing on the Web

The Internet and How It Works

The Origin of the Internet

How the Internet Works

Communicating and Collaborating on the Web

Social Networking

E-Mail

Instant Messaging

Wikis

Blogs

Podcasts and Webcasts

Web Entertainment

Conducting Business Over the Internet: E-commerce

E-Commerce Safeguards

DIG DEEPER: Discovering the Semantic Web

TRY THIS: Create a OneDrive Account to Store and Share

Your Files in the Cloud

Using the Web Effectively

Accessing and Moving Around The Web

Web Browsers

URLs, Protocols, and Domain Names

Hyperlinks and Beyond

Favorites, Live Bookmarks, and Tagging

TRENDS in IT: Doing Business on a Shoestring-Thanks to the Internet

Searching the Web Effectively

Using Search Engines Effectively

Evaluating Websites

ETHICS in IT: Plagiarism and Copyright Violation: What Can You Borrow from the Internet?

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

The History of the Personal Computer

Chapter 4

Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play

Programs That Let You Work

The Nuts and Bolts of Software

TRENDS in IT: Mobile Commerce: What Have You Bought with Your Phone Lately?

Productivity and Business Software

Bundled Productivity Software

Word Processing Software

Spreadsheet Software

Presentation Software

Database Software

Note-Taking Software

Personal Information Manager Software

Microsoft Office Productivity Software Features

Personal Financial Software

ETHICS in IT: Can I Borrow Software That I Don't Own?

Small Business Software

Software for Large and Specialized Businesses

TRY THIS: Citing Website Sources

Programs That Let You Play

Multimedia and Entertainment Software

Digital Image- and Video-Editing Software

DIG DEEPER: How Cloud Computing Works

Digital Audio Software

Gaming Software

Educational and Reference Softvvare

Drawing Software

Managing Your Software

Getting Software

Software Licenses

Getting the Right Software for Your System

Installing and Uninstalling Software

Chapter  5

System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management

Understanding System Software

Operating System Fundamentals

Real-Time Operating Systems

Operating Systems for Networks, Servers, and Mainframes

Operating Systems for Mobile Devices

Operating Systems for Personal Computers

What the Operating System Does

The User Interface

Processor Management

Memory and Storage Management

Hardware and Peripheral Device Management

ETHICS in IT: The Great Debate: Is Mac OS X Safer than Windows?

Software Application Coordination

The Boot Process: Starting Your Computer

Step 1: Activating BIOS

Step 2: Performing the Power-On Self-Test

Step 3: Loading the OS

Step 4: Checking Further Configurations and Customizations

Handling Errors in the Boot Process

TRY THIS: Organizing Tiles on the Start Screen in Windows 8

Using System Software

The Windows Interface

TRENDS in IT: Open Source Software: Why Isn't Everyone Using Linux?

Organizing Your Computer: File Management

Organizing Your Files

Viewing and Sorting Files and Folders

Naming Files

Working with Files

Utility Programs

Display Utilities

The Programs and Features Utility

File Compression Utilities

System Maintenance Utilities

System Restore and Backup Utilities

DIG DEEPER: How Disk Defragmenter Utilities Work

Accessibility Utilities

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

Information Technology Ethics

Chapter 6

Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System

Evaluating Key Subsystems

Your Ideal Computing Device

Evaluating the CPU Subsystem

How the CPU Works

CPU Factors

Measuring the CPU

Evaluating the Memory Subsystem

The RAM in Your System

Adding RAM

Evaluating the Storage Subsystem

Mechanical Hard Drives

Solid-State Drives

DIG DEEPER: How a Hard Drive Works

Optical Drives

Your Storage Capacity and Needs

TRY THIS: Measure Your System Performance

Evaluating Other Subsystems and Making a Decision

Evaluating the Video Subsystem

Video Cards

TRENDS in IT: Thunderbolt: The New Standard for Data Transfer

Evaluating the Audio Subsystem

Evaluating System Reliability

Making a Final Decision

Getting Rid of Your Old Computer

ETHICS in IT: Free Hardware for All

Chapter 7

Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

How Networks Function

Networking Fundamentals

Network Architectures

Network Architectures Defined by Distance

Network Architectures Defined by Levels of Administration

Ethernet Protocols

Network Components

Transmission Media

Basic Network Hardware

Network Software

Connecting to the Internet

Wired Broadband Internet Connections

Wireless Internet Access

Dial-Up Connections

TRY THIS: Testing Your Wired and Wireless Internet Connection Speeds

Your Home Network

Installing and Configuring Home Networks

Planning Your Home Network

Connecting Devices to a Router

Network-Attached Storage Devices

TRENDS in IT: Where Should You Store Your Files? The Cloud Is Calling!

Home Network Servers

Digital Entertainment Devices on a Network

Specialized Home-Networking Devices

Configuring Software for Your Home Network

Troubleshooting Wireless Network Problems

ETHICS in IT: Sharing Your Internet Connection with Your Neighbors: Legal? Ethical? Safe?

Securing Wireless Networks

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

Under the Hood

Chapter 8

Digital Devices and Media: Managing a Digital Lifestyle

Mobile Devices

Digital Convergence

Telephony: Smartphones and Beyond

Smartphone Basics

Smartphone Components

How Cell Phone Technology Works

Synchronizing

Text Messaging

Mobile Internet

Smartphone Security

VoIP

Smartphone GPS

Tablets, Netbooks, and Ultrabooks

Tablets

Netbooks

Ultrabooks

Making a Choice

TRY THIS: Creating and Publishing a Movie

The Digital Information Age

Digital Defined

TRENDS in IT: NFC Chips: Do You Have a Digital Wallet?

Digital Media

Digital Publishing

Digital Music

Digital Photography

DIG DEEPER: The Shift to Digital Music: A Bumpy Ride

Digital Video

ETHICS in IT: Managing Your Copyrights: Copyleft Might Simplify Your Life

Chapter  9

Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices

Major Threats to Your Digital Assets

Cybercrime and Identity Theft

Computer Viruses

Catching a Virus

Boot-Sector Viruses

Logic Bombs and Time Bombs

Worms

Script and Macro Viruses

E-Mail Viruses

Encryption Viruses

Additional Virus Classifications

Virus Symptoms

Preventing Virus Infections

Antivirus Software

Software Updates

Understanding Hackers

Problems Hackers Can Cause

Trojan Horses and Rootkits

Denial-of-Service Attacks

How Hackers Gain Computer Access

Restricting Access to Your Digital Assets

Firewalls

Types of Firewalls

How Firewalls Work

Knowing Your Computer Is Secure

Password Protection and Password Management

Creating Passwords

Managing Your Passwords

Anonymous Web Surfing: Hiding from Prying Eyes

Biometric Authentication Devices

TRY THIS: Testing Your Network Security

Protecting Your Digital Property from Yourself

Managing Online Annoyances

Malware: Adware and Spyware

Spam

DIG DEEPER: Computer Forensics: How It Works

Cookies

ETHICS in IT: You're Being Watched ... But Are You Aware You're Being Watched?

Keeping Your Data Safe

Protecting Your Personal Information

Backing Up Your Data

Social Engineering

Phishing and Pharming

Scareware

TRENDS in IT: Computers in Society: Spear Phishing: The Bane of Data Breaches

Protecting Your Physical Computing Assets

Environmental Factors

Power Surges

Deterring Theft

Keep Them Safe: Alarms

Keeping Mobile Device Data Secure

Software Alerts and Data Wipes

TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS

Careers in IT

Chapter 10

Behind the Scenes: Software Programming

Understanding Software Programming

The Importance of Programming

The Life Cycle of an Information System

The System Development Life Cycle

The Life Cycle of a Program

Describing the Problem: The Problem Statement

Making a Plan: Algorithm Development

Developing the Algorithm: Decision Making and Design

Top-Down Design

Object-Oriented Analysis

DIG DEEPER: The Building Blocks of Programming Languages: Syntax,

Keywords, Data Types, and Operators

Coding: Speaking the Language of the Computer

Compilation

Coding Tools: Integrated Development Environments

Debugging: Getting Rid of Errors

Testing and Documentation: Finishing the Project

TRY THIS: Programming with Corona

Programming Languages

Many Languages for Many Projects

Selecting the Right Language

ETHICS in IT: When Software Runs Awry

Exploring Programming Languages

Visual Basic

C and C++

Java and C#

Objective C

HTML

JavaScript and VBScript

ASP, JSP, and PHP

AJAX and XML

Mobile Applications

TRENDS in IT: Emerging Technologies: Unite All Your Video Game Design Tools

The Next Great Language

Chapter  11

Behind the Scenes: Databases and Information Systems

Database Basics

Database Building Blocks

Databases Versus Lists

Advantages of Using Databases

Database Management Systems

Database Terminology

Planning and Creating the Database

Using Primary Keys

Database Types

Relational Databases

Object-Oriented Databases

Multidimensional Databases

Database Functions

Inputting Data

Data Validation

Viewing and Sorting Data

Extracting or Querying Data

DIG DEEPER: Structured Query Language (SOL)

Outputting Data

TRY THIS: Using Excel's Database Functions

How Businesses Use Databases

Data Warehousing and Storage

Data Warehouses

TRENDS in IT: Emerging Technologies: Can Your Business Partner

Deliver the Goods? Enhanced Databases Can Help You Decide!

Populating Data Warehouses

Data Staging

Data Marts

Business Intelligence Systems

Office Support Systems

Transaction-Processing Systems

Management Information Systems

Decision Support Systems

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

TRENDS in IT: Computers in Society: User-Populated Databases

Data Mining

ETHICS in IT: Data, Data Everywhere-But Is It Protected?

Chapter 12

Behind the Scenes:  Networking and Security in the Business World

Client/Server Networks and Topologies

Client/Server Network Basics

Networking Advantages

Comparing Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks

Types of Client/Server Networks

Servers

Authentication and File Servers

Print Servers

Application Servers

Database Servers

E-Mail Servers

Communications Servers

Web Servers and Cloud Servers

TRENDS in IT: Virtualization:  Making Servers Work Harder

Network Topologies

Bus Topology

Ring Topology

Star Topology

Comparing Topologies

TRY THIS: Sharing Folders on a Home Network

Setting Up Business Networks

Transmission Media

Wired Transmission Media

Twisted-Pair Cable

Coaxial Cable

Fiber-Optic Cable

Wireless Media Options

Comparing Transmission Media

Network Adapters

Network Navigation Devices

MAC Addresses

Switches and Bridges

Routers

Network Operating Systems

DIG DEEPER: The OSI Model: Defining Protocol Standards

Client/Server Network  Security

Authentication

Access Privileges

Physical Protection Measures

ETHICS in IT: How Should Companies Handle Data Breaches?

Firewalls

Chapter 13

Behind the Scenes: How the Internet Works

Inner Workings of the Internet

The Management of the Internet

Internet Networking 

Internet Data Routes

The Network Model of the Internet

Data Transmission and Protocols

Circuit Switching

Packet Switching

TCP/IP

Internet Identity: IP Addresses and Domain Names

IP Addresses

DIG DEEPER: Connection-Oriented Versus Connectionless Protocols

Domain Names

TRY THIS: Ping Me

Coding and Communicating on the Internet

HTML, XML, and Other Web Building Blocks

HTML

XML and JSON

Web Browser Protocols

Server-Side Applications

Client-Side Applications

Communications Over the Internet

E-Mail

E-Mail Security: Encryption

ETHICS in IT: Web Browsing: Not as Private as You May Think

Instant Messaging

TRENDS in IT: Crowdsourcing: Harnessing the Power of Social Networks

Glossary

Index

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