Understanding Computers,9781418860547

Understanding Computers

by
Edition: 11th
ISBN13: 9781418860547
ISBN10: 1418860549
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2006-03-08
Publisher(s): Cengage Learning
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Summary

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow gives a classic, well-rounded introduction to computer concepts with a modern twist! Known for its readability and breadth of topics covered, this book will ensure that you have the comprehensive, current knowledge of computer concepts and issues needed to succeed in our technocentric society. This 11th Edition offers exciting new features and updates to make its content more approachable and meaningful.

Table of Contents

Preface iii
Module Introduction
2(50)
Introduction to the World of Computers
4(48)
Overview
5(1)
Computers in Your Life
6(5)
Why Learn About Computers?
6(1)
Computers in the Home
7(1)
Computers in Education
7(1)
Computers in the Workplace
8(2)
Computers on the Go
10(1)
What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?
11(9)
Data vs. Information
12(1)
Computers Then and Now
12(3)
Hardware
15(1)
Software
16(3)
Computer Users and Professionals
19(1)
Computers to Fit Every Need
20(10)
Mobile Devices
20(1)
Personal Computers
21(7)
Midrange Servers
28(1)
Mainframe Computers
28(1)
Supercomputers
28(2)
Computer Networks and the Internet
30(8)
What Are the Internet and the World Wide Web?
31(1)
Accessing a Network or the Internet
31(4)
Surfing the Web
35(1)
Searching the Web
36(1)
E-Mail
37(1)
Computers and Society
38(4)
Benefits of a Computer-Oriented Society
38(1)
Risks of a Computer-Oriented Society
39(1)
Differences in Online Communications
40(1)
The Anonymity Factor
41(1)
Information Integrity
41(1)
Summary
42(2)
Review Activities
44(2)
Projects
46(3)
Web Activities
49(3)
Technology and You Wired Med Students
9(13)
Trend Mobile TV
22(2)
Inside the Industry PC Modding
24(3)
How It Works Setting Up a New PC
27(23)
Expert Insight on Personal Computers
50(2)
Module Hardware
52(128)
The System Unit: Processing and Memory
54(42)
Overview
55(1)
Data and Program Representation
55(7)
Digital Data Representation
55(1)
Representing Numerical Data: The Binary Numbering System
56(1)
Coding Systems for Text-Based Data
57(1)
Coding Systems for Other Types of Data
58(3)
Representing Programs: Machine Language
61(1)
Inside the System Unit
62(13)
The Motherboard
63(1)
The CPU
63(4)
Memory
67(2)
Fans, Heat Sinks, and Other Cooling Components
69(1)
Expansion Slots and Cards
69(1)
Buses
70(2)
Ports
72(3)
How the CPU Works
75(6)
Typical CPU Components
75(3)
The System Clock and the Machine Cycle
78(3)
Making Computers Faster and Better Now and in the Future
81(7)
Improving the Performance of Your System Today
81(2)
Strategies for Making Faster and Better Computers
83(3)
Future Trends
86(2)
Summary
88(2)
Review Activities
90(2)
Projects
92(3)
Web Activities
95(1)
How it Works MP3 Compression
61(3)
Technology and You CPUs and Running Shoes
64(13)
Inside the Industry Moore's Law
77(1)
Trend High-Tech Investigators
78(18)
Storage
96(36)
Overview
97(1)
Storage Systems Characteristics
97(3)
Storage Devices and Storage Media
97(1)
Volatility
98(1)
Random vs. Sequential Access
98(1)
Logical vs. Physical Representation
99(1)
Magnetic Disks vs. Optical Discs
100(1)
Magnetic Disk Systems
100(9)
Floppy Disks and Drives
100(2)
Hard Disk Drives
102(6)
High-Capacity Removable Magnetic Disks and Cartridges
108(1)
Optical Disc Systems
109(5)
Read-Only Discs: CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Discs
110(2)
Recordable Discs: CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD+RDL Discs
112(1)
Rewritable Discs: CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and Blue Laser Discs
112(2)
Flash Memory Systems
114(3)
Flash Memory Media
115(1)
Flash Memory Drives
116(1)
Other Types of Storage Systems
117(5)
Remote Storage Systems
117(2)
Smart Cards
119(1)
Holographic Storage
120(1)
Storage Systems for Large Computer Systems and Networks
120(2)
Magnetic Tape Systems
122(1)
Comparing Storage Alternatives
122(2)
Summary
124(2)
Review Activities
126(2)
Projects
128(3)
Web Activities
131(1)
Inside the Industry Data Recovery Experts
105(6)
How it Works Business Card CDs and DVDs
111(2)
Trend Automated Optical Disc Carousels
113(5)
Technology and You Smart Card IDs
118(14)
Input and Output
132(48)
Overview
133(1)
Keyboards
133(2)
Pointing Devices
135(6)
The Mouse
135(2)
Electronic Pens
137(2)
Touch Screens
139(1)
Other Pointing Devices
139(2)
Scanners, Readers, and Digital Cameras
141(11)
Scanners
141(3)
Readers
144(5)
Digital Cameras
149(3)
Audio Input
152(2)
Voice Input Systems
152(1)
Music Input Systems
153(1)
Display Devices
154(9)
Display Device Characteristics
154(6)
Flat-Panel Display Technologies
160(2)
Data and Multimedia Projectors
162(1)
Printers
163(5)
Printer Characteristics
163(2)
Laser Printers
165(1)
Ink-Jet Printers
165(1)
Special-Purpose Printers
166(2)
Multifunction Devices
168(1)
Audio Output
168(2)
Summary
170(2)
Review Activities
172(2)
Projects
174(3)
Web Activities
177(3)
Trend VirtualInput Devices
136(8)
Technology and You Body Scanners: Fitting Room of the Future?
144(6)
Inside the Industry RFID
150(6)
How it Works E-Paper
156(22)
Expert Insight on Hardware
178(2)
Module Software
180(84)
System Software: Operating Systems and Utility Programs
182(38)
Overview
183(1)
System Software vs. Application Software
183(1)
The Operating System
184(10)
Functions of an Operating System
185(3)
Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency
188(3)
Differences Among Operating Systems
191(3)
Operating Systems for Desktop PCs and Servers
194(7)
DOS
194(1)
Windows
194(4)
Mac OS
198(1)
UNIX
199(1)
Linux
199(2)
NetWare
201(1)
Solaris
201(1)
Operating Systems for Handheld PCs and Mobile Devices
201(3)
Embedded and Mobile Versions of Windows
201(2)
Palm OS
203(1)
Embedded Linux
203(1)
Symbian OS
204(1)
Operating Systems for Larger Computers
204(7)
Utility Programs
204(2)
File Management Programs
206(2)
Search Tools
208(1)
Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
208(1)
File Compression Programs
208(1)
Uninstall Utilities
209(1)
Backup and Recovery Utilities
210(1)
Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewalls, and Other Security Programs
210(1)
The Future of Operating Systems
211(1)
Summary
212(2)
Review Activities
214(2)
Projects
216(3)
Web Activities
219(1)
Inside the Industry Jellyvision's Interactive Conversation Interface (iCi)
192(10)
Technology and You Smart Cars
202(3)
How it Works Downloading and Installing Programs
205(4)
Trend Desktop Searching
209(11)
Application Software
220(44)
Overview
221(1)
The Basics of Application Software
221(11)
Software Ownership Rights
221(3)
Installed vs. Web-Based Software
224(3)
Software Suites
227(1)
Desktop vs. Mobile Software
228(1)
Common Software Commands
229(3)
Word Processing Concepts
232(4)
What Is Word Processing?
232(1)
Creating a Word Processing Document
233(1)
Tables, Graphics, and Templates
234(1)
Word Processing and the Web
235(1)
Spreadsheet Concepts
236(3)
What Is a Spreadsheet?
236(1)
Creating a Spreadsheet
236(3)
Charts and What-If Analysis
239(1)
Spreadsheets and the Web
239(1)
Database Concepts
239(4)
What Is a Database?
240(1)
Creating a Database
241(1)
Queries and Reports
242(1)
Databases and the Web
243(1)
Presentation Graphics Concepts
243(3)
What Is a Presentation Graphic?
243(1)
Creating a Presentation
244(1)
Finishing a Presentation
245(1)
Presentation Graphics and the Web
246(1)
Graphics and Multimedia Concepts
246(5)
Graphics Software
246(2)
Audio Editing Software
248(1)
Video Editing and DVD Authoring Software
248(1)
CD and DVD Burning Software
249(1)
Media Players
249(1)
Graphics, Multimedia, and the Web
249(2)
Other Types of Application Software
251(3)
Desktop and Personal Publishing Software
252(1)
Educational, Entertainment, and Reference Software
252(1)
Accounting and Personal Finance Software
252(1)
CAD and Other Types of Design Software
252(1)
Project Management and Collaboration Software
253(1)
Note Taking and Personal Productivity Software
253(1)
Summary
254(2)
Review Activities
256(2)
Projects
258(3)
Web Activities
261(3)
Inside the Industry Open Source Software
223(3)
Trend Software Kiosks
226(24)
How it Works Managing and Archiving Digital Photos
250(3)
Technology and You Taking Digital Classroom Notes
253(9)
Expert Insight on Software
262(2)
Module Networks and the Internet
264(2)
Computer Networks
266(1)
Overview
267(1)
What Is a Network?
267(1)
Networking and Communications Applications
268(9)
Mobile Phones
268(1)
Paging and Messaging
269(1)
Global Positioning Systems (GPSs)
270(1)
Monitoring Systems
270(2)
Satellite Radio
272(1)
Videoconferencing
272(1)
Collaborative Computing
273(1)
Telecommuting
274(1)
Digital Data Distribution
274(2)
Telemedicine
276(1)
Types of Networks
277(4)
Network Topologies
277(1)
Network Architectures
278(1)
LANs, WANs, and Other Types of Networks
279(2)
How Does Data Travel Over a Network?
281(7)
Data Transmission Characteristics
281(2)
Wired vs. Wireless Connections
283(1)
Wired Network Transmission Media
284(2)
Wireless Network Transmission Media
286(2)
Communications Protocols
288(9)
Ethernet
289(1)
Token Ring
290(1)
Wi-Fi (802.11)
291(1)
Mesh Networks, WiMAX, Mobile-Fi, and xMax
292(1)
Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband (UWB)
293(1)
TCP/IP and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
294(3)
Phoneline and Powerline Networks
297(1)
Networking Hardware
297(5)
Network Adapters
297(1)
Modems
298(2)
Hubs, Switches, and Other Networking Hardware
300(2)
Summary
302(2)
Review Activities
304(2)
Projects
306(3)
Web Activities
309(1)
Trend New Mobile Phone Applications: Celebrity Walking Tours and Park-by-Phone
269(4)
Inside the Industry Smart Dust
273(2)
Technology and You Multimedia Place Shifting
275(21)
How it Works Setting Up a Home Network
296(14)
The Internet and World Wide Web
310(52)
Overview
311(1)
Evolution of the Internet
311(7)
From Arpanet to Internet2
312(2)
The Internet Community Today
314(3)
Myths About the Internet
317(1)
Getting Set Up to Use the Internet
318(7)
Type of Device
318(1)
Type of Connection and Internet Access
319(4)
Selecting an ISP and Setting Up Your PC
323(2)
Searching the Internet
325(7)
Search Sites
326(2)
Search Strategies
328(2)
Evaluating Search Results
330(1)
Citing Internet Resources
331(1)
Beyond Browsing and E-Mail
332(15)
Discussion Groups, Instant Messaging, and Other Types of Online Communications
332(2)
Online Shopping and Investing
334(3)
Online Entertainment
337(3)
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
340(1)
Online News and Research
340(4)
Online Education and Writing
344(3)
Censorship and Privacy Issues
347(6)
Censorship
347(2)
Web Browsing Privacy
349(4)
E-Mail Privacy
353(1)
The Future of the Internet
353(1)
Summary
354(2)
Review Activities
356(2)
Projects
358(3)
Web Activities
361(1)
How it Works Voice over IP (VoIP)
334(7)
Inside the Industry RSS Feeds
341(1)
Technology and You P2P Legal Implications for College Students
342(5)
Trend Personal Biometrics: Finger Payment Systems
347(15)
Network and Internet Security
362(1)
Overview
363(1)
Why Be Concerned About Network and Internet Security?
363(1)
Unauthorized Access, Unauthorized Use, and Computer Sabotage
364(8)
Hacking
364(3)
Interception of Communications
367(1)
Computer Sabotage
367(5)
Protecting Against Unauthorized Access, Unauthorized Use, and Computer Sabotage
372(11)
Access Control Systems
372(4)
Firewalls and Antivirus Software
376(2)
Encryption and Other Security Tools
378(4)
Take Caution with Employees
382(1)
Online Theft, Fraud, and Other Dot Cons
383(6)
Theft of Data, Information, and Other Resources
384(1)
Identity Theft
384(1)
Online Auction Fraud
385(1)
Internet Scams, Spoofing, and Phishing
386(2)
Spyware
388(1)
Protecting Against Online Theft, Fraud, and Other Dot Cons
389(6)
Protecting Against Identity Theft
389(2)
Protecting Against Other Dot Cons
391(1)
Protecting Against Spyware
392(1)
Using Digital Signatures and Digital Certificates
393(2)
Personal Safety Issues
395(1)
Cyberstalking
395(1)
Online Pornography
395(1)
Protecting Against Cyberstalking and Other Personal Safety Concerns
396(1)
Safety Tips for Adults
396(1)
Safety Tips for Children
396(1)
Network and Internet Security Legislation
396(2)
Summary
398(2)
Review Activities
400(2)
Projects
402(3)
Web Activities
405
Technology and You E-Tokens on Campus
375(5)
How it Works Private Key Encryption
380(7)
Trend Pharming
387(3)
Inside the Industry Getting a Free Online Credit Report
390(16)
Expert Insight on Networks and the Internet
406
References and Resources Guide
1(1)
Computer History Timeline
2(6)
Coding Charts
8(2)
ASCII and EBCDIC
8(1)
Unicode
9(1)
Guide to Buying a PC
10(5)
Analyzing Needs
10(1)
Listing Alternatives
11(2)
System Troubleshooting and Upgrading
13(2)
E-Mail Fundamentals
15(2)
Sending E-Mail
15(1)
Receiving E-Mail
15(1)
Managing E-Mail
15(2)
Answers to Self-Quiz
17
Credits 1(1)
Glossary/Index 1

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