Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Introductory, Tenth Edition,9780619243654

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, Introductory, Tenth Edition

by ;
Edition: 4th
ISBN13: 9780619243654
ISBN10: 0619243651
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2004-03-16
Publisher(s): Course Technology
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Summary

This introduction to computers is known for its readability and the depth of topics covered.

Table of Contents

Preface v
MODULE Introduction
1(84)
Introduction to the World of Computers
3(36)
Overview
4(1)
Computers in Your Life
4(5)
Why Learn About Computers?
4(1)
Computers in the Home
5(1)
Computers in Education
6(1)
Computers in the Workplace
7(1)
Computers on the Go
8(1)
What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?
9(8)
Computers Then and Now
10(2)
Hardware
12(2)
Software
14(2)
Data and Information
16(1)
Computer Users and Professionals
16(1)
Computer Networks and the Internet
17(2)
The Internet
18(1)
Accessing a Network
18(1)
Computers to Fit Every Need
19(9)
Mobile Devices
19(1)
Personal Computers
19(7)
Midrange Servers
26(1)
Mainframe Computers
27(1)
Supercomputers
27(1)
Computers and Society
28(2)
The Information Age and the New Information Revolution
28(1)
Benefits of a Computer-Oriented Society
29(1)
Risks of a Computer-Oriented Society
29(1)
Summary
30(2)
Key Terms
32(1)
Review Activities
33(2)
Projects
35(4)
Trend Wearable PCs
9(12)
How It Works Setting Up a New PC
21(1)
Inside the Industry PC Modding
22(2)
Campus Close-Up Wired Med Students
24(15)
Using Your PC, Windows, and the Web
39(46)
Overview
40(1)
Starting Your Computer: The Boot Process
40(1)
Using the Windows Operating System
41(10)
The Windows Interface
41(6)
Opening Windows and Starting Programs
47(1)
Manipulating Windows
48(3)
Shutting Down the Computer
51(1)
Using the Internet and World Wide Web
51(14)
What are the Internet and World Wide Web?
51(1)
What Is a Browser?
52(1)
Accessing the Internet
52(2)
Internet Addresses
54(4)
Surfing the Web
58(4)
Using Bookmarks and the History List
62(1)
Searching the Web
63(2)
E-Mail and Other Types of Online Communications
65(7)
Sending E-Mail
68(1)
Receiving E-Mail
68(1)
Managing E-Mail
68(2)
Discussion Groups, Chat, Instant Messaging, and More
70(1)
Netiquette
71(1)
Societal Implications of Cyberspace
72(4)
Security
72(1)
Privacy
73(1)
Differences in Online Communications
73(1)
The Anonymity Factor
73(2)
Information Integrity
75(1)
Summary
76(2)
Key Terms
78(1)
Review Activities
79(2)
Projects
81(4)
Trend E-Mail Hoaxes
57(10)
How It Works Video E-Mail
67(7)
Inside the Industry Emoticons and Acronyms: Expressing Yourself Online
74(11)
MODULE Hardware
85(134)
The System Unit: Processing and Memory
87(46)
Overview
88(1)
Data and Program Representation
88(7)
Digital Data Representation
88(1)
Representing Numerical Data: The Binary Numbering System
89(1)
Coding Systems for Text-Based Data
90(2)
Coding Systems for Other Types of Data
92(3)
Representing Programs: Machine Language
95(1)
Inside the System Unit
95(16)
The Motherboard
96(1)
CPU
96(4)
Memory
100(4)
Buses
104(2)
Expansion Slots and Cards
106(2)
Ports
108(3)
How the CPU Works
111(4)
Typical CPU Components
112(1)
The System Clock and the Machine Cycle
113(2)
Making Computers Faster Now and in the Future
115(9)
Speeding Up Your System Today
115(3)
Strategies for Making Faster Computers
118(4)
Future Trends
122(2)
Summary
124(2)
Key Terms
126(1)
Review Activities
127(2)
Projects
129(4)
How It Works MP3 Compression
94(5)
Trend Unusual Uses for Computer Chips: Smart Bullets, Smart Tennis Shoes, and High-Tech Pets
99(2)
Inside the Industry Non-Volatile Memory
101(32)
Storage
133(40)
Overview
134(1)
Properties of Storage Systems
134(3)
Storage Devices and Media
134(1)
Non-Volatility
135(1)
Removable vs. Fixed Media
135(1)
Random vs. Sequential Access
135(1)
Logical vs. Physical Representation
136(1)
Magnetic Disk Systems
137(13)
Floppy Disks and Drives
138(2)
High-Capacity Removable Magnetic Disks and Drives
140(1)
Hard Disk Drives
140(10)
Optical Disc Systems
150(4)
Read-Only Discs: CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Discs
152(1)
Recordable Discs: CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R Discs
153(1)
Rewritable Discs: CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and Blue Laser Discs
154(1)
Other Types of Storage Systems
154(8)
Magneto-Optical Discs
154(1)
Flash Memory Media
155(3)
Magnetic Tape Systems
158(1)
Remote Storage Systems
159(1)
Smart Cards
159(2)
Holographic Storage
161(1)
Comparing Storage Alternatives
162(2)
Summary
164(2)
Key Terms
166(1)
Review Activities
167(2)
Projects
169(4)
Inside the Industry Data Recovery Experts
144(7)
How It Works Business Card CDs
151(4)
Trend Digital Copy Protection
155(7)
Campus Close-Up Penn State ID+ Smart Cards
162(11)
Input and Output
173(46)
Overview
174(1)
Input and Output
174(1)
Keyboards
174(2)
Pointing Devices
176(5)
Mice
176(1)
Electronic Pens
177(3)
Touch Screens
180(1)
Other Pointing Devices
181(1)
Scanners and Related Devices
181(8)
Scanners
183(2)
Optical Mark Readers (OMRs)
185(1)
Bar-Code Readers
185(2)
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Devices
187(1)
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) Readers
187(2)
Biometric Input Devices
189(2)
Multimedia Input Devices
191(4)
Digital Cameras
191(2)
Audio Input Devices
193(2)
Display Devices
195(5)
Display Device Characteristics
195(2)
CRT Monitors
197(1)
Flat-Panel Displays
197(1)
Smart Displays
198(1)
HDTV Monitors
198(1)
Data and Multimedia Projectors
199(1)
Emerging Display Technologies and Applications
199(1)
Printers
200(8)
Printer Characteristics
200(4)
Laser Printers
204(1)
Ink-Jet Printers
205(1)
Special-Purpose Printers
206(2)
Fax Machines and Multifunction Devices
208(1)
Multimedia Output Devices
208(2)
Speakers
208(1)
Voice-Output Systems
209(1)
Summary
210(2)
Key Terms
212(1)
Review Activities
213(2)
Projects
215(4)
Inside the Industry RFID: The Smart Bar Code
188(2)
How It Works Face Recognition
190(11)
Campus Close-Up Smart Classrooms
201(1)
Trend Electronic Paper
202(17)
MODULE Software
219(90)
Systems Software: Operating Systems and Utilities
221(40)
Overview
222(1)
System Software vs. Application Software
222(1)
The Operating System
223(9)
Functions of an Operating System
224(3)
Processing Techniques for Increased Efficiency
227(3)
Differences Among Operating Systems
230(2)
Operating Systems for Desktop PCs and Servers
232(8)
DOS
233(1)
Windows
234(3)
Mac OS
237(1)
UNIX
237(1)
Linux
238(1)
NetWare
239(1)
OS/2 and OS/2 Warp
240(1)
Solaris
240(1)
Operating Systems for Handheld PCs and Mobile Devices
240(2)
Embedded and Mobile Versions of Windows
240(2)
Palm OS
242(1)
Symbian OS
242(1)
Operating Systems for Larger Computers
242(9)
Utility Programs
243(1)
File Management Programs
243(3)
Antivirus Programs
246(1)
Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
246(1)
Uninstall Utilities
247(1)
File Compression Programs
248(1)
Backup and Recovery Utilities
248(2)
Encryption Programs
250(1)
Network and Internet Utilities
250(1)
The Future of Operating Systems
251(1)
Summary
252(2)
Key Terms
254(1)
Review Activities
255(2)
Projects
257(4)
Inside the Industry Linux Desktops: The Wave of the Future?
239(2)
Trend Smart Cars
241(4)
How It Works Downloading and Installing Programs
245(16)
Application Software
261(48)
Overview
262(1)
The Basics of Application Software
262(9)
Types of Application Software
262(1)
Ownership Rights and Delivery Methods
263(3)
Software Suites
266(2)
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
268(1)
Desktop vs. Handheld PC Software
269(1)
Getting Help
270(1)
Word Processing Concepts
271(5)
What Is Word Processing?
271(1)
Creating and Editing a Word Processing Document
272(1)
Formatting a Document
273(2)
Graphics, Tables, and Templates
275(1)
Word Processing and the Web
275(1)
Spreadsheet Concepts
276(5)
What Is a Spreadsheet?
276(1)
Creating and Editing a Worksheet
276(3)
Formatting a Worksheet
279(1)
Charts and What-If Analysis
280(1)
Spreadsheets and the Web
281(1)
Database Concepts
281(4)
What Is a Database?
281(1)
Creating a Database
282(1)
Modifying a Database
283(1)
Queries and Reports
284(1)
Databases and the Web
285(1)
Presentation Graphics Concepts
285(3)
What Is a Presentation Graphic?
285(1)
Creating a Presentation
286(1)
Enhancing and Finishing a Presentation
287(1)
Presentation Graphics and the Web
288(1)
Graphics and Multimedia Concepts
288(9)
Multimedia Applications
289(2)
Types of Graphics and Multimedia Software
291(5)
Graphics, Multimedia, and the Web
296(1)
Other Types of Application Software
297(3)
Desktop and Personal Publishing Software
297(1)
Accounting and Personal Finance Software
298(1)
Educational, Entertainment, and Reference Software
298(1)
CAD and Other Types of Design Software
298(1)
Project Management Software
298(2)
Summary
300(2)
Key Terms
302(1)
Review Activities
303(2)
Projects
305(4)
Inside the Industry Jellyvision's Interactive Conversation Interface (iCi)
291(4)
How It Works Creating a Custom Music CD
295(4)
Trend Spyware
299(10)
MODULE Networks and the Internet
309
Computer Networks
311(52)
Overview
312(1)
Networking and Communications Applications
312(5)
Wireless Phones
313(1)
Paging and Messaging
313(1)
Global Positioning Systems (GPSs)
314(1)
Satellite Radio
314(1)
Online Conferencing
314(1)
Collaborative Computing
315(1)
Telecommuting
316(1)
Telemedicine
316(1)
What is a Network and How Does it Transmit Data?
317(10)
Data Transmission Characteristics
317(3)
Wired vs. Wireless Connections
320(1)
Wired Network Transmission Media
320(2)
Wireless Network Transmission Media
322(5)
Types of Networks
327(4)
Network Topologies
327(1)
Network Architectures
328(1)
LANs, WANs, and Other Types of Networks
329(2)
Networking Hardware
331(5)
Network Adapters
331(1)
Modems
332(2)
Hubs, Switches, and Other Networking Hardware
334(2)
Communications Protocols
336(8)
Ethernet
336(1)
Token Ring
337(1)
TCP/IP
337(1)
802.11 (Wi-Fi)
338(3)
Bluetooth
341(1)
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
342(1)
Other Networking Protocols
342(2)
Network Security Issues
344(10)
Unauthorized Access and Use
344(5)
Computer Sabotage
349(5)
Summary
354(2)
Key Terms
356(1)
Review Activities
357(2)
Projects
359(4)
Inside the Industry Presence Technology
326(14)
How It Works Setting Up a Home Network
340(9)
Trend Personal Biometrics: Finger Payment Systems
349(14)
The Internet and World Wide Web
363
Overview
364(1)
Evolution of the Internet
364(7)
From Arpanet to Internet2
365(2)
The Internet Community Today
367(3)
Myths About the Internet
370(1)
Getting Set Up to Use the Internet
371(8)
Type of Device
371(1)
Type of Connection and Internet Access
372(5)
Selecting an ISP and Setting Up Your PC
377(2)
Searching the Internet
379(6)
Search Sites
379(2)
Search Strategies
381(3)
Evaluating Search Results
384(1)
Citing Internet Resources
385(1)
Beyond Browsing and E-Mail
385(16)
Online Financial Transactions
385(3)
Online Entertainment
388(8)
Online News and Research
396(1)
Online Education
397(4)
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
401(1)
Censorship and Privacy Issues
401(6)
Censorship
402(1)
Web Browsing Privacy
402(5)
E-Mail Privacy
407(1)
The Future of the Internet
407(1)
Summary
408(2)
Key Terms
410(1)
Review Activities
411(2)
Projects
413
Trend Aircraft-Based Internet: Broadband of the Future?
375(16)
Inside the Industry The Napster Controversy
391(3)
How It Works Video-on-Demand
394
References and Resources Guide
1(1)
Computer History Timeline
2(5)
A Look at Numbering Systems
7(4)
The Decimal and Binary Numbering System
7(1)
The Hexadecimal Numbering System
7(1)
Converting Between Numbering Systems
8(1)
Computer Arithmetic
9(1)
Using a Scientific Calculator
10(1)
Coding Charts
11(2)
ASCII and EBCDIC
11(1)
Unicode
12(1)
CPU Characteristics
13(1)
Guide to Buying a PC
14(5)
Analyzing Needs
14(1)
Listing Alternatives
15(2)
System Troubleshooting and Upgrading
17(2)
Web Guide
19(4)
Web Searching Tips: A Closer Look at Google
23(2)
Google Search Options
23(1)
Google Advanced Search
23(1)
Other Google Tools
24(1)
Answers to Self-Quiz
25
Credits 1(1)
Glossary/Index 1

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