Computers, communications, information

This book is written for future computer users-people who will use the computer as an everyday tool for working with reports, spreadsheets, databases, and, of course, telecommunications. It is not intended only for students who will eventually write programs or design computer systems,

We wrote this book to provide instructors and students with the most useful information possible in an introductory computer course. Specifically, we offer the following five important features:

• Two versions-Core Version of 8 chapters, and Comprehensive Version of 14 chapters
  
• Complete coverage, avoiding unnecessary detail
  
• Practical orientation
  
• Learning reinforcement
  
• Complete course solutions: supplements that work
  

1. Overview: The Foundation for Your Future
   
2. Processing Hardware: Turning Data into Something You Can Use
   
3. Input/Output Hardware: Interfaces Between You & the Computer
   
4. Storage Hardware: Preserving Data & Information
   
5. System Software: The Director
   
6. Applications Software: The User's Tools
   
7. Communications Technology: Starting Along the Information Highway
   
8. Uses of Communications Technology: Telecommuting, Online Resources, & the Internet
   
9. Information Systems Analysis & Design: The Systems Development Life Cycle
   
10. Software Programming & Languages: Where Software Comes From
    
11. Information Management: Who Needs to Know What, & When'
    
12. Files and Databases: Organizing & Maintaining Digital Data
    
13. Advances in Computing: Multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, & Intelligent Agents
    
14. Ethics, Privacy, Security, & Social Questions: Computing for Right Living