Discovering computers : fundamentals

Equip students with all the tools necessary to succeed in your classroom with this new edition. For the past three decades, the Shelly Cashman Series has effectively introduced computers to millions of students-consistently providing the highest quality, most up-to-date, and innovative materials in computer education. This new text employs the proven Shelly Cashman approach to learning, presents fundamental computer concepts in a clear writing style, and includes new Learn How To exercises, Web Research exercises, an on-line discussion forum, and new dynamic games on the Companion Web site. Engage your students with these useful tools and help them experience successful learning with the Shelly Cashman Series.

Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers	p. 1
A World of Computers	p. 2
What is a Computer?	p. 3
Data and Information	p. 3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers	p. 4
Information Processing Cycle	p. 5
The Components of a Computer	p. 6
Input Devices	p. 6
Output Devices	p. 7
System Unit	p. 7
Storage Devices	p. 7
Communication Devices	p. 8
Networks and the Internet	p. 8
The Internet	p. 8
Computer Software	p. 10
System Software	p. 10
Application Software	p. 11
Installing and Running Programs	p. 11
Software Development	p. 12
Categories of Computers	p. 14
Personal Computers	p. 14
Desktop Computers	p. 14
MObile Computers	p. 14
Notebook Computers	p. 14
Mobile Devices	p. 15
Midrange Servers	p. 16
Mainframes	p. 17
Supercomputers	p. 17
Embedded Computers	p. 17
Examples of Computer Usage	p. 18
Home User	p. 18
Small Office/Home User	p. 20
Mobile User	p. 20
Power User	p. 21
Large Business User	p. 21
Computer Applications in Society	p. 22
Education	p. 22
Finance	p. 23
Government	p. 23
Health Care	p. 23
Science	p. 24
Publishing	p. 25
Travel	p. 25
Industry	p. 25
Chapter Summary	p. 26
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 27
Dell	p. 27
Apple Computer	p. 27
Technology Trailblazers	p. 27
Bill Gates	p. 27
Carly Fiorina	p. 27
Chapter Review	p. 28
Key Terms	p. 29
Checkpoint	p. 30
Web Research	p. 31
Learn How to	p. 32
Learn it Online	p. 34
Special Feature: Timeline: Milestones in Computer History	p. 35
Chapter 2 The Internet and World Wide Web	p. 49
The Internet	p. 50
How the Internet Works	p. 51
Connecting to the Internet	p. 51
Access Providers	p. 52
How Data Travels the Internet	p. 52
Internet Addresses	p. 53
The World Wide Web	p. 54
Browsing the Web	p. 54
Web Addresses	p. 56
Navigating Web Pages	p. 57
Searching for Information on the Web	p. 57
Types of Web Sites	p. 61
Evaluating a Web Site	p. 63
Multimedia on the Web	p. 64
Web Publishing	p. 66
E-Commerce	p. 67
Other Internet Services	p. 68
E-Mail	p. 69
FTP	p. 71
Newsgroups and Message Boards	p. 71
Mailing Lists	p. 71
Chat Rooms	p. 71
Instant Messaging	p. 72
Internet Telephony	p. 73
Netiquette	p. 73
Chapter Summary	p. 74
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 75
Google	p. 75
Yahoo	p. 75
Technology Trailblazers	p. 75
Tim Berners-Lee	p. 75
Meg Whitman	p. 75
Chapter Review	p. 76
Key Terms	p. 77
Checkpoint	p. 78
Web Research	p. 79
Learn How to	p. 80
Learn it Online	p. 82
Special Feature: Making Use of the Web	p. 83
Chapter 3 Application Software	p. 99
Application Software	p. 100
The Role of System Software	p. 101
Working with Application Software	p. 102
Business Software	p. 104
Word Processing Software	p. 105
Developing a Document	p. 106
Spreadsheet Software	p. 107
Database Software	p. 108
Presentation Graphics Software	p. 109
Note Taking Software	p. 110
Personal Information Manager Software	p. 110
PDA Business Software	p. 110
Software Suite	p. 110
Project Management Software	p. 111
Accounting Software	p. 111
Enterprise Computing Software	p. 111
Graphics and Multimedia Software	p. 112
Computer-Aided Design	p. 112
Desktop Publishing Software (for the Professional)	p. 113
Paint/Image Editing Software (for the Professional)	p. 113
Video and Audio Editing Software (for the Professional)	p. 114
Multimedia Authoring Software	p. 114
Web Page Authoring Software	p. 114
Software for Home, Personal, and Educational Use	p. 115
Software Suite (for Personal Use)	p. 116
Personal Finance Software	p. 116
Legal Software	p. 117
Tax Preparation Software	p. 117
Desktop Publishing Software (for Personal Use)	p. 117
Paint/Image Editing Software (for Personal Use)	p. 118
Clip Art/Image Gallery	p. 118
Video and Audio Editing Software (for Personal Use)	p. 119
Home Design/Landscaping Software	p. 119
Educational and Reference Software	p. 119
Entertainment Software	p. 120
Application Software for Communications	p. 120
Popular Stand-Alone Utility Programs	p. 122
Learning Aids and Support Tools for Application Software	p. 122
Web-Based Training	p. 123
Chapter Summary	p. 124
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 125
Adobe Systems	p. 125
Microsoft	p. 125
Technology Trailblazers	p. 125
Dan Bricklin	p. 125
Masayoshi Son	p. 125
Chapter Review	p. 126
Key Terms	p. 127
Checkpoint	p. 128
Web Research	p. 129
Learn How to	p. 130
Learn it Online	p. 132
Chapter 4 The Components of the System Unit	p. 133
The System Unit	p. 134
The Motherboard	p. 136
Processor	p. 137
The Control Unit	p. 137
The Arithmetic Logic Unit	p. 137
Machine Cycle	p. 138
The System Clock	p. 138
Comparison of Personal Computer Processors	p. 139
Buying a Personal Computer	p. 139
Data Representation	p. 140
Memory	p. 142
Bytes and Addressable Memory	p. 142
Memory Sizes	p. 142
Types of Memory	p. 142
RAM	p. 143
Cache	p. 144
ROM	p. 145
Flash Memory	p. 145
CMOS	p. 146
Memory Access Times	p. 146
Expansion Slots and Adapter Cards	p. 147
PC Cards, Flash Memory Cards, and USB Flash Drives	p. 147
Ports and Connectors	p. 148
Serial Ports	p. 149
Parallel Ports	p. 149
USB Ports	p. 149
FireWire Ports	p. 150
Special Purpose Ports	p. 150
Buses	p. 151
Bays	p. 151
Power Supply	p. 152
Mobile Computers and Devices	p. 152
Putting it All Together	p. 154
Keeping Your Computer Clean	p. 155
Chapter Summary	p. 156
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 157
AMD	p. 157
Intel	p. 157
Technology Trailblazers	p. 157
Jack Kilby	p. 157
Gordon Moore	p. 157
Chapter Review	p. 158
Key Terms	p. 159
Checkpoint	p. 160
Web Research	p. 161
Learn How to	p. 162
Learn It Online	p. 164
Chapter 5 Input and Output	p. 165
What Is Input?	p. 166
Keyboard and Pointing Devices	p. 167
The Keyboard	p. 168
Mouse	p. 169
Trackball	p. 170
Touchpad	p. 170
Pointing Stick	p. 170
Joystick and Wheel	p. 171
Light Pen	p. 171
Touch Screen	p. 171
Pen Input	p. 172
Other Types of Input	p. 173
Voice Input	p. 173
Input for PDAs, Smart Phones, and Tablet PCs	p. 174
Digital Cameras	p. 175
Video Input	p. 176
Scanners and Reading Devices	p. 177
Terminals	p. 180
Biometric Input	p. 181
What Is Output?	p. 185
Display Devices	p. 183
LCD Monitors and Screens	p. 184
Plasma Monitors	p. 185
CRT Monitors	p. 186
Printers	p. 187
Producing Printed Output	p. 188
Nonimpact Printers	p. 189
Ink-Jet Printers	p. 189
Photo Printers	p. 190
Laser Printers	p. 190
Thermal Printers	p. 191
Mobile Prinnters	p. 192
Plotters and Large-Format Printers	p. 192
Impact Printers	p. 192
Other Output Devices	p. 193
Speakers and Headsets	p. 193
Fax Machines and Fax Modems	p. 194
MultiFunction Peripherals	p. 194
Data Projectors	p. 195
Putting It All Together	p. 196
Input and Output Devices for Physically Challenged Users	p. 197
Chapter Summary	p. 198
Companies On the Cutting Edge	p. 199
Logitech	p. 199
Hewlett-Packard	p. 199
Technology Trailblazers	p. 199
Douglas Engelbart	p. 199
Donna Dubinsky	p. 199
Chapter Review	p. 200
Key Terms	p. 202
Checkpoint	p. 203
Web Research	p. 204
Learn How To	p. 205
Learn It Online	p. 207
Special Feature: Digital' Imaging and Video Technology	p. 208
Chapter 6 Storage	p. 219
Storage	p. 220
Magnetic Disks	p. 222
Floppy Disks	p. 223
Zip Disks	p. 223
Hard Disks	p. 224
Optical Discs	p. 229
CD-ROMs	p. 231
CD-Rs and CD-RWs	p. 232
DVD-ROMs	p. 233
Recordable and Rewritable DVDs	p. 234
Tape	p. 234
PC Cards	p. 235
Miniature Mobile Storage Media	p. 235
Flash Memory Cards	p. 236
USB Flash Drives	p. 236
Smart Cards	p. 237
Microfilm and Microfiche	p. 238
Enterprise Storage	p. 238
Putting It All Together	p. 239
Chapter Summary	p. 240
Companies On the Cutting Edge	p. 241
Maxtor	p. 241
SanDisk Corporation	p. 241
Technology Trailblazers	p. 241
Al Shugart	p. 241
Mark Dean	p. 241
Chapter Review	p. 242
Key Terms	p. 243
Checkpoint	p. 244
Web Research	p. 245
Learn How To	p. 246
Learn It Online	p. 248
Chapter 7 Operating Systems and Utility Programs	p. 249
System Software	p. 250
Operating Systems	p. 251
Operating System Functions	p. 252
Starting a Computer	p. 252
Providing a User Interface	p. 253
Managing Programs	p. 253
Managing Memory	p. 255
Scheduling Jobs	p. 255
Configuring Devices	p. 256
Establishing a Connection	p. 256
Monitoring Performance	p. 257
Providing File Management and Other Utilities	p. 257
Controlling a Network	p. 257
Administering Security	p. 258
Operating System Utility Programs	p. 259
File Manager	p. 259
Image Viewer	p. 259
Personal Firewall	p. 260
Uninstaller	p. 260
Disk Scanner	p. 260
Disk Defragmenter	p. 261
Diagnostic Utility	p. 261
Backup Utility	p. 261
Screen Saver	p. 261
Types of Operating Systems	p. 262
Stand-Alone Operating Systems	p. 262
DOS	p. 262
Windows XP	p. 262
Mac OS X	p. 264
UNIX	p. 264
Linux	p. 265
Network Operating Systems	p. 266
Embedded Operating Systems	p. 266
Stand-Alone Utility Programs	p. 267
Antivirus Programs	p. 267
Spyware Removers	p. 268
Internet Filters	p. 268
File Compression	p. 269
File Conversion	p. 269
CD/DVD Burning	p. 269
Personal Computer Maintenance	p. 270
Chapter Summary	p. 270
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 271
Red Hat	p. 271
Symbian	p. 271
Technology Trailblazers	p. 271
Alan Kay	p. 271
Linus Torvalds	p. 271
Chapter Review	p. 272
Key Terms	p. 273
Checkpoint	p. 274
Web Research	p. 275
Learn How To	p. 276
Learn It Online	p. 278
Special Feature: Buyer's Guide: How to Purchase A Personal Computer	p. 279
Chapter 8 Communications and Networks	p. 295
Communications	p. 296
Uses of Computer Communications	p. 297
Internet, Web, E-Mail, Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms, Newsgroups, Internet Telephony, FTP, Web Folders, Video Conferencing, and Fax	p. 298
Wireless Messaging Services	p. 298
Public Internet Access Points	p. 300
Global Positioning System	p. 301
Collaboration	p. 302
Groupware	p. 302
Voice Mail	p. 302
Web Services	p. 302
Networks	p. 303
LANs, MANs, and WANs	p. 303
Network Architectures	p. 305
Network Topologies	p. 306
Intranets	p. 307
Network Communications Standards	p. 308
Communications Software	p. 310
Communications Over the Telephone Network	p. 310
Dial-Up Lines	p. 311
Dedicated Lines	p. 311
Communications Devices	p. 312
Dial-Up Modems	p. 313
ISDN and DSL Modems	p. 314
Cable Modems	p. 314
Wireless Modems	p. 314
Network Cards	p. 315
Wireless Access Points	p. 315
Routers	p. 315
Home Networks	p. 316
Wired Home Networks	p. 316
Wireless Home Networks	p. 316
Communications Channel	p. 317
Physical Transmission Media	p. 319
Twisted-Pair Cable	p. 319
Coaxial Cable	p. 320
Fiber-Optic Cable	p. 320
Wireless Transmission Media	p. 320
Infrared	p. 321
Broadcast Radio	p. 321
Cellular Radio	p. 321
Microwaves	p. 321
Communications Satellite	p. 321
Chapter Summary	p. 322
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 323
Cisco Systems	p. 323
Qualcomm	p. 323
Technology Tralblazers	p. 323
Robert Metcalfe	p. 323
Patricia Russo	p. 323
Chapter Review	p. 324
Key Terms	p. 325
Checkpoint	p. 326
Web Research	p. 327
Learn How To	p. 328
Learn It Online	p. 330
Chapter 9 Database Management	p. 331
Databases, Data and Information	p. 332
Data Integrity	p. 333
Qualities of Valuable Information	p. 334
The Hierarchy of Data	p. 334
Characters	p. 335
Fields	p. 335
Records	p. 336
Files	p. 336
Maintaining Data	p. 336
Adding Records	p. 336
Changing Records	p. 338
Deleting Records	p. 338
Validating Data	p. 339
File Processing Versus Databases	p. 341
File Processing Systems	p. 341
The Database Approach	p. 341
Database Management Systems	p. 343
Data Dictionary	p. 343
File Retrieval and Maintenance	p. 344
Data Security	p. 346
Backup and Recovery	p. 346
Relational, Object-oriented, and Multidimensional Databases	p. 347
Relational Databases	p. 347
Object-Oriented Databases	p. 349
Multidimensional Databases	p. 349
Web Databases	p. 350
Database Administration	p. 351
Database Design Guidelines	p. 351
Role of the Database Analylsts and Administrators	p. 351
Role of the Employee as User	p. 351
Chapter Summary	p. 352
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 353
Oracle	p. 353
Sybase	p. 353
Technology Trailblazers	p. 353
E. F. Codd	p. 353
Larry Ellison	p. 353
Chapter Review	p. 354
Key Terms	p. 355
Checkpoint	p. 356
Web Research	p. 357
Learn How to	p. 358
Learn it Online	p. 360
Chapter 10 Computer Security, Ethics, and Privacy	p. 361
Computer Security Risks	p. 362
Internet and Network Attacks	p. 364
Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses	p. 364
Safeguards against Computer Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses	p. 365
Denial of Service Attacks	p. 367
Back Doors	p. 367
Spoofing	p. 367
Safeguards against DoS Attacks, Back Doors, and Spoofing	p. 367
Firewalls	p. 367
Intrusion Detection Software	p. 368
Unauthorized Access and Use	p. 368
Safeguards against Unauthorized Access and Use	p. 368
Identifying and Authenticating Users	p. 368
Hardware Theft and Vandalism	p. 371
Safeguards against Hardware Theft and Vandalism	p. 371
Software Theft	p. 372
Safeguards against Software Theft	p. 372
Information Theft	p. 373
Safeguards against Information Theft	p. 373
Encryption	p. 373
System Failure	p. 374
Safeguards against System Failure	p. 374
Backing Up - The Ultimate Safeguard	p. 375
Wireless Security	p. 375
Ethics and Society	p. 376
Information Accuracy	p. 377
Intellectual Property Rights	p. 378
Information Privacy	p. 379
Electronic Profiles	p. 380
Cookies	p. 380
Spyware and Adware	p. 381
Phishing	p. 381
Spam	p. 382
Privacy Laws	p. 382
Computer Forensics	p. 384
Employee Monitoring	p. 384
Content Filtering	p. 384
Health Concerns of Computer Use	p. 385
Computers and Health Risks	p. 385
Ergonomics and Workplace Design	p. 386
Computer Addiction	p. 387
Green Computing	p. 387
Chapter Summary	p. 388
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 389
McAfee	p. 389
Symantec	p. 389
Technology Trailblazers	p. 389
Donn Parker	p. 389
Cliff Stoll	p. 389
Chapter Review	p. 390
Key Terms	p. 391
Checkpoint	p. 392
Web Research	p. 393
Learn How To	p. 394
Learn It Online	p. 396
Special Feature: Digital Entertainment	p. 397
Chapter 11 Information System Development and Programming Languages	p. 405
The System Development Cycle	p. 406
Who Participates in the System Development Cycle?	p. 407
Project Management	p. 408
Feasibility Assessment	p. 409
Documentation	p. 409
Data and Information Gathering Techniques	p. 410
What Initiates the System Development Cycle?	p. 410
Planning Phase	p. 412
Analysis Phase	p. 413
Design Phase	p. 416
Implementation Phase	p. 420
Support Phase	p. 422
Information System Security	p. 422
Programming Languages	p. 423
Low-Level Languages	p. 424
Procedural Languages	p. 425
Object-Oriented Programming Languages	p. 427
Other Programming Languages	p. 430
Other Program Development Tools	p. 431
Web Page Development	p. 433
Multimedia Program Development	p. 437
The Program Development Cycle	p. 438
What Initiates the Program Development Cycle?	p. 439
Control Structures	p. 440
Chapter Summary	p. 442
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 443
Computer Associates	p. 443
Macromedia	p. 443
Technology Trailblazers	p. 443
Grace Hopper	p. 443
James Gosling	p. 443
Chapter Review	p. 444
Key Terms	p. 445
Checkpoint	p. 446
Web Research	p. 447
Learn How To	p. 448
Learn It Online	p. 450
Chapter 12 Enterprise Computing	p. 451
What Is Enterprise Computing?	p. 452
Organizational Structure of an Enterprise	p. 454
Levels of Users	p. 455
How Managers Use Information	p. 456
Information Systems in the Enterprise	p. 456
Information Systems within Functional Units	p. 457
General Purpose Information Systems	p. 461
Integrated Information Systems	p. 465
Enterprise-Wide Technologies	p. 467
Portals	p. 467
EDI	p. 468
Data Warehouses	p. 468
Extranets	p. 469
Web Services	p. 469
Workflow	p. 469
Virtual Private Network	p. 470
E-Commerce	p. 470
E-Retailing	p. 470
Finance	p. 472
Health	p. 472
Entertainment and Media	p. 472
Travel	p. 473
Other Business Services	p. 473
Enterprise Hardware	p. 474
RAID	p. 474
Network Attached Storage and Storage Area Networks	p. 476
Enterprise Storage Systems	p. 476
Blade Servers	p. 477
High-Availability Systems	p. 477
Scalability	p. 477
Utility and Grid Computing	p. 478
Interoperability	p. 478
Backup Procedures	p. 478
Disaster Recovery Plan	p. 479
Chapter Summary	p. 480
Companies on the Cutting Edge	p. 481
SAP	p. 481
IBM	p. 481
Technology Trailblazers	p. 481
Tom Siebel	p. 481
Jim Clark	p. 481
Chapter Review	p. 482
Key Terms	p. 483
Checkpoint	p. 484
Web Research	p. 485
Learn How To	p. 486
Learn it Online	p. 488
Appendix A Quiz Yourself Answers	p. 1
Glossary/Index	p. 1
Photo Credits	p. 28

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