Computer Concepts

by PARSONS/OJA

• ISBN13: 9780619109332
• ISBN10: 0619109335
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-16
• Publisher: Course Technology

Summary

Updated and revised for currency, this title covers the latest in technology.

Table of Contents

Preface	xii
UNIT A Computer and Internet Basics	1	(32)
Defining computers	2	(2)
Exploring computer functions	4	(2)
Understanding the importance of stored programs
Categorizing computers	6	(2)
Examining personal computer systems	8	(2)
What's a peripheral device?
Exploring data, information, and files	10	(2)
Introducing application and system software	12	(2)
Defining Internet basics	14	(2)
Connecting to the Internet	16	(2)
What service does an Internet service provider provide?
Understanding World Wide Web basics	18	(2)
Using browsers	20	(2)
Using search engines
Understanding e-mail basics	22	(2)
Tech Talk: The Boot Process	24	(2)
Issue: How Private is E-mail?	26	(2)
Expand the Ideas
End of Unit Exercises	28	(5)
Key Terms
Unit Review
Fill In the Best Answer
Independent Challenges
Visual Workshop
UNIT B Computer Hardware	33	(32)
Introducing storage technology	34	(2)
The science of data representation
Comparing storage technologies	36	(2)
Comparing storage media and devices	38	(2)
Adding storage devices to a computer
Exploring floppy disk technology	40	(2)
What HD DS and HDD mean
Exploring hard disk technology	42	(2)
Understanding tape storage
Exploring CD/DVD technology	44	(2)
Using DVD technologies
Understanding expansion slots, cards, ports, and cables	46	(2)
Comparing display devices	48	(2)
Comparing printers	50	(2)
Examining keyboards	52	(2)
Alternative keyboard designs
Exploring peripheral devices	54	(2)
Tech Talk: The Windows Registry	56	(2)
Issue: Why Recycle Computers?	58	(2)
Expand the Ideas
End of Unit Exercises	60	(5)
Key Terms
Unit Review
Fill In the Best Answer
Independent Challenges
Visual Workshop
UNIT C Computer Software	65	(32)
Introducing computer software	66	(2)
Explaining how computers interpret software	68	(2)
Exploring operating systems	70	(2)
Comparing operating systems	72	(2)
Defining document production software	74	(2)
Defining spreadsheet software	76	(2)
Defining data management software	78	(2)
Searching flat files and databases
Defining graphics software	80	(2)
Defining business and science software	82	(2)
Why spreadsheet software is not always the best software for businesses
Defining entertainment and education software	84	(2)
Understanding licenses and copyrights	86	(2)
Examining copyright protections for software
Tech Talk: Installing Software	88	(2)
Installing downloaded software
Issue: Is Piracy a Problem?	90	(2)
Expand the Ideas
End of Unit Exercises	92	(5)
Key Terms
Unit Review
Fill In the Best Answer
Independent Challenges
Visual Workshop
UNIT D Digital Electronics and File Management	97	(32)
Introducing digital data representation	98	(2)
Quantifying bits and bytes
Introducing integrated circuits	100	(2)
Comparing today's microprocessors
Exploring microprocessor performance factors	102	(2)
Benchmarking
Understanding computer memory: RAM	104	(2)
Different types of RAM
Exploring computer memory	106	(2)
Introducing computer file basics	108	(2)
Understanding file locations	110	(2)
Deleting files
Exploring file management	112	(2)
The Save v. Save As dialog box
Understanding logical file storage	114	(2)
Using files	116	(2)
Understanding physical file storage	118	(2)
Tech Talk: How a Microprocessor Executes Instructions	120	(2)
Issue: Who Invented the Computer?	122	(2)
Expand the Ideas
End of Unit Exercises	124	(5)
Key Terms
Unit Review
Fill In the Best Answer
Independent Challenges
Visual Workshop
Glossary	129	(8)
Index	137