Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 11th Edition, Comprehensive

by Morley, Deborah

• ISBN13: 9781418860554
• ISBN10: 1418860557
• Edition: 11th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-08
• Publisher: Course Technology

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
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	(14)
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	(1)
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	(15)
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)
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	(109)
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+R DL 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	(10)
Summary	124	(2)
Review Activities	126	(2)
Projects	128	(3)
Web Activities	131	(1)
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	(12)
Summary	170	(2)
Review Activities	172	(2)
Projects	174	(3)
Web Activities	177	(1)
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	(1)
Utility Programs	204	(7)
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	(9)
Summary	212	(2)
Review Activities	214	(2)
Projects	216	(3)
Web Activities	219	(1)
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	(13)
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	(1)
Expert Insight on Software	262	(2)
MODULE Networks and the Internet	264	(144)
Computer Networks	266	(44)
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	(13)
Network Adapters	297	(1)
Modems	298	(2)
Hubs, Switches, and Other Networking Hardware	300	(2)
Summary	302	(2)
Review Activities	304	(2)
Project	306	(3)
Web Activities	309	(1)
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	(9)
Summary	354	(2)
Review Activities	356	(2)
Projects	358	(3)
Web Activities	361	(1)
Network and Internet Security	362	(46)
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	(12)
Summary	398	(2)
Review Activities	400	(2)
Projects	402	(3)
Web Activities	405	(1)
Expert Insight on Networks and the Internet	406	(2)
MODULE Web Applications	408	(76)
Multimedia and the Web	410	(38)
Overview	411	(1)
What Is Web-Based Multimedia?	411	(3)
Web-Based Multimedia Applications	411	(2)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Web-Based Multimedia	413	(1)
Multimedia Elements	414	(7)
Text	414	(1)
Graphics	415	(3)
Animation	418	(2)
Audio	420	(1)
Video	420	(1)
Multimedia Web Site Design	421	(8)
Basic Design Principles	421	(2)
Determining the Intended Audience and Objectives	423	(1)
Using Flowcharts, Page Layouts, and Storyboards	424	(2)
Navigational Design Considerations	426	(2)
Access Considerations	428	(1)
Multimedia Web Site Development	429	(9)
Creating the Multimedia Elements	430	(1)
Creating the Web Site	430	(7)
Testing, Publishing, and Maintaining the Site	437	(1)
The Future of Web-Based Multimedia	438	(10)
Summary	440	(2)
Review Activities	442	(2)
Projects	444	(3)
Web Activities	447	(1)
E-Commerce	448	(36)
Overview	449	(1)
What Is E-Commerce?	449	(5)
Advantages of E-Commerce	450	(2)
Disadvantages of E-Commerce	452	(2)
Types of E-Commerce Web Sites	454	(2)
Manufacturer and E-Tailer Web Sites	454	(1)
Brokerage Sites	454	(2)
E-Commerce Business Models	456	(3)
Business to Consumer (B2C)	456	(2)
Business to Business (B2B)	458	(1)
Consumer to Consumer (C2C)	458	(1)
Business to Government (B2G)	458	(1)
Intermediary Hubs	459	(1)
Implementing Web-Based E-Commerce	459	(14)
Step 1: Select Appropriate Business Models and Types of Web Sites	460	(1)
Step 2: Select the Desired E-Commerce Applications	460	(1)
Step 3: Develop Procedures for Handling Electronic Financial Transactions	461	(6)
Step 4: Design and Develop an Effective Web Site	467	(1)
Step 5: Implement Appropriate Sales and Marketing Strategies	468	(5)
Security Issues	473	(11)
Summary	474	(2)
Review Activities	476	(2)
Projects	478	(3)
Web Activities	481	(1)
Expert Insight on Web-Based Multimedia and E-Commerce	482	(2)
MODULE Systems	484	(132)
Information Systems and System Development	486	(44)
Overview	487	(1)
What Is an Information System?	487	(1)
Who Uses Information Systems?	488	(1)
Executive Management	489	(1)
Middle Management	489	(1)
Operational Management	489	(1)
Nonmanagement Workers	489	(1)
Types of Information Systems	489	(19)
Office Systems	491	(1)
Transaction Processing Systems	492	(3)
Management Information Systems (MISs)	495	(1)
Decision Support Systems (DSSs)	495	(1)
Geographic Information Systems (GISs)	496	(1)
Enterprise-Wide and Inter-Enterprise Systems	496	(5)
Design and Manufacturing Systems	501	(1)
Artificial Intelligence Systems	502	(6)
Responsibility for System Development	508	(3)
The Information Systems Department	508	(2)
Outsourcing Companies	510	(1)
The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)	511	(9)
Preliminary Investigation	512	(1)
System Analysis	513	(2)
System Design	515	(1)
System Acquisition	516	(2)
System Implementation	518	(2)
System Maintenance	520	(1)
Approaches to System Development	520	(10)
The Traditional Approach	520	(1)
Prototyping	521	(1)
End-User Development	521	(1)
Summary	522	(2)
Review Activities	524	(2)
Projects	526	(3)
Web Activities	529	(1)
Program Development and Programming Languages	530	(44)
Overview	531	(1)
Approaches to Program Design and Development	531	(3)
Structured Programming	531	(1)
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)	532	(1)
Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP)	533	(1)
The Program Development Life Cycle (PDLC)	534	(17)
Problem Analysis	534	(1)
Program Design	535	(7)
Program Coding	542	(3)
Program Debugging and Testing	545	(5)
Program Implementation and Maintenance	550	(1)
Tools for Facilitating Program Development	551	(2)
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) Tools	551	(1)
Application Generators	552	(1)
Software-Asset Management Tools	553	(498)
Device Software Development Tools	553	(1)
Programming Languages	553	(21)
What Is a Programming Language?	552	(2)
Categories of Programming Languages	554	(2)
Popular Programming Languages	556	(10)
Summary	566	(2)
Review Activities	568	(2)
Projects	570	(3)
Web Activities	573	(1)
Databases and Database Management Systems	574	(42)
Overview	575	(1)
What Is a Database?	575	(6)
Relational Databases: A Simple Example	576	(2)
Individuals Involved with a Database Management System	578	(1)
The Evolution of Databases	578	(1)
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Database Approach	579	(2)
Data Concepts and Characteristics	581	(8)
Data Hierarchy	581	(1)
Entity Relationships	581	(1)
Data Definition	582	(2)
The Data Dictionary	584	(1)
Data Integrity, Security, and Privacy	584	(4)
Data Organization	588	(1)
Database Classifications	589	(2)
Single-User vs. Multiuser Database Systems	589	(1)
Client-Server Database Systems	590	(1)
N-Tier Database Systems	590	(1)
Centralized vs. Distributed Database Systems	591	(1)
In-Memory Databases	591	(1)
Database Models	591	(10)
The Hierarchical and Network Database Models	593	(1)
The Relational Database Model	593	(6)
The Object-Oriented Database Model	599	(2)
Multidimensional Databases	601	(1)
Databases and the Web	601	(15)
Examples of Web Databases in Use	601	(4)
How Web Databases Work	605	(1)
Summary	606	(2)
Review Activities	608	(2)
Projects	610	(3)
Web Activities	613	(1)
Expert Insight on Systems	614	(2)
MODULE Computers and Society	616
Computer Security and Privacy	618	(40)
Overview	619	(1)
Why Be Concerned About Computer Security?	619	(1)
Hardware Loss, Damage, and System Failure	620	(7)
Hardware Loss	620	(1)
Hardware Damage	620	(1)
System Failure and Other Disasters	620	(1)
Protecting Against Hardware Loss, Damage, and System Failure	621	(6)
Software Piracy and Digital Counterfeiting	627	(3)
Software Piracy	627	(1)
Digital Counterfeiting	628	(1)
Protecting Against Software Piracy and Digital Counterfeiting	629	(1)
Why Be Concerned About Information Privacy?	630	(1)
Databases, Electronic Profiling, Spam, and Other Marketing Activities	631	(9)
Databases and Electronic Profiling	631	(3)
Spam and Other Marketing Activities	634	(2)
Protecting the Privacy of Personal Information	636	(4)
Electronic Surveillance and Monitoring	640	(8)
Computer Monitoring Software	640	(1)
Video Surveillance	641	(2)
Employee Monitoring	643	(3)
Presence Technology	646	(1)
Protecting Personal and Workplace Privacy	647	(1)
Computer Security and Privacy Legislation	648	(10)
Summary	650	(2)
Review Activities	652	(2)
Projects	654	(3)
Web Activities	657	(1)
Intellectual Property Rights, Ethics, Health, Access, and the Environment	658
Overview	659	(1)
Intellectual Property Rights	659	(4)
Copyrights	659	(2)
Trademarks	661	(1)
Patents	662	(1)
Ethics	663	(12)
Ethical Use of Copyrighted Material	664	(2)
Ethical Use of Resources and Information	666	(3)
Computer Hoaxes and Digital Manipulation	669	(2)
Ethical Business Practices and Decision Making	671	(4)
Computers and Health	675	(7)
Physical Health	675	(4)
Emotional Health	679	(3)
Access to Technology	682	(7)
The Digital Divide	683	(3)
Assistive Technology	686	(3)
Environmental Concerns	689	(4)
Green Computing	689	(1)
Recycling and Disposal of Computing Equipment	690	(3)
Related Legislation	693
Summary	694	(2)
Review Activities	696	(2)
Projects	698	(3)
Web Activities	701	(1)
Expert Insight on Computers and Society	702
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