Using Information Technology Introductory Edition

by Sawyer, Stacey C.; Williams, Brian K.

• ISBN13: 9780072484649
• ISBN10: 0072484640
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-05
• Publisher: Career Education

Summary

Using Information Technology, 5/e covers the fundamental computing concepts that are part of the digital age, including software, hardware, data, people, and procedures. The text centers on educating today's technology consumer, using themes of ethics, the Internet, and communications to demonstrate how the changing world of technology influences our lives and the decisions we make.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Mind Tools for Your Future

1.1 Infotech Becomes Commonplace: Cellphones, E-Mail, the Internet, & the E-World

1.2 The “All-Purpose Machine”: The Varieties of Computers

1.3 Understanding Your Computer: What If You Custom-Ordered Your Own PC?

1.4 Where Is Information Technology Headed?

CHAPTER 2. THE INTERNET & THE WORLD WIDE WEB: Exploring Cyberspace

2.1 Choosing Your Internet Access Device & Physical Connection: The Quest for Broadband 

2.2 Choosing Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

2.3 Sending & Receiving E-Mail

2.4 The World Wide Web

2.5 The Online Gold Mine: More Internet Resources, Your Personal Cyberspace, E-Commerce, & the E-conomy

CHAPTER 3. SOFTWARE: The Power behind the Power

3.1 System Software

3.2 Application Software: Getting Started

3.3 Word Processing

3.4 Spreadsheets

3.5 Database Software

3.6 Specialty Software

3.7 Online Software & Application Software Providers: Turning Point for the Software Industry?

CHAPTER 4. HARDWARE THE CPU & STORAGE: How to Buy a Multimedia Computer System

4.1 Microchips, Miniaturization, & Mobility

4.2 The System Unit

4.3 Secondary Storage 

CHAPTER 5. HARDWARE—INPUT & OUTPUT: Taking Charge of Computing & Communications

5.1 Input & Output

5.2 Input Hardware

5.3 Output Hardware

CHAPTER 6. TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Networks & Communications—The “New Story” in Computing

6.1 From the Analog to the Digital Age

6.2 The Practical Uses of Communications

6.3 Communications Channels: The Conduits of Communications

6.4 Networks

6.5 Cyberethics: Controversial Material, Privacy, & Intellectual Property

CHAPTER 7. E-COMMERCE, FILES, & DATABASES: Digital Engines for the New Economy

7.1 Managing Files: Basic Concepts

7.2 Database Management Systems

7.3 Database Models

7.4 Databases & the New Economy: E-Commerce, Data Mining, & B2B Systems

7.5 The Ethics of Using Storage & Databases: Concerns about Accuracy & Privacy

CHAPTER 8. SOCIETY & THE DIGITAL AGE

8.1 The Digital Environment: Is There a Grand Design?

8.2 Security Issues: Threats to Computers & Communications Systems

8.3 Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications

8.4 Quality-of-Life Issues: The Environment, Mental Health, & the Workplace 

8.5 Economic Issues: Employment & the Haves/Have-Nots 

8.6 Artificial Intelligence 

8.7 The Promised Benefits of the Digital Age 

APPENDIX. SYSTEMS & PROGRAMMING: Development, Programming & Languages

A.1 Systems Development: The Six Phases of Systems Analysis & Design