Table of Contents:
CHAPTER 1
Why Computers Matter to You:
Becoming Computer Fluent .................................................................................. 2
Becoming a Savvy Computer User and Consumer ................................................................ 4
Being Prepared for Your Career.............................................................................................. 5
Being Prepared for Your Career.............................................................................................. 5
Computers in Business: Working in a Data Mine? ..................................................... 5
Computers in Retail: Let Me Look That Up for You ................................................... 6
Computers in Shipping: UPS Data on the Go .............................................................. 7
Computers in Ranching and Farming: High Tech Down on the Farm .................... 8
Computers in the Arts: Shall We Dance? ...................................................................... 8
Computers in the Medical Field: Fact or Science Fiction? ......................................... 9
Computers in Law Enforcement:
Put Down That Mouse–You’re Under Arrest! ................................................... 12
Computers in the Legal Fields: Welcome to the Virtual Courtroom ...................... 13
Computers in Education: And on the Left, You See the Mona Lisa......................... 13
Computers and the Sciences: Programming the Perfect Storm .............................. 15
Computers in Sports: Bend Your Elbow Another Two Degrees? ............................ 16
Computer Gaming Careers: Now Bigger Than Hollywood! ................................... 17
Computers at Home: Just Program It and Forget It .................................................. 18
Getting Ready for the Technology of Tomorrow .................................................................. 18
Nanoscience: The Next “Big” Thing ........................................................................... 18
Biomedical Chip Implants: Combining Humans with Machines? ......................... 19
Artificial Intelligence: Will Computers Become Human? ........................................ 20
Understanding the Challenges Facing a Digital Society ...................................................... 21
TRENDS IN IT: Ehics: Knowledge Is Power: Bridging the Digital Divide ........... 22
Becoming Computer Fluent .................................................................................................. 23
Computers Are Data Processing Devices ................................................................... 23
Bits and Bytes: The Language of Computers ............................................................. 23
Computer Hardware ..................................................................................................... 25
Computer Software ....................................................................................................... 26
Computer Platforms: PCs and MACs ......................................................................... 26
Specialty Computers ..................................................................................................... 27
DIG DEEPER: What Can You Do with a Digital Home? ........................................ 28
CHAPTER 2
Looking at Computers:
Understanding the Parts ........................................................................................ 40
Your Computer’s Hardware .................................................................................................. 42
Input Devices.......................................................................................................................... 42
Keyboards ....................................................................................................................... 42
Mice and Other Pointing Devices ................................................................................ 46
Sound Input .................................................................................................................... 48
Input Devices for Physically Challenged Individuals .............................................. 49
Output Devices ...................................................................................................................... 49
Monitors .......................................................................................................................... 49
Printers ............................................................................................................................ 52
DIG DEEPER: How Inkjet and Laser Printers Work ............................................... 55
Sound Output ................................................................................................................. 56
The System Unit .................................................................................................................... 56
On the Front Panel ......................................................................................................... 56
On the Back ..................................................................................................................... 60
Inside the System Unit .................................................................................................. 61
Setting It All Up .................................................................................................................... 64
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Tomorrow’s
Display–You Can Take It with You! .................................................................... 66
TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS
Careers in IT ...................................................................................................................... 78
CHAPTER 3
Using the Internet:
Making the Most of the Web’s Resources.............................................. 92
The Internet ............................................................................................................................ 94
Communicating Through the Internet: E-Mail and Other Technologies .............................. 94
Instant Messaging .......................................................................................................... 94
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) ............................................................................. 94
Weblogs (blogs) and Video Logs (vlogs) .................................................................... 95
Podcasts ........................................................................................................................... 96
Webcasts .......................................................................................................................... 97
Wikis ................................................................................................................................ 98
E-Mail .............................................................................................................................. 98
Chat Rooms ................................................................................................................... 100
Newsgroups .................................................................................................................. 100
Listservs ......................................................................................................................... 101
Web Entertainment: Multimedia and Beyond .................................................................... 101
TRENDS IN IT: Social Networking .......................................................................... 102
Conducting Business over the Internet: E-Commerce ........................................................ 104
E-Commerce Safeguards ............................................................................................. 105
Managing Online Annoyances .......................................................................................... 106
Spam .............................................................................................................................. 106
Cookies .......................................................................................................................... 107
Adware .......................................................................................................................... 108
Spyware ......................................................................................................................... 108
Malware ......................................................................................................................... 109
Phishing and Internet Hoaxes .................................................................................... 109
Navigating the Web: Web Browsers .................................................................................. 110
Getting Around the Web: URLs, Hyperlinks, and Other Tools............................................ 111
URLs ............................................................................................................................... 111
Hyperlinks and Beyond .............................................................................................. 113
Favorites and Bookmarks ........................................................................................... 113
Tabbed Browsing .......................................................................................................... 114
TRENDS IN IT: Ethics: What Can You Borrow from the Internet? ...................... 115
Searching the Web: Search Engines and Subject Directories ............................................ 116
Search Engines .............................................................................................................. 116
DIG DEEPER: Refining Your Web Searches: Boolean Operators ......................... 118
Subject Directories ....................................................................................................... 120
Evaluating Web Sites ................................................................................................... 121
Internet Basics...................................................................................................................... 121
The Internet’s Clients and Servers ............................................................................. 121
Connecting to the Internet .......................................................................................... 123
Broadband Connections .............................................................................................. 123
Dial-Up Connections ................................................................................................... 125
Choosing the Right Internet Connection Option .................................................... 126
Finding an Internet Service Provider .................................................................................. 126
Choosing an ISP ........................................................................................................... 127
The Origin of the Internet .................................................................................................... 128
The Web Versus the Internet ....................................................................................... 128
The Future of the Internet .................................................................................................... 129
CHAPTER 4
Application Software:
Programs That Let You Work and Play .................................................... 140
The Nuts and Bolts of Software .......................................................................................... 142
More Productivity at Home ................................................................................................ 142
Word-Processing Software .......................................................................................... 142
Spreadsheet Software .................................................................................................. 144
Presentation Software .................................................................................................. 146
Database Software ....................................................................................................... 146
Personal Information Manager (PIM) Software ...................................................... 148
Productivity Software Tools ....................................................................................... 148
Integrated Software Applications Versus Software Suites ..................................... 148
DIG DEEPER: Speech-Recognition Software .......................................................... 152
Personal Financial Software ....................................................................................... 154
More Media at Home .......................................................................................................... 155
Digital Image-Editing Software ................................................................................. 155
Digital Audio Software ............................................................................................... 157
Digital Video-Editing Software .................................................................................. 157
Media Management Software .................................................................................... 158
More Fun at Home .............................................................................................................. 159
Gaming Software ......................................................................................................... 159
Educational Software .................................................................................................. 160
Reference Software ...................................................................................................... 162
Drawing Software ........................................................................................................ 162
Business Software................................................................................................................ 163
Home Business Software ............................................................................................ 163
Large-Business Software ..........................................................................................................165
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Is It Real or Is It Virtual? ..................... 166
Specialized Business Software ................................................................................... 167
Getting Help with Software ................................................................................................ 167
Buying Software .................................................................................................................. 168
Standard Software ....................................................................................................... 168
Web-Based Application Software .............................................................................. 168
Discounted Software ................................................................................................... 169
Freeware and Shareware ............................................................................................ 170
Software Versions and Systems Requirements ........................................................ 171
Installing/Uninstalling and Opening Software .................................................................. 172
TRENDS IN IT: Ethics: Can I Borrow Software That I Don’t Own? .................... 175
TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS
Digital Entertainment .............................................................................................. 186
CHAPTER 5
Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility
Programs, and File Management .................................................................. 202
System Software Basics ...................................................................................................... 204
Operating System Categories ............................................................................................ 204
Real-Time Operating Systems .................................................................................... 205
Single-User Operating Systems ................................................................................. 205
Multiuser Operating Systems .................................................................................... 206
Desktop Operating Systems ................................................................................................ 206
Microsoft Windows ..................................................................................................... 207
Mac OS .......................................................................................................................... 208
Unix .................................................................................................................................... 208
Linux .............................................................................................................................. 208
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Open-Source Software:
Why Isn’t Everyone Using Linux? ...................................................................... 209
What the Operating System Does ...................................................................................... 210
The User Interface ........................................................................................................ 211
Processor Management ............................................................................................... 211
Memory and Storage Management ........................................................................... 213
Hardware and Peripheral Device Management ...................................................... 214
Software Application Coordination .......................................................................... 214
The Boot Process: Starting Your Computer ........................................................................ 215
Step 1 : Activating BIOS ............................................................................................... 216
Step 2 : Performing the Power-On Self-Test .............................................................. 216
Step 3 : Loading the Operating System ..................................................................... 217
Step 4 : Checking Further Configurations and Customizations ............................ 217
Handling Errors in the Boot Process ......................................................................... 218
The Desktop and Windows Features .................................................................................. 219
Organizing Your Computer: File Management .................................................................. 221
Organizing Your Files .................................................................................................. 221
Viewing and Sorting Files and Folders ..................................................................... 223
Naming Files ................................................................................................................. 224
Working with Files ....................................................................................................... 226
Utility Programs .................................................................................................................. 227
Display Utilities ............................................................................................................ 227
The Add or Remove Programs Utility ...................................................................... 229
File Compression Utilities .......................................................................................... 229
System Maintenance Utilities ..................................................................................... 230
DIG DEEPER: How Disk Defragmenter Utilities Work ........................................ 232
System Restore and Backup Utilities ........................................................................ 232
T he Task Scheduler Utility .......................................................................................... 234
Accessibility Utilities ................................................................................................... 235
CHAPTER 6
Understanding and Assessing Hardware:
Evaluating Your System ........................................................................................ 246
Is It the Computer or Me?.................................................................................................... 248
What Is Your Ideal Computer? ............................................................................................ 249
Assessing Your Hardware: Evaluating Your System .......................................................... 249
Evaluating the CPU Subsystem............................................................................................ 251
Analyzing Your CPU ................................................................................................... 253
Evaluating RAM: The Memory Subsystem .......................................................................... 254
Virtual Memory ............................................................................................................ 256
Adding RAM ................................................................................................................ 257
Evaluating the Storage Subsystem...................................................................................... 258
The Hard Disk Drive ................................................................................................... 258
DIG DEEPER: How a Hard Disk Drive Works ....................................................... 259
Portable Storage Options: The Floppy and Beyond ............................................... 260
Upgrading Your Storage Subsystem ......................................................................... 265
Evaluating the Video Subsystem ........................................................................................ 265
Video Cards .................................................................................................................. 265
TRENDS IN IT: Ethics: CD and DVD Technology: A Free Lunch—Or at
Least a Free Copy .................................................................................................. 266
Monitors ........................................................................................................................ 268
Evaluating the Audio Subsystem ........................................................................................ 269
Speakers ........................................................................................................................ 269
Sound Cards ................................................................................................................. 269
Evaluating Port Connectivity .............................................................................................. 270
Adding Ports: Expansion Cards and Hubs .............................................................. 273
Evaluating System Reliability .............................................................................................. 274
TRENDS IN IT: Computers in Society: How to Donate Your Old
Computer Safely .................................................................................................... 276
Making the Final Decision .................................................................................................. 277
TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS
Computing Alternatives ........................................................................................ 288
CHAPTER 7
Networking and Security: Connecting Computers
and Keeping Them Safe from Hackers and Viruses .................... 302
Networking Fundamentals.................................................................................................. 304
Network Architectures ........................................................................................................ 305
Describing Networks Based on Network Control .................................................. 305
Describing Networks Based on Distance ................................................................. 306
Network Components ........................................................................................................ 306
Transmission Media ..................................................................................................... 307
Network Adapters ....................................................................................................... 307
Network Navigation Devices ..................................................................................... 307
Networking Software .................................................................................................. 307
Types of Peer-to-Peer Networks.......................................................................................... 308
Wired Ethernet Networks ........................................................................................... 308
Ethernet Switches ......................................................................................................... 309
Ethernet Routers ........................................................................................................... 311
Wireless Ethernet Networks ....................................................................................... 311
Power-Line Networks ................................................................................................. 315
Phoneline Networks .................................................................................................... 315
Choosing a Peer-to-Peer Network ...................................................................................... 316
Configuring Software for Your Home Network.................................................................. 317
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Grid Computing: Aiding Scientific
Research with Your Computer ............................................................................ 320
Keeping Your Home Computer Safe .................................................................................. 321
Computer Threats: Hackers ................................................................................................ 321
What Hackers Steal ...................................................................................................... 322
Trojan Horses ................................................................................................................ 323
Denial of Service Attacks ............................................................................................ 323
How Hackers Gain Access .......................................................................................... 324
TRENDS IN IT: Computers in Society: Identity Theft: Is There More
Than One You Out There? .................................................................................... 325
Computer Safeguards: Firewalls ........................................................................................ 326
Types of Firewalls ........................................................................................................ 326
Is Your Computer Secure? .......................................................................................... 327
Securing Wireless Networks .............................................................................................. 327
DIG DEEPER: How Firewalls Work ......................................................................... 328
Computer Threats: Computer Viruses ................................................................................ 332
Types of Viruses ........................................................................................................... 333
Virus Classifications .................................................................................................... 334
Computer Safeguards: Antivirus Software ........................................................................ 334
Other Security Measures ............................................................................................. 336
TRENDS IN IT: Careers: Cybercops on the Beat: Computer Security Careers .. 337
CHAPTER 8
Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand ............................ 348
Mobile Computing: Is It Right for You? .............................................................................. 350
Mobile Device Limitations ......................................................................................... 350
Mobile Computing Devices.................................................................................................. 352
Cellular Phones.................................................................................................................... 353
Cell Phone Hardware .................................................................................................. 353
How Cell Phones Work ............................................................................................... 355
Cell Phone Features: Text Messaging ........................................................................ 355
Cell Phone Internet Connectivity .............................................................................. 357
Portable Media Players ...................................................................................................... 358
PMP Hardware ............................................................................................................. 360
PMP Flash Memory and File Transfer ...................................................................... 360
PMP Ethical Issues: Napster and Beyond ................................................................ 361
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) ...................................................................................... 362
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Why Carry Your Data When
You Can Wear It? ................................................................................................... 363
PDA Hardware ............................................................................................................. 363
PDA Operating Systems ............................................................................................ 365
PDA Memory and Storage .......................................................................................... 365
PDA File Transfer and Synchronization ................................................................... 366
PDA Internet Connectivity ......................................................................................... 367
PDA Software and Accessories .................................................................................. 368
PDA or Cell Phone? .................................................................................................... 368
Tablet PCs ............................................................................................................................ 369
DIG DEEPER: The Power of GPS ............................................................................. 370
Tablet PC Hardware .................................................................................................... 371
Tablet Software ............................................................................................................. 373
Tablet or PDA? ............................................................................................................ 373
Notebooks .......................................................................................................................... 374
Notebook Hardware .................................................................................................... 374
TRENDS IN IT: Ubiquitous Networking: Wherever You Go, There You Are .... 374
Notebook Operating Systems and Ports .................................................................. 376
Notebook Batteries and Accessories ......................................................................... 376
Notebook or Desktop? ................................................................................................ 379
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Nanotubes:
The Next Big Thing Is Pretty Darn Small! ......................................................... 380
TECHNOLOGY IN FOCUS
Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data .............. 392
CHAPTER 9
Behind the Scenes: A Closer Look at System Hardware ........ 406
Digital Data: Switches and Bits .......................................................................................... 408
Electrical Switches ....................................................................................................... 408
The Binary Number System ....................................................................................... 409
DIG DEEPER: Advanced Binary and Hexadecimal Notations ............................ 410
The CPU: Processing Digital Information ............................................................................ 413
The CPU Machine Cycle ............................................................................................. 415
Stage 1 : The Fetch Stage .............................................................................................. 417
Stage 2 : The Decode Stage .......................................................................................... 418
Stage 3 : The Execute Stage .......................................................................................... 419
Stage 4 : The Store Stage ............................................................................................... 419
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Printable Processors:
The Ultimate in Flexibility ................................................................................... 420
RAM: The Next Level of Temporary Storage ...................................................................... 420
Types of RAM ............................................................................................................... 421
Buses: The CPU’s Data Highway ........................................................................................ 423
Making Computers Even Faster: Advanced CPU Designs .................................................. 425
Pipelining ...................................................................................................................... 425
Specialized Multimedia Instructions ........................................................................ 427
Multiple Processing Efforts ........................................................................................ 427
TRENDS IN IT: Emerging Technologies: Computer Technology
Changing the Face of Medicine ........................................................................... 428
Glossary .............................................................................................................................. 625
Index .................................................................................................................................... 647
Credits....................................................................................................................................663
