Computer Science: An Overview is intended for use in the Introduction to Computer Science course. It is also suitable for all readers interested in a breadth-first introduction to computer science.

Computer Science uses broad coverage and clear exposition to present a complete picture of the dynamic computer science field. Accessible to students from all backgrounds, Glenn Brookshear and Dennis Brylow encourage the development of a practical, realistic understanding of the field. An overview of each of the important areas of Computer Science provides students with a general level of proficiency for future courses. This new edition incorporates an introduction to the Python programming language into key chapters.

Teaching and Learning Experience

This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience–for you and your students. It will help:

• Develop a Practical, Realistic Understanding of Computer Science: An overview of each of the important areas of Computer Science prepares students for future courses.
• Fit your Course Preferences: Individual chapters are independent and can be covered in an order that suits your course.
• Use Python to prepare students for future courses: A new focus on Python provides programming tools for exploration and experimentation.
• Reinforce Core Concepts: More than 1000 Questions and Exercises, Chapter Review Problems, and Social Issues questions give students the opportunity to apply concepts.
• Support Learning with Student Resources: The Companion Website www.pearsonhighered.com/brookshear features resources that enhance learning.

Chapter 0  Introduction

0.1 The Role of Algorithms

0.2 The History of Computing

0.3 An Outline of Our Study

0.4 The Overarching Themes of Computer Science

Chapter 1  Data Storage

1.1 Bits and Their Storage

1.2 Main Memory

1.3 Mass Storage

1.4 Representing Information as Bit Patterns

*1.5 The Binary System

*1.6 Storing Integers

*1.7 Storing Fractions

*1.8 Data and Programming

*1.9 Data Compression

*1.10 Communication Errors

Chapter 2  Data Manipulation

2.1 Computer Architecture

2.2 Machine Language

2.3 Program Execution

*2.4 Arithmetic/Logic

*2.5 Communicating with Other Devices

*2.6 Programming Data Manipulation

*2.7 Other Architectures

Chapter 3  Operating Systems

3.1 The History of Operating Systems

3.2 Operating System Architecture

3.3 Coordinating the Machine’s Activities

*3.4 Handling Competition Among Processes

3.5 Security

Chapter 4  Networking and the Internet

4.1 Network Fundamentals

4.2 The Internet

4.3 The World Wide Web

*4.4 Internet Protocols

4.5 Security

Chapter 5  Algorithms

5.1 The Concept of an Algorithm

5.2 Algorithm Representation

5.3 Algorithm Discovery

5.4 Iterative Structures

5.5 Recursive Structures

5.6 Efficiency and Correctness

Chapter 6  Programming Languages

6.1 Historical Perspective

6.2 Traditional Programming Concepts

6.3 Procedural Units

6.4 Language Implementation

6.5 Object-Oriented Programming

*6.6 Programming Concurrent Activities

*6.7 Declarative Programming

Chapter 7  Software Engineering

7.1 The Software Engineering Discipline

7.2 The Software Life Cycle

7.3 Software Engineering Methodologies

7.4 Modularity

7.5 Tools of the Trade

7.6 Quality Assurance

7.7 Documentation

7.8 The Human-Machine Interface

7.9 Software Ownership and Liability

Chapter 8  Data Abstractions

8.1 Basic Data Structures

8.2 Related Concepts

8.3 Implementing Data Structures

8.4 A Short Case Study

8.5 Customized Data Types

8.6 Classes and Objects

*8.7 Pointers in Machine Language

Chapter 9  Database Systems

9.1 Database Fundamentals

9.2 The Relational Model

*9.3 Object-Oriented Databases

*9.4 Maintaining Database Integrity

*9.5 Traditional File Structures

9.6 Data Mining

9.7 Social Impact of Database Technology

Chapter 10  Computer Graphics

10.1 The Scope of Computer Graphics

10.2 Overview of 3D Graphics

10.3 Modeling

10.4 Rendering

*10.5 Dealing with Global Lighting

10.6 Animation

Chapter 11  Artificial Intelligence

11.1 Intelligence and Machines

11.2 Perception

11.3 Reasoning

11.4 Additional Areas of Research

11.5 Artificial Neural Networks

11.6 Robotics

11.7 Considering the Consequences

Chapter 12  Theory of Computation

12.1 Functions and Their Computation

12.2 Turing Machines

12.3 Universal Programming Languages

12.4 A Noncomputable Function

12.5 Complexity of Problems

*12.6 Public-Key Cryptography

Appendices

A  ASCII

B  Circuits to Manipulate Two's Complement Representations

C  A Simple Machine Language

D  High-Level Programming Languages

E  The Equivalence of Iterative and Recursive Structures

F  Answers to Questions and Exercises

Index

*Asterisks indicate suggestions for optional sections.