Computers, Communications, and Information: A User's Introduction : Comprehensive Version,9780072508284

Computers, Communications, and Information: A User's Introduction : Comprehensive Version

by ;
ISBN13: 9780072508284
ISBN10: 0072508280
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: 2001-06-01
Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill College
Availability: This title is currently not available.
  • Free Shipping Icon

    This Item Qualifies for Free Shipping!*

    *Excludes marketplace orders.

List Price: $84.42

Rent Textbook

Select for Price
Add to Cart
There was a problem. Please try again later.

New Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

Used Textbook

We're Sorry
Sold Out

eTextbook

We're Sorry
Not Available

Summary

Provides a comprehensive overview of information systems and computer technology.

Table of Contents

Overview: The Foundation for Your Future
1(1)
Who Is the User?-Mostly People Like You
2(1)
The Importance of Becoming Computer Literate and Computer Competent
3(1)
What Is a Computer-Based Information System?
4(4)
The Digital Basis of Computers
6(1)
The Analog Basis of Life
7(1)
Computer Hardware
8(4)
Input Hardware
8(2)
Processing and Memory (Primary Storage) Hardware
10(1)
Output Hardware
11(1)
Secondary Storage Hardware
11(1)
Communications Hardware
11(1)
Computer Software
12(1)
System Software: The Computer's Boss
12(1)
Applications Software: Your Servant
12(1)
Types of Computer Systems: What's the Difference?
13(3)
Milestones in Computer Development
16(5)
The Evolution of Computers: March of the Generations
17(3)
The Information Explosion: Data Overload or Knowledge
20(1)
Computing Trends: Connectivity, Interactivity, and Digital Convergence
21(1)
Connectivity
21(2)
Interactivity
23(1)
Digital Convergence
24(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Real Estate
25(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Government and Politics
26(1)
Summary
27(6)
Exercises
33(3)
Episode 1: Starting a Web Business
36
Processing Hardware: Turning Data into Something You Can Use
1(1)
How Data and Programs Are Represented in the Computer
4(4)
Binary Coding Schemes
4(1)
The Parity Bit: Checking for Errors
5(1)
Machine Language: Your Brand of Computer's Very Own Language
6(1)
How Computer Capacity Is Expressed: Bit by Bit
7(1)
The Processor, Main Memory, and Registers
8(5)
The Processor. In Charge
8(1)
Specialized Processor Chips: Assistants to the CPU
9(2)
CISC, RISC, and MPP: Not All Processors Are Created Equal
11(1)
Main Memory: Working Storage Area for the CPU
11(1)
Registers
12(1)
The Machine Cycle: How a Single Instruction Is Processed
12(1)
Telling Computers Apart: RAM Capacity, Word Size, and Processor Speed
13(2)
RAM Capacity
14(1)
Word Size
14(1)
Processing Speeds
15(1)
Focus on the Microcomputer: What's Inside?
15(10)
The Power Supply
16(1)
The Motherboard
17(1)
The Microprocessor
17(2)
RAM Chips
19(1)
ROM Chips
19(1)
Other Forms of Memory
20(1)
Ports: Connecting Peripherals
21(2)
Expansion Slots and Boards
23(2)
Coming Attractions?
25(3)
Career Box: Using Computers in Law
28(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Information Technology
29(1)
Summary
30(4)
Exercises
34
Input/Output Hardware: Interfaces Between You & the Computer
1(1)
I/O, I/O, It's Off to Work We Go
2(1)
Input Hardware
3(19)
Keyboard Input
4(3)
Pointing Devices
7(4)
Source-Data Entry
11(1)
Scanning Devices
12(4)
Voice Recognition
16(1)
Audio Input Devices
16(2)
Video and Photographic Input
18(2)
Sensors
20(1)
Human-Biology Input Devices
20(1)
Multimedia Input Needs
20(1)
Input Controls: Preserving Data Integrity
21(1)
Output Hardware
22(11)
Impact Printers
22(1)
Nonimpact Printers
22(4)
Plotters
26(1)
Installing a Printer or Plotter
26(1)
Multifunction Printer Technology: One for All
27(1)
Monitors
27(4)
Future Display Technology
31(1)
Audio Output Hardware
31(1)
Multimedia Output Needs
32(1)
In and Out: Devices That Do Both
33(1)
Terminals
33(1)
Smart Cards and Optical Cards
34(1)
Touch Screens
35(1)
Now You See It, Now You Don't
35(2)
Career Box: Using Computers in Law Enforcement
37(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Genealogy
38(1)
Summary
39(6)
Exercises
45(2)
Episode 2: Deciding to Start Your Web Business
47
Storage Hardware: Preserving Data & Information
1(1)
Storage Fundamentals
2(6)
Common Elements of Storage Technology
3(3)
Types of Files
6(1)
What Can You Do with Files Besides Filing Them?
7(1)
Tape Storage
8(1)
Diskette Storage
8(4)
How a Disk Drive Works
9(1)
Characteristics of Diskettes
10(2)
Hard Disks
12(6)
Nonremovable Internal Hard Disk Drives of Microcomputers
13(3)
Microcomputer Hard Disk Variations: Power and Portability
16(1)
Virtual Memory: Using Disk Space to Increase RAM
17(1)
Hard Disk Technology for Large Computer Systems
17(1)
Future Hard Disk Technology: The MR Head
18(1)
Optical Disks
18(7)
CD-ROM Disks
19(2)
CD-R Disks
21(1)
CD-RW Disks
22(1)
DVD-ROM: The ``Digital Convergence'' Disk
22(3)
The Importance of Backup
25(1)
Other Forms of Secondary Storage
25(1)
Flash-Memory Cards
26(1)
Advanced Storage Technology
26(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Agriculture
27(1)
Summary
28(4)
Exercises
32
System Software: The Director
1(1)
Two Basic Software Types: For the Computer and for the User
2(2)
System Software Components
4(10)
Operating System: In Control
4(4)
Utility Programs: Helping Hands
8(5)
Language Translators
13(1)
System Software Interfaces
13(1)
Common Operating Systems: Platforms
14(8)
DOS and Windows 3.x
15(1)
Windows 9x
16(2)
Windows NT / Windows 2000
18(1)
OS/2 Warp
18(1)
Unix
19(1)
Linux
20(1)
Macintosh OS
20(1)
Net Ware
21(1)
The Future: Is the Web Changing Everything?
22(1)
Bloatware or the Network Computer?
23(1)
The Jolt from Java
24(2)
Career Box: Using Computers in Photography
26(1)
Summary
27(3)
Exercises
30
Applications Software: The User's Tools
1(1)
Applications Software Tools
2(2)
Common Features of Applications Software
4(4)
Compatibility Issues: What Goes with What?
7(1)
Productivity Software Tools
8(14)
Word Processing Software
8(4)
Spreadsheet Software
12(2)
Personal Finance Software
14(1)
Presentation Graphics
15(1)
Database Management System Software
16(2)
Groupware
18(2)
Desktop Accessories and PIMs
20(1)
Integrated Software and Software Suites
21(1)
Web Browsers
21(1)
Specialty Applications Software Tools
22(8)
Desktop-Publishing Software
23(1)
Project Management Software
24(2)
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacturing (CAM)
26(1)
Drawing and Painting Software
27(1)
Multimedia Authoring Software
28(2)
Installing and Updating Applications Software
30(1)
Installing Applications Software
30(1)
Software Versions and Releases
30(1)
Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights: When Can You Copy?
31(1)
What Is a Copyright?
31(1)
Piracy, Plagiarism, and Ownership of Images and Sounds
32(1)
Public Domain Software, Freeware, and Shareware
33(1)
Proprietary Software and Types of Licenses
34(1)
The Software Police
35(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Automobile Manufacturing
36(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Sports
37(1)
Summary
38(6)
Exercises
44(3)
Episode 3: Planning for Commerce at Your Site
47
Communications Technology: Starting Along the Information Superhighway
1(1)
Using Computers to Communicate Technological Basics
2(6)
Analog Signals: Continuous Waves
3(1)
Digital Signals: Discrete Bursts
3(1)
The Modem: The Great Translator
3(3)
Communications Software
6(1)
ISDN, Cable Modems ADSL, and Dishes: Faster, Faster, Faster!
6(2)
Communications Channels: The Conduits of Communications
8(8)
Twisted-Pair Wire
9(1)
Coaxial Cable
9(1)
Fiber-Optic Cable
10(1)
Microwave Systems
10(1)
Satellite Systems
11(1)
Other Wireless Communications
11(5)
Factors Affecting Communications Among Devices
16(7)
Transmission Rate: Higher Frequency, Wider Bandwidth, More Data
16(1)
Line Configurations: Point-to-Point and Multipoint
16(11)
Serial and Parallel Transmission
27
Direction of Transmission Flow: Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex
18(1)
Transmission Mode: Asynchronous Versus Synchronous
18(2)
Packet Switching: Getting More Data on a Network
20(2)
Multiplexing: Enhancing Communications Efficiencies
22(1)
Protocols: The Rules of Data Transmission
23(1)
Communications Networks
23(3)
Types of Networks: Wide Area, Metropolitan Area, and Local
25(1)
Some Network Features: Hosts and Nodes, Downloading and Uploading
25(1)
Advantages of Networks
26(1)
Local Networks
26(7)
Types of Local Networks: PBXs and LANs
27(1)
Types of LANs: Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer
27(4)
Topology of LANs
31(2)
Networking at Work
33(1)
Fax Messages
33(1)
Voice Mail
34(1)
Electronic Mail
34(1)
Videoconferencing and V-Mail
35(1)
Workgrouping Computing and Groupware
36(1)
Electronic Data Interchange
37(1)
Intranets and Extranets
37(1)
Telecommuting
38(1)
The Virtual Office
38(5)
Career Box: Using Careers in Retailing (E-Tailing)
43(1)
Summary
44(6)
Exercises
50
Uses of Communications Technology : Telecommuting, Online Resources, & the Internet
1(1)
The Internet
2(10)
Where Did the Internet Come From?
3(1)
Connecting to the Internet
3(2)
What Can You Use the Internet for?
5(3)
Internet Addresses
8(4)
The World Wide Web
12(9)
Popular Uses of the Web
12(1)
Browsing the Web
13(2)
Searching the Web
15(1)
Experiencing Multimedia on the Web
15(4)
Designing Web Pages
19(1)
Push Technology: Web Sites Come Looking for You
20(1)
Online Services: Who Should Use Them?
21(1)
Online Services versus Portals: Is There a Difference?
21(1)
New Internet Technologies
22(3)
Net Loss?
25(2)
Career Box: Using Computers in Job Searches
27(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Auctions
28(1)
Summary
29(3)
Exercises
32(3)
Episode 4: Promoting Traffic to Your Site
35
Information Systems Analysis & Design: The Systems Development Life Cycle
1(1)
User Participation in Systems Development: Helping to Avoid System Failure
3(2)
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
5(4)
Are the Phases Distinct? Not Always
5(2)
Who Participates? Basically, Everyone
7(2)
The First Phase: Conduct a Preliminary Investigation
9(2)
Conduct the Preliminary Analysis
9(1)
Propose Alternative Solutions
10(1)
Describe Costs and Benefits
11(1)
Submit a Preliminary Plan
11(1)
The Second Phase: Do a Detailed Analysis of the System
11(7)
Gather Data
12(1)
Analyze the Data
13(5)
Write a Report
18(1)
The Third Phase: Design the System
18(3)
Do a Preliminary Design
18(1)
Do a Detail Design
19(2)
Write a Report
21(1)
The Fourth Phase: Develop/Acquire the System
21(2)
Acquire Software
21(1)
Acquire Hardware
22(1)
Test the System
22(1)
The Fifth Phase: Implement the System
23(3)
Convert to the New System
23(2)
Compile Final Documentation
25(1)
Train the Users
25(1)
The Sixth Phase: Maintain the System
26(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in the Movies
27(1)
Summary
28(3)
Exercises
31
Software Programming & Languages: Where Software Comes From
1(1)
Programming: A Five-Step Procedure
2(10)
The First Step: Clarify the Programming Needs
3(1)
The Second Step: Design the Program
4(6)
The Third Step: Code the Program
10(1)
The Fourth Step: Test the Program
10(1)
The Fifth Step: Document and Maintain the Program
11(1)
Five Generations of Programming Languages
12(6)
First Generation: Machine Language
14(10)
Second Generation: Assembly Language
24
Third Generation: High-Level Languages
15(2)
Fourth Generation: Very-High-Level Languages
17(1)
Fifth Generation: Natural Languages
17(1)
High-Level Programming
18(4)
FORTRAN: The Language of Mathematics
19(1)
COBOL: The Language of Business
19(2)
C: For Portability and Scientific Use
21(1)
BASIC: The Easy Language
21(1)
Pascal: The Simple Language
22(1)
Object-Oriented and Visual Programming
22(4)
Object-Oriented Programming: Block by Block
24(2)
Internet Programming: HTML, XML, VRML, Java, and ActiveX
26(4)
Career Box: Using Computers in Music
30(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Stock Trading
31(292)
Summary
323
Exercises
37
Information Management: Who Needs to Know What, & When?
1(1)
Trends Forcing Change in the Workplace
3(2)
The Virtual Office
3(1)
Automation
3(1)
Downsizing and Outsourcing
4(1)
Total Quality Management
4(1)
Employee Empowerment
4(1)
Reengineering
5(1)
Organizations: Departments, Tasks, Management Levels, and Types of Information
5(7)
Departments: R&D, Production, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources
5(2)
Management Tasks: Five Functions
7(1)
Management Levels: Three Levels Three Kinds of Decisions
7(4)
Types of Information: Unstructured, Semistructured, and Structured
11(1)
Management Information Systems
12(8)
Transaction Processing Systems: To Support Operational Decisions
12(2)
Management Information Systems: To Support Tactical Decisions
14(1)
Decision Support Systems: To Support Strategic Decisions
15(3)
Executive Information Systems
18(1)
Expert Systems
19(1)
Office Automation Systems
19(1)
The Future: Going Sideways
20(2)
Career Box: Using Computers in Health
22(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Journalism
23(1)
Summary
24(2)
Exercises
26
Files & Databases: Organizing & Maintaining Digital Data
1(1)
All Databases Great and Small
3(3)
The Database Administrator
5(1)
The Data Storage Hierarchy and the Key Field
6(2)
The Data Storage Hierarchy
6(1)
The Key Field
7(1)
File Handling: Basic Concepts
8(3)
Types of Files: Program and Data Files
8(1)
Two Types of Data Files: Master and Transaction
8(1)
Batch Versus Online Processing
9(1)
Offline Versus Online Storage
9(1)
File Organization: Three Methods
9(2)
File Management Systems
11(1)
Disadvantages of File Management Systems
11(1)
Database Management Systems
12(2)
Advantages and Disadvantages of a DBMS
13(1)
Types of Database Organization
14(3)
Hierarchical Database
14(1)
Network Database
15(1)
Relational Database
16(1)
Object-Oriented Database (OODBMS)
16(1)
Features of a DBMS
17(4)
Data Dictionary
18(1)
Utilities
18(1)
Query Language
18(1)
Report Generator
19(1)
Access Security
19(1)
System Recovery
20(1)
New Approaches: Mining, Warehouses, and ``Siftware''
Data Mining: What It Is, What It's Used For
21(1)
Preparing Data for the Data Warehouse
22(1)
``Siftware'' for Finding and Analyzing
23(1)
The Ethics of Using Databases: Concerns About Accuracy and Privacy
24(1)
Accuracy and Completeness of Data
25(1)
Privacy
26(3)
Career Box: Using Computers in Education
29(1)
Summary
30(3)
Exercises
33
Advances in Computing: Multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, & Intelligent Agents
1(1)
Multimedia as Part of Your World
2(9)
Business and Industry
2(1)
Education and Training
3(1)
Entertainment and Games
3(1)
The Multimedia Computer
3(1)
Creating Multimedia
4
Acquiring Content
3(4)
The Authoring Process
7(2)
Career Opportunities in Multimedia
9(2)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
11(15)
What Is AI Supposed to Do?
11(1)
Robots and Perception Systems
11(2)
Natural Language Processing
13(1)
Fuzzy Logic
14(1)
Expert Systems: Human Expertise in a Computer
14(4)
Neural Networks
18(2)
Genetic Algorithms
20(1)
Artificial Life, the Turing Test, and AI Ethics
21(2)
Virtual Reality (VR)
23(3)
Intelligent Agents, Information Filtering, and Avatars
26(1)
Intelligent Agents
26(1)
Avatars
27(2)
Career Box: Using Computers in Science
29(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Home-Based Work
30(1)
Summary
31(2)
Exercises
33
Ethics, Privacy, Security, & Social Questions: Computing for Right Living
1(1)
Computers and Privacy
3(4)
Databases
3(1)
Electronic Networks
4(2)
Rules and Laws on Privacy
6(1)
The Case for Limiting Privacy: Should We Really Fear ``Data Rape''?
7(1)
Intellectual Property Rights
7(3)
Copyright
7(3)
Truth in Art and Journalism
10(3)
Manipulation of Photos
11(1)
Manipulation of Video
11(1)
Manipulation of Facts
12(1)
Free Speech, Civility, Pornography, Hate Speech, and Censorship
13(2)
Civility: Online Behavior and ``Nettiquette''
13(1)
Pornography and Censorship
13(2)
Security: Threats to Computer and Communications Systems
15(8)
Errors and Accidents
15(1)
Natural and Other Hazards
16(1)
Crimes Against Computers and Communications
17(1)
Crimes Using Computers and Communications
18(1)
Worms and Viruses
19(2)
Computer Criminals
21(2)
Security: Safeguarding Computers and Communications
23(6)
Identification and Access
23(3)
Encryption
26(1)
Protection of Software and Data
27(1)
Disaster-Recovery Plans
28(1)
Social Questions: Will Information Technology Make Our Lives Better?
29(1)
Mental-Health Problems: Isolation, Gambling, Net Addiction, Stress
30(1)
Workplace Problems
31(1)
Economic Issues: Employment and the Haves/Have-Nots
32(2)
Education and Information
34(1)
Health
35(1)
Commerce and Electronic Money
35(1)
Government and Electronic Democracy
36(1)
Career Box: Using Computers in Banking
37(1)
Summary
38(2)
Exercises
40(2)
Episode 5: The Future of Your Web Business
42
Notes 1(5)
Credits 6(3)
Index 9

An electronic version of this book is available through VitalSource.

This book is viewable on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and most smartphones.

By purchasing, you will be able to view this book online, as well as download it, for the chosen number of days.

Digital License

You are licensing a digital product for a set duration. Durations are set forth in the product description, with "Lifetime" typically meaning five (5) years of online access and permanent download to a supported device. All licenses are non-transferable.

More details can be found here.

A downloadable version of this book is available through the eCampus Reader or compatible Adobe readers.

Applications are available on iOS, Android, PC, Mac, and Windows Mobile platforms.

Please view the compatibility matrix prior to purchase.