Discovering computers : fundamentals / Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat ; contributing authors, Jeffrey J. Quasney [and others].

Includes index.

1. Introduction to computers -- A world of computers -- What is a computer? -- The components of a computer -- Networks and the Internet -- Computer software -- Categories of computers -- Personal computers -- Mobile computers and mobile devices -- Game consoles -- Servers -- Mainframes -- Supercomputers -- Embedded computers -- Examples of computer usage -- Computer applications in society -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 2. The Internet and World Wide Web -- The Internet -- How the Internet works -- The World Wide Web -- Other Internet services -- Netiquette -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 3. Application software -- Business software -- Graphics and multimedia software -- Software for home, personal, and educational use -- Application software for communications -- Popular utility programs -- Learning aids and support tools for application software -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers --

4. The components of the system unit -- The system unit -- Processor -- Data representation -- Memory -- Expansion slots and adapter cards -- Ports and connectors -- Buses -- Bays -- Power supply -- Mobile computers and devices -- Putting it all together -- Keeping your computer clean -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 5. Input and output -- What is input? -- Keyboard and pointing devices -- Gaming and media player controllers -- Other types of input -- What is output? -- Display devices -- Printers -- Other output devices -- Putting it all together -- Input and output devices for physically challenged users -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 6. Storage -- Magnetic disks -- Optical discs -- Tape -- PC cards and ExpressCards -- Miniature mobile storage media -- Microfilm and microfiche -- Enterprise storage -- Putting it all together -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers --

7. Operating systems and utility programs -- System software -- Operating systems -- Operating system functions -- Operating system utility programs -- Types of operating systems -- Stand-alone operating systems -- Network operating systems -- Embedded operating systems -- Stand-alone utility programs -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 8. Communications and networks -- Communications -- Uses of computer communications -- Networks -- Communications software -- Communications over the telephone network -- Communications devices -- Home networks -- Communications channel -- Physical transmission media -- Wireless transmission media -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 9. Database management -- Databases, data, and information -- The hierarchy of data -- Maintaining data -- File processing versus databases -- Database management systems -- Relational, object-oriented, and multidimensional databases -- Web databases -- Database administration -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers --

10. Computer security, ethics, and privacy -- Computer security risks -- Internet and network attacks -- Unauthorized access and use -- hardware theft and vandalism -- Software theft -- Information theft -- System failure -- Backing up, the ultimate safeguard -- Wireless security -- Ethics and society -- Information privacy -- Health concerns of computer use -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 11. Information system development and programming languages -- The system development cycle -- Programming languages -- The program development cycle -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- 12. Enterprise computing -- What is enterprise computing? -- Information systems in the enterprise -- Enterprise-wide technologies and methodologies -- E-commerce -- Enterprise hardware -- Backup procedures and security -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Appendix A. Quiz yourself answers -- Glossary/Index.