Using Information Technology A Practical Introdution to Computers & Communications

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 the Computer: Pretending to Build Your Own PC 1.4 Where Is Information Technology Headed? 1.5 Infotech Becomes Commonplace: Cellphones, E-Mail, the Internet, & the E-World 1.6 The "All-Purpose Machine": The Varieties of Computers 1.7 Understanding Your Computer: What If You Custom-Ordered Your Own PC? 1.8 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 APPLICATION SOFTWARE: Tools for Thinking & Working More Productively 3.1 Application Software: Getting Started 3.2 Common Features of Software 3.3 Word Processing 3.4 Spreadsheets 3.5 Database Software 3.6 Specialty Software CHAPTER 4 SYSTEM SOFTWARE: Power Behind the Power 4.1 The Components of System Software 4.2 The Operating System: What It Does 4.3 Other System Software: Device Drivers & Utility Programs 4.4 Common Operating Systems 4.5 The OS of the Future: "The Network Is the Computer" 4.6 Online Software &Application Service Providers: Turning Point for the Software Industry CHAPTER 5 HARDWARETHE CPU & STORAGE: How to Buy a Multimedia Computer System 5.1 Microchips, Miniaturization, & Mobility 5.2 The System Unit 5.3 Secondary Storage 5.4 Future Developments in Processing & Storage CHAPTER 6HARDWAREINPUT & OUTPUT: Taking Charge of Computing and Communications 6.1 Input & Output 6.2 Input Hardware 6.3 Output Hardware 6.4 The Future of Input & Output 6.5 Input & Output Technology & Quality of Life: Health & Ergonomics CHAPTER 7TELECOMMUNICATIONSNETWORKS & COMMUNICATIONS: The "New Story" in Computing 7.1 From the Analog to the Digital Age 7.2 The Practical Uses of Communications 7.3 Communications Channels: The Conduits of Communications 7.4 Factors Affecting How Data Is Transmitted 7.5 Networks 7.6 The Future of Communications 7.7 Cyberethics: Controversial Material, Privacy, & Intellectual Property CHAPTER 8 E-COMMERCE, FILES, & DATABASES: Digital Engines for the New Economy 8.1 Managing Files: Basic Concepts 8.2 Database Management Systems 8.3 Database Models 8.4 Features of a Database Management System 8.5 Databases & the New Economy: E-Commerce, Data Mining, & B2B Systems 8.6 The Ethics of Using Storage & Databases: Concerns about Accuracy & Privacy CHAPTER 9 THE CHALLENGES OF THE DIGITAL AGE: Society & Information Technology Today 9.1 Security Issues: Threats to Computers & Communications Systems 9.2 Security: Safeguarding Computers & Communications 9.3 Quality-of-Life Issues: The Environment, Mental Health, & the Workplace 9.4 Economic Issues: Employment & the Haves/Have-Nots 9.5 The Digital Environment: Is There a Grand Design? CHAPTER 10 THE PROMISES OF THE DIGITAL AGE: Society & Information Technology Tomorrow 10.1 Emerging Global Telecommunications 10.2 Artificial Intelligence 10.3 Information & Education 10.4 Health, Medicine, & Science 10.5 Commerce & Money 10.6 Entertainment & the Arts 10.7 Government & Electronic Democracy 10.8 Jobs & Careers CHAPTER 11 INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Information Management & Systems Development 11.1 Organizations Managers & Information 11.2 Computer-Based Information Systems 11.3 Systems Development: The Six Phases of Systems Analysis & Design APPENDIX SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: Programming & LanguagesWilliams, Brian is the author of 'Using Information Technology A Practical Introdution to Computers & Communications', published 2002 under ISBN 9780072485554 and ISBN 0072485558.