Discovering computers : living in a digital world : fundamentals / Gary B. Shelly, Misty E. Vermaat ; contributing authors, Jeffrey J. Quasney, Susan L. Sebok, Steven M. Freund.

Includes index.

1. Introduction to computers -- A world of computers -- What is a computer? -- The components of a computer -- Advantages and disadvantages of using computers -- 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 -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : timeline 2011 -- -- 2. The Internet and World Wide Web -- The Internet -- The World Wide Web -- Other Internet services -- Netiquette -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : making use of the Web -- 3. Application software -- Business software -- Graphics and multimedia software -- Software for home, personal, and educational use -- Web applications -- Application software for communications -- Learning tools for application software -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : digital communications.

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 -- Putting it all together -- Keeping your computer or mobile device clean -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- 5. Input and output -- What is input? -- Keyboard and pointing devices -- Touch screens and touch-sensitive pads -- Pen input -- 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 -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : digital video technology -- 6. Storage -- Hard disks -- Flash memory storage -- Cloud storage -- Optical discs -- Other types of storage -- Putting it all together -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research.

7. Operating systems and utility programs -- System software -- Operating systems -- Operating system functions -- Types of operating systems -- Stand-alone operating systems -- Server operating systems -- Embedded operating systems -- Utility programs -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : buyer's guide 2011 : how to purchase computers and mobile devices -- 8. Communications and networks -- Communications -- Uses of computer communications -- 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 -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- 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 -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research.

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 -- Health concerns of computer use -- Ethics and society -- Information privacy -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- 11. Information system development and programming languages -- System development -- Programming languages and program development tools -- Program development -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- 12. Enterprise computing -- What is enterprise computing? -- Information systems in the enterprise -- Enterprise-wide technologies and methodologies -- Virtualization and cloud computing -- E-commerce -- Enterprise hardware -- High availability scalability, and interoperability -- Backup procedures -- Chapter summary -- Companies on the cutting edge -- Technology trailblazers -- Student assignments -- Chapter review -- Key terms -- Checkpoint -- Problem solving -- Learn how to -- Learn it online -- Web research -- Special feature : living digitally -- Appendix A. Quiz yourself answers -- Glossary/Index -- Photo credits.