1 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY,THE INTERNET,AND YOU
Introduction
Information Systems
People
Software
System Software
Application Software
Hardware
Making IT work for you:Installing a Free Antivirus Program
Types of Computers
Microcomputer Hardware
Data
Connectivity
Careers in IT
A Look to the Future:Using and Understanding Information Technology Means Being Computer
Competent
Open-Ended
Discussion
2 THE INTERNET,THE WEB,AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Introduction
The Internet and the Web
Making IT work for you:Online Entertainment
Access
Providers
Browsers
Communication
E-mail
Messaging
Social Networking
Blogs,Microblogs,Webcasts,Podcasta,and Wikis
Making IT work for you:Twitter
Search Tools
Search Engines
Specialized Search Engines
Content Evaluation
Electronic Commerce
Security
Cloud Computing
Web Utilities
Plug-ins
Filters
File Transfer Utilities
Internet Security Suites
Careers in IT: Webmaster
A Look to the Future:Your Car's Dashboard as a Powerful,Internet-Connected Computing Device
Open-Ended
Discussion
3 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Introduction
Application Software
User Interface
Common Features
General-Purpose Applications
Word Processors
Spreadsheets
Database Management Systems
Presentation Grephics
Specialized Applications
Graphics
Making IT work for you:Image Editing
Web Authoring Programs
Other Professional Specialized Applications
Mobile Apps
Apps
App Stores
Software Suites
Office Suites
Cloud Cornputing
Specialized and Utility Suites
Careers in IT:Software Engineer
Making IT work for you:Google Does
A Look to the Future:Next-Generation User Interfaces
Open-Ended
Discussion
4 SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Introduction
System Software
Operatlng Systems
Functions
Features
Categories
Mobile Operating Systems
Desktop Operating Systems
Windows
Mac OS
UNIX and Linux
Virtualization
Utilities
Windows Utilities
Making IT work for you:Windows Task Manager
Utility Suites
Device Drivers
Careers in IT: Computer Support Specialist
A Look to the Future: Self-Heeling Computers Could Mean an End to Computer Crashes end Performance Problems
Open-Ended
Discussion
5 THE SYSTEM UNIT
Introduction
System Unit
Desktops
Notebooks
Tablets
Haodhelds
Components
Making IT work for you:Keeping Your Computer Cool
System Board
Microprocessor
Microprocessor Chips
Specialty Processors
Memory
RAM
ROM
Flash Memory
Expansion Slots and Cards
Bus Lines
Expansion Buses
Ports
Standard Ports
Specialized Ports
Cables
Making IT work for you:TV Tuners
Power Supply
Electronic Date and Instructions
Numeric Representation
Character Encoding
Careers in IT: Computer Technician
A Look to the Future: Chips inside Your Brain
Open-Ended
Discussion
6 INPUT AND OUTPUT
Introduction
What Is Input?
Keyboard Entry
Keyboards 127
Pointing Devices
Mice
Touch Screens
Game Controllers
Stylus
Scanning Devices
Optical Scanners
Card Readers
Bar Code Readers
RFID Readers
Character and Mark Recognition Devices
Image Capturing Devices
Digital Cameras
Webcams
Audio-Input Devices
Voice Recognition Systems
What Is Output?
Monitors
Features
Flat-Panel Monitors
E-book Readers
Making IT work for you: E-Books 136
Other Monitors 137
Printers
Features
Inkjet Printers
Laser Printers
Other Printers
Audio and Video Devices
Portable Media Players
Combination Input and Output Devices
Multifunctional Devices
Internet Telephones
Robots
Making IT work for you: Skype
Virtual Reality Headgear and Gloves
Erogonomlcs
Careers in IT: Technical Writers
A Look to the Future: Augmented Reality Displays
Open-Ended
Discussion
7 SECONDARY STORAGE
Introduction
Storage
Hard Disks
Intemal Hard Disk
Extemal Hard Drives
Performance Enhancements
Optical Discs
Compact Disc
Digital Versatile Disc
Blu-ray Disc
Solid-Stete Storage
Solid-State Drives
Flash Memory Cards
USB Drives
Cloud Storage
Making IT work for you:Cloud Storage
Mass Storage Devices
Enterprise Storage System
Storage Area Network
Careers in IT: Disaster Recovery Specialist
A Look to the Future: Next-Generation Storage
Open-Ended
Discussion
8 COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS
Introduction
Communications
Connectivity
The Wireless Revolution
Communication Systems
Communication Channels
Physical Connections
Wireless Connections
Connection Devices
Modems
Connection Service
Data Transmission
Bandwidth
Making IT work for you:Mobile Internet
Protocols
Networks
Terms
Network Types
LocalArea Networks
Home Networks
Wireless LAN
Personal Area Network
Metropolitan Area Networks
Wide Area Networks
Network Architecture
Topologies
Strategies
Organizational Networks
Internet Technologies
Network Security
Careers in IT: Network Administrator
Making IT work for you:Remote Access
A Look to the Future: Telepresence Lets You Be There without Actually Being There
Open-Ended
Discussion
9 PRIVACY,SECURITY ,AND ETHICS
Introduction
People
Privacy
Large Databases
Private Networks
The Intemet and the Web
Online Identity
Major Laws on Privacy
Security
Cybercrime
Measures to Protect Co;npoter Security
Making IT work for you:Security Suites
Making IT work for you:Cloud-Based Backup
Ethics
Copyright and Digital Rights Management
Plagiarism
Careers in IT: IT Security Analyst
A Look to the Future: The End of Anonymity
Open-Ended
Discussion
The Evolution of the Computer Age
Glossary