Chapter 1 Computer Basics 1
1.1 What is a Computer? 1
Beyond the Basics 5
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 8
1.2 Brief History of Computers 11
1.3 Computer Categories 18
1.4 Data Representation 22
Beyond the Basics 27
Terms and Expressions 33
Exercises 35
Further Readings 38
Chapter 2 Computer Hardware 44
2.1 Microprocessor and Memory 44
Beyond the Basics 49
2.2 Secondary Storage Hardware 53
Beyond the Basics 57
2.3 Input and Output Hardware 63
Beyond the Basics 67
Terms and Expressions 70
Exercises 72
Further Readings 75
Chapter 3 Computer Software 77
3.1 Computer Programming and Language 77
Beyond the Basics 81
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 82
3.2 Software and Installation 84
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 88
3.3 System Software 92
Beyond the Basics 97
3.4 Application Software 100
Beyond the Basics 105
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 109
Terms and Expressions 112
Exercises 114
Further Readings 117
Chapter 4 Computer Network and the Internet 119
4.1 Computer Network Basics 119
Beyond the Basics 123
4.2 The Internet 128
Beyond the Basics 132
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 134
4.3 World Wide Web 137
Beyond the Basics 140
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 142
Terms and Expressions 143
Exercises 145
Further Readings 147
Chapter 5 Software Engineering 151
5.1 Software Development Methodology 151
5.2 Software Project Management 155
Terms and Expressions 157
Exercises 158
Further Readings 160
Chapter 6 Security in Computing 161
6.1 Security Basics 161
Beyond the Basics 165
6.2 Software Controls 167
Beyond the Basics 171
6.3 Security in Networks 172
Beyond the Basics 175
Terms and Expressions 176
Exercises 177
Further Readings 179
Chapter 7 Digital Media 182
7.1 Digital Media Hardware 182
7.2 Graphics and Animation 187
Beyond the Basics 192
Hands-on Practice with a Computer 195
7.3 Audio,Video,and Game 196
Beyond the Basics 200
Terms and Expressions 201
Exercises 202
References 205