2006 Complete Edition

Computing Essentials 2006

Complete Edition

The O’Leary SeriesComputing Concepts

• Computing Essentials 2005 Introductory & Complete Editions

• Computing Essentials 2006 Introductory & Complete Editions

Microsoft Office Applications

• Microsoft Office 2003 Volume 1

• Microsoft Office 2003 Volume 2

• Microsoft Office Word 2003 Introductory & Complete Editions

• Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Introductory & Complete Editions

• Microsoft Office Access 2003 Introductory & Complete Editions

• Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Introductory & Complete Editions

Computing Essentials2006

Complete Edition

Timothy J. O’LearyArizona State University

Linda I. O’Leary

Boston Burr Ridge, IL Dubuque, IA Madison, WI New York San Francisco St. LouisBangkok Bogotá Caracas Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Mexico CityMilan Montreal New Delhi Santiago Seoul Singapore Sydney Taipei Toronto

COMPUTING ESSENTIALS 2006, COMPLETE EDITION

Published by McGraw-Hill/Technology Education, a business unit of The McGraw-HillCompanies, Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020. Copyright © 2006 by TheMcGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproducedor distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, withoutthe prior written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, inany network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning.Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customersoutside the United States.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 QPD/QPD 0 9 8 7 6 5

ISBN 0-07-226110-2

Editor-in-chief: Robert Woodbury, Jr.Senior sponsoring editor: Donald J. HullFreelance developmental editor: Jane DuchamDirector of sales and marketing: Paul MurphyMarketing manager: Sankha BasuLead media project manager: Edward PrzyzyckiLead project manager: Lori KoettersManager, new book production: Heather BurbridgeCoordinator freelance design: Artemio Ortiz Jr.Photo research coordinator: Jeremy ChesherackPhoto researcher: Keri JohnsonSupplement producer: Matthew PerrySenior digital content specialist: Brian NacikCover design and interior icons: Asylum StudiosInterior design: Artemio Ortiz, Jr.Typeface: 10/12 New AsterCompositor: CenveoPrinter: Quebecor World Dubuque Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

O’Leary, Timothy J., 1947–Computing essentials 2006 / Timothy J. O’Leary, Linda I. O’Leary.—Complete ed.

p. cm (The O’Leary series)ISBN 0-07-226110-2 (alk. paper)1. Computers. 2. Electronic data processing. I. O’Leary, Linda I. II. Title.

QA76.5.O425 2006004—dc22

2004059280

www.mhhe.com

Brief Contents

` v

1 Information Technology, the Internet, and You 2

2 The Internet, the Web, and Electronic Commerce 28

3 Basic Application Software 58

4 Specialized Application Software 92

5 System Software 120

6 The System Unit 148

7 Input and Output 178

8 Secondary Storage 210

9 Communications and Networks 238

10 Privacy and Security 270

11 Information Systems 306

12 Databases 332

13 Systems Analysis and Design 364

14 Programming and Languages 396

15 Your Future and Information Technology 432

The Evolution of the Computer Age 456

The Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy Your Own Microcomputer System 465

The Upgrader’s Guide: How to Upgrade Your Microcomputer System 470

Glossary 474

Credits 501

Index 504

Contents

` vii

1INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THEINTERNET, AND YOU 2

Information Systems 4People 6

Making IT Work for You: Information Technology Topics 7

Software 9System Software 9Application Software 9

Hardware 11Types of Computers 11Microcomputer Hardware 11

Data 15Connectivity, the Wireless Revolution, and theInternet 16

A Look to the Future: Using and UnderstandingInformation Technology Means BeingComputer Competent 17

Visual Summary 18Key Terms 21Chapter Review 22Using Technology 25Expanding Your Knowledge 26Building Your Portfolio 27

2THE INTERNET, THE WEB, ANDELECTRONIC COMMERCE 28

The Internet and the Web 30Access 31

Providers 31Browsers 31

Communication 34E-Mail 34Instant Messaging 36Discussion Groups 36

Making IT Work for You: Blocking Spam 38

Search Tools 40Search Engines 40Metasearch Engines 41Specialized Search Engines 41

Electronic Commerce 42Web Storefronts 43Web Auctions 43Security 44

Web Utilities 45Telnet 45FTP 45Plug-ins 45Filters 46

A Look to the Future: Internet2 Is a High-Performance Network 47


3BASIC APPLICATION SOFTWARE 58

Application Software 60Common Features 60Web-based Applications 61

Making IT Work for You: Speech Recognition 62

Word Processors 64Features 64Case 64

Spreadsheets 67Features 67Case 68

Database Management Systems 72Features 72Case 72

Detailed Contentviii

Presentation Graphics 75Features 75Case 75

Integrated Packages 77Case 77

Software Suites 78Sharing Data between Applications 79

Copy and Paste 79Object Linking and Embedding 79

A Look to the Future: Web-based ApplicationSoftware Updates Ease Maintenance 81


4SPECIALIZED APPLICATION SOFTWARE 92

Specialized Applications 94Graphics 95

Desktop Publishing 95Image Editors 95Illustration Programs 95Image Galleries 95Graphics Suites 97

Audio and Video 97Multimedia 98

Links and Buttons 99Developing Multimedia Presentations 99

Making IT Work for You: Digital Video Editing 100

Multimedia Authoring Programs 102Web Authoring 104

Web Site Design 104Web Authoring Programs 104

Emerging Applications 105Virtual Reality 107Knowledge-based (Expert) Systems 107Robotics 108

A Look to the Future: The Future of ArtificialIntelligence Is Emotional 109


5SYSTEM SOFTWARE 120

System Software 122Operating Systems 123

Functions 123Features 123Categories 124Windows 126Mac OS 127UNIX and Linux 127

Utilities 128Windows Utilities 128Utility Suites 131

Device Drivers 133

Making IT Work for You: Virus Protection andInternet Security 134

A Look to the Future: IBM Builds an AwareSupercomputer 137


6THE SYSTEM UNIT 148

System Unit 150Electronic Data and Instructions 152

Binary Coding Schemes 152System Board 154Microprocessor 156

Microprocessor Chips 156Specialty Processors 157

Memory 158RAM 158ROM 159CMOS 159

System Clock 160Expansion Slots and Cards 160

Making IT Work for You: TV Tuner Cards andVideo Clips 162

Bus Lines 164Expansion Buses 164

Ports 165Standard Ports 165Cables 166

Power Supply 166

Detailed Content ix

A Look to the Future: Xybernaut CorporationMakes Wearable Computers a Reality 167


7INPUT AND OUTPUT 178

What Is Input? 180Keyboard Entry 180

Keyboards 180Features 181

Pointing Devices 182Mouse 182Joystick 183Touch Screen 183Light Pen 183Stylus 184

Scanning Devices 184Optical Scanners 184Bar Code Readers 185Character and Mark Recognition Devices 185

Image Capturing Devices 186Digital Camera 186Digital Video Camera 186

Audio-Input Devices 187Voice 187

Making IT Work for You: WebCams and Instant Messaging 188

Music 190What Is Output? 190Monitors 190

Features 190Cathode-Ray Tube 190Flat-Panel Monitor 190Other Monitors 190

Printers 193Features 193Ink-Jet Printer 194Laser Printer 194Thermal Printer 195Other Printers 195

Audio-Output Devices 196Combination Input and Output Devices 196

Fax Machines 196Multifunction Devices 196Internet Telephone 197Terminals 197

A Look to the Future: Electronic Translators MayBe in Your Future 199


8SECONDARY STORAGE 210

Storage 212Floppy Disks 212

Traditional Floppy Disk 213High Capacity Floppy Disks 214

Hard Disks 215Internal Hard Disk 215Hard-Disk Cartridges 216Hard-Disk Packs 216Performance Enhancements 217

Optical Disks 219Compact Disc 219Digital Versatile Disc 220

Other Types of Secondary Storage 221Solid-State Storage 221

Making IT Work for You: Music from the Internet 222

Internet Hard Drives 224Magnetic Tape 225

Mass Storage Devices 225

A Look to the Future: Blu-Ray Technology andPlastic Memory Expected to Replace DVD 227


9COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS 238

Communications 240Connectivity 240The Wireless Revolution 240Communication Systems 241

Communication Channels 242Physical Connections 242Wireless Connections 242

Detailed Contentx

Connection Devices 244Modems 244Connection Service 245

Data Transmission 246Bandwidth 246Protocols 247

Networks 247Terms 247

Network Types 249Local Area Networks 249Home Networks 250Metropolitan Area Networks 250Wide Area Networks 251

Network Architecture 251Configurations 251

Making IT Work for You: Home Networking 252

Strategies 255Organizational Internets: Intranets andExtranets 257

Intranets 258Extranets 258Firewalls 258

A Look to the Future: Toyota and Sony CreateWireless Robotic Car 259


10PRIVACY AND SECURITY 270

People 272Privacy 273

Large Databases 274Private Networks 276The Internet and the Web 276Major Laws on Privacy 278

Making IT Work for You: Spyware Removal 280

Security 282Threats to Computer Security 282Computer Criminals 282Computer Crime 283Other Hazards 287Measures to Protect Computer Security 287

Ergonomics 290Physical Health 290Mental Health 292Design 292

The Environment 293The Green PC 294Personal Responsibility 294

A Look to the Future: Presence Technology MakesFinding People Easy 295


11INFORMATION SYSTEMS 306

Organizational Information Flow 308Functions 308Management Levels 310Information Flow 310

Computer-based Information Systems 312Transaction Processing Systems 314Management Information Systems 315Decision Support Systems 316Executive Support Systems 318Other Information Systems 319

A Look to the Future: Information Overload 321

A Case Study: Information Systems at DVD Direct 321


12DATABASES 332

Data 334Data Organization 334

Key Field 336Batch versus Real-Time Processing 336

Databases 338Need for Databases 339Database Management 339

DBMS Structure 340Hierarchical Database 341Network Database 341Relational Database 342Multidimensional Database 343Object-Oriented Database 344

Detailed Content xi

Types of Databases 345Individual 345Company or Shared 345Distributed 346Proprietary 346Web Database 347

Database Uses and Issues 348Strategic Uses 348Security 348

A Case Study: Databases at DVD Direct 349

A Look to the Future: Xperanto Makes DatabaseSearches Easier 350


13SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN 364

Systems Analysis and Design 366Phase 1: Preliminary Investigation 367

Defining the Problem 368Suggesting Alternative Systems 369Preparing a Short Report 369

Phase 2: Analysis 370Gathering Data 370Analyzing the Data 371Documenting Systems Analysis 374

Phase 3: Design 374Designing Alternative Systems 375Selecting the Best System 375Writing the Systems Design Report 375

Phase 4: Development 376Acquiring Software 376Acquiring Hardware 376Testing the New System 377

Phase 5: Implementation 377Types of Conversion 377Training 379

Phase 6: Maintenance 379Prototyping and Rapid ApplicationsDevelopment 380

Prototyping 381Rapid Applications Development 381

A Look to the Future: Rapid Change 382

A Case Study: Systems Analysis and Designat DVD Direct 383


14PROGRAMMING AND LANGUAGES 396

Programs and Programming 398What Is a Program? 398What Is Programming? 398

Step 1: Program Specification 399Program Objectives 400Desired Output 400Input Data 400Processing Requirements 401Document Program Specifications 401

Step 2: Program Design 401Top-Down Program Design 402Pseudocode 403Flowcharts 403Logic Structures 403

Step 3: Program Code 406The Good Program 406Coding 406

Step 4: Program Test 409Syntax Errors 409Logic Errors 409Testing Process 409

Step 5: Program Documentation 410Step 6: Program Maintenance 412

Operations 412Changing Needs 412

CASE and OOP 413CASE Tools 413Object-Oriented Software Development 414

Generations of Programming Languages 414Machine Languages: The First Generation 415Assembly Languages: The Second Generation 415High-Level Procedural Languages: The ThirdGeneration 415Problem-Oriented Languages: The FourthGeneration 416Natural Languages and Visual ProgrammingLanguages: The Fifth Generation 417

A Look to the Future: MI-tech Takes the Pain Outof Programming 418

A Case Study: Programming at DVD Direct 419

Detailed Contentxii


15YOUR FUTURE AND INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY 432

Changing Times 434Technology and Organizations 435

New Products 435New Enterprises 436New Customer and Supplier Relationships 436

Technology and People 437Cynicism 437Naivete 437Frustration 437Proactivity 438

How You Can Be a Winner 438Stay Current 439Maintain Your Computer Competency 439

Making IT Work for You: Locating JobOpportunities Online 440

Develop Professional Contacts 442

Develop Specialties 442Be Alert for Organizational Change 442Look for Innovative Opportunities 443

A Look to the Future: Maintaining ComputerCompetency and Becoming Proactive 444


The Evolution of the Computer Age 456

The Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy Your OwnMicrocomputer System 465

The Upgrader’s Guide: How to UpgradeYour Microcomputer System 470

Glossary 474

Credits 501

Index 504

Preface

xiii

INTRODUCTIONThe 20th century not only brought us the dawnof the information age, but it also continued tobring us rapid changes in information technol-ogy. There is no indication that this rapid rateof change will be slowing—it may even beincreasing. As we begin the 21st century, com-puter literacy will undoubtedly become a pre-requisite in whatever career a student chooses.The goal of Computing Essentials is to providestudents with the basis for understanding theconcepts necessary for success in the informa-tion age. Computing Essentials also endeavorsto instill in students an appreciation for the ef-fect of information technology on people andour environment and to give students a basisfor building the necessary skill set to succeed inthis new 21st century.

ABOUT THE AUTHORSTim and Linda O’Leary live in the AmericanSouthwest and spend much of their time en-gaging instructors and students in conversa-tion about learning. In fact, they have beentalking about learning for over 25 years. Some-

thing in those early conversations convincedthem to write a book, to bring their interest inthe learning process to the printed page. Today,they are as concerned as ever about learning,about technology, and about the challenges ofpresenting material in new ways, both in termsof content and the method of delivery.

A powerful and creative team, Tim com-bines his years of classroom teaching experi-ence with Linda’s background as a consultantand corporate trainer. Tim has taught coursesat Stark Technical College in Canton, Ohio,and at Rochester Institute of Technology inupstate New York, and is currently a professorat Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.Tim and Linda have talked to and taught stu-dents from 8 to 80, all of them with a desire tolearn something about computers and the ap-plications that make their lives easier, more in-teresting, and more productive.

Each new edition of an O’Leary text, sup-plement, or learning aid has benefited fromthese students and their instructors who dailystand in front of them (or over their shoul-ders). Computing Essentials is no exception.

A WORD FROM THE AUTHORSTimes are changing, technology is changing,and this text is changing, too. Do you think thestudents of today are different from those ofyesterday? Mine are, and I’ll wager that yoursare as well. On the positive side, I am amazedhow much effort students put toward thingsthat interest them and things they are con-vinced are relevant to them. Their effort di-rected at learning application programs andexploring the Web seems, at times, limitless.On the other hand, it is difficult to engage themin other equally important topics, such as per-sonal privacy and technological advances.

I’ve changed the way I teach, and this bookreflects that. I no longer lecture my students

about how important certain concepts like mi-croprocessors, input devices, and utility pro-grams are. Rather, I begin by engaging theirinterest by presenting practical tips related tothe key concepts, by demonstrating interestingapplications that are relevant to their lives,and by focusing on outputs rather thanprocesses. Then, I discuss the concepts andprocesses.

Motivation and relevance are the keys. Thistext has several features specifically designedto engage students and to demonstrate the rel-evance of technology in their lives. These ele-ments are combined with a thorough coverageof the concepts and sound pedagogical devices.

SELECTED FEATURES OF THIS BOOK• Visual Chapter Openers Each chapter

begins with a two-page Visual ChapterOpener with large graphics and brief text.The graphics present the structure and or-ganization of the chapter. The text relatesthe graphics to topics that are covered inthe chapter and discusses their importance.The objective of the visual chapter openersis to engage students and provide relevancyand motivation.

• On the Web Explorations Within manyof the chapters, two or more On the WebExplorations are presented as marginal ele-ments. These explorations encourage stu-dents to connect to carefully selected Websites that provide additional information onkey topics. The objective of the Web Explo-rations is to encourage students to expandtheir knowledge by using Web resources.

• Tips Within many of the chapters, Tipsare provided that offer advice on a varietyof chapter-related issues, such as how to ef-ficiently locate information on the Web,how to speed up computer operations, andhow to protect against computer viruses.One objective of the Tips is to provide stu-dents with assistance on common technol-ogy-related problems or issues. The otherobjective is to motivate students by showingthat the concepts presented in the chapterare relevant to their everyday lives.

Have you ever bought anything online? If not, it’s likelythat in the future you will join the millions who have.

Here are a few suggestions on how to shop online:

1 Consult product review sites. To get evaluations or opinionson products, visit one of the many review sites on the Web suchas www.consumersearch.com and www.epinions.com.

2 Use a shopping bot. Once you have selected a specificproduct, enlist a shopping bot or automated shopping assistantsto compare prices. Two well-known shopping bots are located atwww.mysimon.com and www.shopping.yahoo.com.

3 Consult vendor review sites. Of course, price is noteverything. Before placing an order with a vendor, check theirreputation by visiting vendor review sites such aswww.gomez.com and www.bizrate.com.

4 Select payment option. Once you have selected the productand the vendor, the final step is to order and pay. Security of yourcredit card number is critical. Consider payment optionsavailable from www.private.buy.com andwww.americanexpress.com/privatepayments.

TIPS

Prefacexiv

On the WebExplorations

To learn more about one of theleaders in developing continuous-speech systems, visit our Website at

www.olearyseries.com/CE06and select On the WebExplorations.

• Concept Checks Every chapter containsstrategically placed Concept Check boxes.Each box contains questions related to thematerial just presented. The objective ofthese Concept Checks is to provide studentsthe opportunity to test their retention of keychapter concepts.

• Making IT Work for You Based on stu-dent surveys, 11 special interest topics havebeen identified. These topics include down-loading music from the Internet, creatingpersonal Web sites, and using the Internetto place free long-distance telephone calls.Each of these 11 special interest topics ispresented in a two-page Making IT Workfor You section within the relevant chapter.The objective is to engage students by pre-senting high-interest topics and to motivatethem to learn about related concepts in thechapter.

• Using IT at DVD Direct Many studentsfind information systems concepts to bevery challenging. A series of four cases fo-cused on DVD Direct, a fictitious Web-basedmovie rental company, have been created.The cases are introduced at the end of Chap-ters 11, 12, 13, and 14. The complete casesare on the Computing Essentials CD and atour Web site, www.olearyseries.com/CE06.They have been written to allow instructorsto skip all or some of the cases without los-ing continuity. The objective of the cases isto engage students in an interesting currentapplication of technology and to demon-

strate the relevance and importance of infor-mation systems, databases, systems analysisand design, and programming.

• A Look to the Future Each chapter con-cludes with a brief discussion of a specificrecent technological advancement relatedto material presented in the chapter. Theobjective of this feature is to remind stu-dents that technology is always changingand to reinforce the importance of stayinginformed of recent changes.

• Visual Chapter Summaries Each chapterends with a multipage visual chapter sum-mary. Like the chapter openers, the sum-maries use graphics to present the structureof the chapter and text to provide specifics.Using a columnar arrangement, major con-cepts are represented by graphics followedby detailed text summaries. The objective ofthe visual chapter summaries is to provide adetailed summary of key concepts and termsin an engaging and meaningful way.

• Using Technology Every chapter hasWeb- related end-of-chapter exercises thatdirect students to explore current popularuses of technology. In most cases, the firstquestion requires the student to review thechapter’s Making IT Work for You featuresand to respond to a series of related ques-tions. Other questions require Web research.One objective of the Using Technology fea-ture is to provide support for instructorswho would like to expose their students tothe Making IT Work for You features with-out using class time. The other objective isto provide a powerful tool that engages andmotivates students with assignments relatedto technology that is directly applicable tothem.

Preface xv

Y What is a information system?

Y What is required of a competent end user?

CONCEPT CHECKI

• Expanding Your Knowledge Every chap-ter has Web-related end-of-chapter exercisesdirecting students to enhance their depth ofknowledge on specific technologies intro-duced in the chapter. In most cases, onequestion requires the students to use theirfree Computing Essentials CD and to re-spond to a series of related questions. Otherquestions require Web research into care-fully selected topics. One objective of the Ex-panding Your Knowledge feature is toprovide support for instructors who wanttheir students to effectively use the Comput-ing Essentials CD and one Web site. Theother objective is to support instructors whowant their students to obtain greater in-depth understanding of key technologies.

• Building Your Portfolio Every chapterhas Web-related end-of-chapter exercises di-recting students to prepare and to write aone- or two-page paper on critical technol-ogy-related issues. Some questions requirestudents to summarize and analyze selectemerging technologies addressed in thechapter. Other questions focus on a criticalchapter-related privacy, security, and/or eth-ical issue. Students are required to consider,evaluate, and formulate a position. One ob-jective of the Building Your Portfolio featureis to support instructors who want their stu-dents to develop critical thinking and writ-ing skills. Another objective is to providesupport for instructors who want their stu-dents to create written document(s) record-ing their technology knowledge. A thirdobjective is to provide support for instruc-tors who want their students to recognize,

understand, and analyze key privacy, secu-rity, and ethical issues relating to technology.

• Engaging Students Having all these fea-tures is one thing. Making the studentsaware of them is another. As in almost alltextbooks, Chapter 1 of this textbook pro-vides an overview and framework for thefollowing chapters. Unlike other textbooks,our Chapter 1 also provides a discussionand overview of each of the above engagingfeatures. One objective of this approach isto support instructors who want to focustheir students’ attention on any one or on acombination of features. The other objec-tive is to motivate students by highlightingfeatures that are visually interesting andrelevant to their lives.

• Computing Essentials CD Throughoutthe pages of the text you will see referencesto Computing Essentials CD. This is a set ofreference materials including tips, anima-tions, videos, self tests, careers in IT, andmore. The materials can be accessed fromeither of two sources. One source is from theComputing Essentials CD. The other sourceis our Web site at www.olearyseries.com/CE06. Students have the flexibility to use ei-ther or both of these sources. For example, astudent who does not have convenient ac-cess to a high speed Internet connectionwould likely choose to view videos from theComputing Essentials CD. If a student wereto lose the Computing Essentials CD, he orshe would still have access to all materialsfrom our Web site.

Prefacexvi

Instructor’s Guide

xvii

RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORSWe understand that in today’s teaching envi-ronment offering a textbook alone is not suffi-cient to meet the needs of the many differentinstructors who use our books. To teach effec-tively, instructors must have a full complementof supplemental resources to assist them inevery facet of teaching from preparing forclass, to presenting lectures, to assessingstudents’ comprehension. Computing Essen-tials offers a complete, fully integrated supple-ments package as described below.

Instructor’s Resource KitThe Instructor’s Resource Kit CD-ROM con-tains the Instructor’s Manual, PowerPointslides, and Examview Pro test generation soft-ware with accompanying test item files foreach chapter and 20 video clips (with sum-maries) from G4techTV. The distinctive fea-tures of each component of the Instructor’sResource Kit are described below.

• Instructor’s Manual The Instructor’sManual has been prepared by WilliamHitchcock, associate professor of account-ing & business and department chair atLoras College. The manual contains lectureoutlines with teaching notes and page refer-ences. It contains definitions of key termsand answers to the various end-of-chapterquestions such as multiple choice, match-ing, and open-ended. It also summarizesthe concept checks and key figures in eachchapter. Professor Hitchcock also assistedwith selection of the G4techTV video clipsthat accompany this text, and he preparedthe user summaries for these clips.

• PowerPoint Presentation The Power-Point slides, by Brenda Nielsen of MesaCommunity College–Red Mountain, are de-signed to provide instructors with a com-

prehensive resource for use during lecture.They include a review of key terms and def-initions, figures from the text, new illustra-tions, anticipated student questions withanswers, and additional resources. Also in-cluded with the slides are comprehensivespeaker’s notes.

• Testbank The Computing Essentials test-bank, carefully prepared by Margaret Tren-holm-Edmonds of Mt. Allison University,contains over 2,200 questions categorizedby level of learning (definition, concept, andapplication). This is the same learningscheme that is introduced in the text to pro-vide a valuable testing and reinforcementtool. The test questions are identified bytext page number to assist you in planningyour exams, and rationales for each answerare also included. Additional quizzes, whichcan be used as pretests and posttests inclass, can be found on the Online LearningCenter at www.olearyseries.com/CE06.

G4techTV—Video Series from McGraw-HillTechnology EducationMcGraw-Hill Technology Ed-ucation is pleased to con-tinue its relationship withG4techTV. Through this part-nership, we are able to offer instructors andstudents new video content directly related tocomputing that enhances the classroom or labexperience with technology programmingfrom business and society. Video selectionsfrom G4techTV programs such as “The ScreenSavers” and “Pulse” are sometimes edgy andalways informative. Use of these videos willhelp students understand how computing in-teracts with and contributes to business andsociety and will also offer an advance look atemerging technology and devices. These newvideos have been developed with the guidance

of professors Donald L. Amoroso of Ap-palachian State University and William Hitch-cock of Loras College. Professors Amoroso andHitchcock are active teachers of large sectionsand have selected video segments fromG4techTV that they know will work in theclassroom. Written guidance on how to bestuse these videos is included in the Instructor’sResource Kit to facilitate learning. This seriesgives instructors and students more power forteaching and learning in the computing class-room!

SimNet Concepts 1.5SimNet is an interactive program for studentlearning and assessment on 77 key computerconcepts. SimNet includes a learning or tutor-ial presentation of each of these 77 conceptsand includes both practice and assessmentexam questions for each one. Students gain agreater understanding of the wide range ofcomputer concepts using this learning and as-sessment program by employing a learning se-quence of “Teach Me,” “Show Me,” “Let MeTry.” SimNet Concepts 1.5 is available in anoptional bundle with the text for a modest ad-ditional charge.

Computing Essentials Student CD & Web Sitewww.olearyseries.com/CE06The Computing Essentials Student CD con-tains animations of key concepts, videos relat-ing to select Making IT Work for Youapplications, and in-depth coverage of selecttopics. Computing Essentials Interactive iconsare located in the margins throughout thebook to alert students that expanded coverageof the material in the text can be found ontheir Computing Essentials CD and on theComputing Essentials Web site.

Digital Solutions to Help You ManageYour CourseOnline Learning Centers—The Online Learn-ing Center that accompanies Computing Es-sentials is accessible at www.olearyseries.com/CE06. This site provides additional learningand instructional tools developed using thesame three-level approach found in the textand supplements. This offers a consistentmethod for students to enhance their compre-hension of the concepts presented in the text.The student section also houses the G4techTVvideo clips.

Online Courses Available—OLCs are yourperfect solutions for Internet-based content.Simply put, these courses are digital cartridgesthat contain a book’s pedagogy and supple-ments. As students read the book, they can goonline and take self-grading quizzes or workthrough interactive exercises. These also pro-vide students with appropriate access to lec-ture materials and other key supplements.

Blackboard.com

WebCT (a product of Universal LearningTechnology)

O’Leary Series Applications TextbooksThe O’Leary Series computer applicationstextbooks for Microsoft Office are availableseparately, or packaged with Computing Essen-tials. The O’Leary Series offers a step-by-stepapproach to developing computer applicationsskills and is available in both brief and intro-ductory versions. The introductory books areMOS Certified and prepare students for theMicrosoft Office User Certification Exam.

Skills Assessment for Office ApplicationsSimNet (Simulated Network Assessment Prod-uct) provides a way for you to test students’software skills in a simulated environment.SimNet is available for Microsoft Office 2003.SimNet provides flexibility for you in your ap-plications course by offering:

Pretesting options

Posttesting options

Course placement testing

Diagnostic capabilities to reinforce skills

Proficiency testing to measure skills

Web or LAN delivery of tests

Computer-based training tutorials (newfor Office XP)

MOS preparation exams

Learning verification reports

Spanish version

For more information on skills assessmentsoftware, please contact your local sales repre-sentative, or visit us at www.mhhe.com.

Instructor’s Guidexviii

Student’s GuideSTUDENT’S GUIDE TO THE O’LEARYLEARNING SYSTEMRecently, at the end of the semester, some ofmy students stopped by my office to say theyenjoyed the class and that they“learned something that theycould actually use.” Highpraise indeed for a professor!Actually, I had mixed feelings.Of course, it felt good to learnthat my students had enjoyedthe course. However, it hurt abit that they were surprisedthat they learned somethinguseful.

As you read the text, notice the Tips scat-tered throughout the book. These tips offersuggestions on a variety of topics from the ba-sics of cleaning a monitor to how to make yourcomputer run faster and smoother. Also, no-tice the Making IT Work for You sections thatdemonstrate some specific computer applica-tions you might find interesting. For example,one demonstrates how to capture and use tele-vision video clips for electronic presentations

and another shows how to capture, save, andplay music from the Internet.

Many learning aids are built into the text toensure your success with the material and to

make the process of learningrewarding. In the pages thatfollow, we call your attentionto the key features in the text.We also show you supplemen-tal materials, such as the stu-dent Online Learning Center,that you should take advan-tage of to ensure your successin this course.

Here’s my promise to you:In the following pages you

will find things that you canactually use now and that

will provide a foundation forunderstanding future

technological advances.

Visual Chapter OpenersEach chapter begins with a two-page openingspread that provides the Chapter Competenciesand a brief introduction to the chapter. Graphicspresent the structure and organization of thechapter visually, while text discusses the topicsthat will be covered and their importance.

Key Terms Throughout the text, the most important termsare presented in bold type and are definedwithin the text. You will also find a list of keyterms at the end of each chapter and in theglossary at the end of the book.

What makes Computing Essentials such a powerful tool?

xx

Tips Tips appear within nearly every chapter and are providedto offer advice on a variety of chapter-related issues, suchas how to efficiently locate information on the Web, howto speed up computer operations, and how to protectagainst computer viruses. Tips assist you with commontechnology-related problems or issues and motivate youby showing the relevance of concepts presented in thechapter to everyday life.

How does Computing Essentials use the Web andprovide practical real world tips?

On the Web Explorations Two or more On the Web Explorations appearwithin nearly every chapter and are presentedas marginal elements. These explorations askyou to connect to carefully selected Web sitesthat provide additional information on key topics,encouraging you to expand your knowledge byusing Web resources.

Computing Essentials Web siteThroughout the text, the Computing EssentialsWeb site at www.olearyseries.com/CE06 isreferenced. The text directs you to this Web sitefor additional material, Web links, and exercises to boost interest and enhance your comprehension of the material.

xx

Making IT Work FiguresSeveral critical technologies are presented in fullpage figures. These figures show how thetechnologies work and how they are used. Thesefigures include How Digital Cameras Work, HowInstant Messenging Works, How Home NetworksWork, and more. Additionally, several of thesetopics are animated and presented on theComputing Essentials CD or on our Web site.

Making IT Work for YouSpecial interest topics are presented in a two-pageMaking IT Work for You section within the chapterrelating to that topic. These topics include protectingagainst computer viruses, downloading music from theInternet, and using the Internet to place free long-distance telephone calls.

How does Computing Essentials get youinvolved in current technologies?

xxii

Careers in ITSome of the fastest growing career opportunities in informationtechnology are presented in the Computing Essentials CD. Thesedescriptions include job titles, responsibilities, educationalrequirements, and salary ranges. Among the careers covered areWebmaster, software engineer, and database administrator. Youwill learn how the material you are studying relates directly to apotential career path.

How does Computing Essentials teach youabout the future in information technology?

xxi

A Look to the FutureEach chapter concludes with a briefdiscussion of a recent technologicaladvancement related to the chaptermaterial, reinforcing the importance ofstaying informed.

How does Computing Essentials reinforcekey concepts?

xxiv

Concept CheckLocated at points throughout each chapter, theConcept Check cues you to note which topics havebeen covered and to self-test your understanding ofthe material.

Visual Chapter SummariesThese summaries appear in at least two pages at the end of eachchapter. Using a columnar arrangement, major concepts are presentedby graphics followed by detailed text summaries, providing a summaryof key concepts and terms in an engaging and meaningful way.

Using IT at DVD Direct—A Case StudyBeginning in Chapter 11 and continuing through Chapter 15, UsingIT at DVD Direct—A Case Study is an up-close look at what youmight expect to find on the job in the real world. You will followAlice, a recent college graduate hired as a marketing analyst, as shenavigates her way through Accounting, Marketing, Production,Human Resources and Research, gathering and processing data tohelp manage and accelerate the growth of the three-year-oldcompany. This case study is supported with end-of-chapterexercises and the Computing Essentials CD.

How does Computing Essentials help you to evaluateyour knowledge of the material in each chapter?

Chapter ReviewFollowing the Visual Summary, the chapter Review includes material designed to review and reinforce chaptercontent. It includes a Key Terms List that reiterates the terms presented in the chapter, a Crossword Puzzleto challenge your understanding of the chapter material, Multiple Choice questions to help test your recall of

information presented in the chapter. Matching exercises to test your recall ofterminology presented in the chapter, and Open-Ended questions or statementsto help review your understanding of the key concepts presented in the chapter.

xxv

Using TechnologyIn each chapter, Using Technology presents two questions designto help you gain a better understanding of how technology is beused today. One question typically relates the chapter’s Making ITWork for You topics. The other question focuses on interestingapplications of technology that relate directly to you. Topicsinclude: Online Auctions, Online Personal Information Managers,and Desktop and Notebook Computers.

How does Computing Essentials encourage youto develop and utilize critical thinking skills?

xxvi

Expanding Your KnowledgeIn each chapter, Expanding Your Knowledge presents twoquestions that help you gain a deeper understanding ofselect topics. Typically, one question relates to a topiccontained on your Computing Essentials CD, such asHow Instant Messaging Works, How Streaming MediaWorks, and How Virus Protection Works. The otherquestion in Expanding Your Knowledge typically relates toWeb research into carefully selected topics includingrobotics, multimedia, HDTV, and Internet hard drives.

How does Computing Essentials help you create a portfoliothat demonstrates your knowledge of technology?

Building Your PortfolioThe first question in Building Your Portfolio relatesto key technologies. Topics include electroniccommerce, artificial intelligence, Linux,microprocessors, digital input, and firewalls. Thesecond question in Building Your Portfolio relatesto security, privacy, and ethical issues. The issuespresented include: HTML source code, antitrustlegislation, processor serial numbers, CD-R andmusic files, and electronic monitoring. Oneobjective of the Building Your Portfolio feature isto help you develop critical thinking and writingskills. Another objective is to help you createwritten documents recording your technologyknowledge. A third objective is to help yourecognize, understand, and analyze key privacy,security, and ethical issues relating to technology.

xxv

Computing Essentials InteractiveThroughout the book you will find numerous references to ComputingEssentials Interactive. This feature provides a variety of interesting andvaluable reference materials. For your convenience, you can access thesematerials either from your Computing Essentials CD or from our Web siteat www.olearyseries.com/CE06. Some of the features are Animations,Expansions, and Videos as discussed below.

AnimationsNumerous Animations depicting howselect technologies work and how theyare used are provided. Animations coversuch topics as digital video cameras, virusprotection programs, and Spyware.

ExpansionsThe coverage of several critical topicsfrom the book has been expanded. TheseExpansions include digital video editing,virtual memory, and identity theft.

VideosSeveral current and interesting Videos areprovided. Video topics include identitytheft, cyber crime, and Internet scams.

How do the Computing Essentials Interactive Web site and CD that

accompany Computing Essentials work with the text to enhance learning?

xxviii

Computing Essentials 2006

Complete Edition

2006 Complete Edition

Documents

Transcript of 2006 Complete Edition