Synopses & Reviews
In today’s technological age, computer literacy is important for everyone, and now learning the basics is easier than ever. A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student! Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media. The sixth edition has been updated to reflect the latest developments in computer technology. New interactive learning tools have also been added to enhance student engagement.
Student CD is included with every text, containing:
- Sound Bytes: Multimedia lessons that demystify computer concepts with audio and video presentations.
- Sound Byte Podcasts: The Sound Bytes are now also available as podcasts.
- Active Helpdesk Calls: Highly interactive, engaging, almost game-like media that places the student in the role of a helpdesk staffer answering computer technology questions from callers.
Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate; The History of the PC; Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts; Using the Internet; Ethics; Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play; Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management; Understanding and Assessing Hardware; Networking and Security: Hackers and Viruses; Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data; Mobile Computing; Digital Entertainment; System Hardware
With an array of fun and engaging learning tools, Technology in Action teaches students computer fundamentals, from learning Microsoft Office to setting up their own home network.
Synopsis
A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student! Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media.
History of the personal computer, virtual computer tour, blogging, file compression and management, installing RAM, installing a computer network and firewall, PDA’s, computer architecture, creating and improving an Access database, and constructing a simple Web page.
For professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of computer concepts and literacy.
Synopsis
In today’s technological age, computer literacy is important for everyone, and now learning the basics is easier than ever. A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student! Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media. The sixth edition has been updated to reflect the latest developments in computer technology. New interactive learning tools have also been added to enhance student engagement.
Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate; The History of the PC; Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts; Using the Internet; Ethics; Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play; Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management; Understanding and Assessing Hardware; Networking and Security: Hackers and Viruses; Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data; Mobile Computing; Digital Entertainment; System Hardware
With an array of fun and engaging learning tools, Technology in Action teaches students computer fundamentals, from learning Microsoft Office to setting up their own home network.
About the Author
Three professors from Montgomery County Community College traveled with the Prentice Hall Information Technology team for over two years to uncover what students and professors today wanted and needed in an Intro to Computer Concepts text. After meeting with more than 1,000 students and instructors and developed
Technology in Action. Due to overwhelming success, they recently published
Technology in Action 5/e!
Alan D. Evans, M.S., CPA
Alan is currently the director of computer science for Montgomery County Community College. Alan’s parents instilled in him a love of education at an early age. After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized his true calling was education. He has been a teacher and an administrator at the collegiate level for the past five years. Alan makes presentations at technical conferences and meets regularly with computer science faculty and administrators from other colleges to discuss curriculum development. Currently, he is researching computer literacy standards for college freshmen.
Kendall E. Martin, Ph.D.
Kendall has been teaching since 1988 at a number of institutions, including Villanova University, DeSales University, Arcadia University, Ursinus College, County College of Morris, and Montgomery County Community College, at both the undergraduate and master’s degree level. Kendall’s education includes a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has industrial experience in research and development environments (AT&T Bell Laboratories) as well as experience from several start-up technology firms. At Ursinus College, Kendall developed a successful faculty training program for distance education instructors, and she makes conference presentations during the year.
Mary Anne Poatsy, MBA, CFP
Mary Anne is an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery County Community College, teaching various computer application and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. Mary Anne holds a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Mary Anne has more than nine years of educational experience, ranging from elementary and secondary education to Montgomery County Community College, Muhlenberg College, and Bucks County Community College, as well as training in the professional environment. Prior to teaching, Mary Anne was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Muncipal Bond Investment Banking department.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate
Technology in Focus: The History of the PC
Chapter 2
Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
Chapter 3
Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources
Technology in Focus: Information Technology Ethics
Chapter 4
Application Software: Programs that Let You Work and Play
Chapter 5
Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management
Technology in Focus: Computing Alternatives
Chapter 6
Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
Chapter 7
Networking and Security: Connecting Computers and Keeping Them Safe From Hackers and Viruses
Technology in Focus: Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data
Chapter 8
Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand
Technology in Focus: Digital Entertainment
Chapter 9
Behind the Scenes: A Closer Look at System Hardware
Technology in Focus: Careers in IT