本书是美国麦格劳一希尔(McGraw—Hill)出版公司出版的Computing Essentials 2008,Introductory Edition一书的影印版。原书自1989年以来每年都出一次新版,主要用作英语**的计算机导论性教材。我社曾经影印过本书的1995--1996版、l998--1999版和2002—2003版.主要用作高等学校计算机专业英语教材,采用的学校普遍反映较好。本书是今年出版的新版,在内容上做了全面更新,突出了知识的先进性、系统性和教学的实践性,并提供了更为丰富的习题和在线学习功能。
本书概括地介绍了计算机与信息技术的常见概念和术语、主要应用领域及其对社会的影响。全书由l l章和附录组成,主要内容包括:信息���术概述;因特网、万维网与电子商务;应用软件;系统软件;硬件系统;输入/输出设备;存储设备;通信与网络;隐私与**;信息技术展望等。书中含有大量丰富的图片,用于说明计算机及各种技术、设备的结构、原理和组成,使各种技术、概念和术语一目了然。每章之后附有未来展望、综合性的图示小结、关键词和术语列表、习题、技术应用、知识扩展、自制文档等丰富的实践内容。

1 Information Technology,the Internet,and You
Informafion Systems
People
Softtware
Hardware
Data
Connectivity the Wireless Revolution and the Internet
Careers in IT
2 The internet,the Web,and Electronic Commerce
The Internet and the Web
Access
Communication
Search Tooks
Electronic Commerce
Web Utilities
Careers in IT:Webmaster
3 Basic Application Software
Application Software
Word Processors
Spreadsheets
Database Management Systems
Presentation Graphics
Integrated Packages
Software Suites
Careers in IT:Computer Trainer
4 Specialized Application Software
Specialized Applications
Graphics
Audio and Video
Multimedia
Web Authoring
Artificial Intelligence
Careers in IT:Desktop Publisher
5 System Software
6 The System Unit
7 Input and Output
8 Secondary Storage
9 Communications and Networks
10 Privacy and Security
11 Your Future and Information Technology
The Evolution of the Computer Age
The Buyer’S Guide:How to Buy Your Own Microcomputer System
The Upgrader’S Guide:How to Upgrade Your Microcomputer System
Glossary
Credits
Index