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This title offers a brief overview of the history of commercial computing, and paints a picture of the role in computers today. Written by experienced trainers Brendan Munnelly and Paul Holden, this book offers information in a clear and simple format.
List of contents
Contents INTRODUCTION 1 Chapter 1 A short history of computing 3 In this chapter 3 New skills 3 A long line of machines 5 Self test 1: History of computing 8 Chapter summary: so now you know 9 Chapter 2 What exactly is a computer? 11 In this chapter 11 New skills 11 New words 11 The trouble with definitions 13 Types of computer 15 Self test 2: A computer is...? 17 Chapter summary: so now you know 19 Chapter 3 Computer hardware 21 In this chapter 21 New skills 22 New words 22 In the box 23 Processor 23 Memory 24 Hard disk 25 Diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, Zip disks, tapes 26 Out of the box: the essentials 30 Keyboard 30 Screen 31 Mouse 31 Out of the box: optional extras 33 Printers 33 Modem 35 Multimedia 36 Looking after your hardware 37 When something goes wrong 38 Self test 3: Hardware 39 Chapter summary: so now you know 41 chapter 4 Software and data 43 In this chapter 43 New skills 43 New words 44 Software 45 System software 45 Application software 46 How software is made 47 Software copyright 48 Problems with software 49 Data 50 Looking after your data 51 Data copyright 53 Data protection 53 Self test 4.1: Software 56 Networks 57 The advantages of networking 57 LANs and WANs 58 Making the connection 59 The telephone network 60 ISDN 62 E-mail 62 The internet 64 E-commerce 66 Self test 4.2: Networks 68 Chapter summary: so now you know 69 chapter 5 What computers are used for 71 In this chapter 71 New skills 71 Business and administration 73 Industry 73 Retailing 74 Home 75 Schools 75 Health care 76 Government and public administration 77 Everyday life 77 Information technology and society 78 Participation in the Information Society 80 Self test 5: Computers in society 81 Chapter summary: so now you know 82 chapter 6 Looking after number one: health and safety 83 In this chapter 83 New skills 83 New words 84 Health warning! 85 Repetitive strain injury 85 Eyesight 85 Posture 86 Accidents 86 Self test 6: Using your computer safely 88 Chapter summary: so now you know 89 Answers to self tests 91
About the author
Brendan Munnelly is an experienced IT trainer,consultant, journalist and author. Based in Dublin, Ireland, Brendan has developed user training materials for a range of corporate and government organisations throughout Europe. He is also a frequent contributor to computer publications.
Summary
This title offers a brief overview of the history of commercial computing, and paints a picture of the role in computers today. Written by experienced trainers Brendan Munnelly and Paul Holden, this book offers information in a clear and simple format.
