Introduction to Computer Science (Reprint Edition)

Author: (USA) O'Reilly / (USA) O'Reilly Editor
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: This book provides a concise introduction to the main fields of computer science and information technology, various applications, and their impact on society. The book consists of 15 chapters and several appendices, covering the following main content:
An overview of information technology;
The Internet, the World Wide Web, and e-commerce;
Basic application software (including word processing, spreadsheet processing, database management systems, text and graphics presentation, integrated software packages, etc.);
Specialized software (including graphic and image processing, audio and video, multimedia, web creation, as well as emerging applications such as virtual reality and expert systems);
System software such as operating systems;
Computer system components;
Input/output and related peripheral devices;
External storage devices;
Communication and network technologies;
Information systems (including transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems, management support systems, etc.);
Databases and applications;
System analysis and design;
Programming and programming languages;
Social, organizational, professional, ethical, legal, security, and environmental issues related to information technology;
An introduction to the development of computers;
Personal computer purchasing and upgrade guides, etc.
The book is richly illustrated with numerous diagrams and carefully designed layouts, making various concepts, technologies, and devices easy to understand. Each chapter includes comprehensive diagram summaries, lists of key vocabulary and terminology, extensive review questions, thought-provoking exercises, and online activities. The book is rich in content, innovative in style, concise and clear in presentation, and written in standard and fluent English. It comprehensively covers the fundamental terms and terminology in the fields of computer science and information technology, particularly the currently popular and new concepts and vocabulary. This book can serve as a textbook for introductory computer courses in computer science, information management, and related disciplines, as well as a textbook for computer English courses in these fields.