This engaging work provides a concise introduction to the exciting world of computing, encompassing the theory, technology, history, and societal impact of computer software and computing devices. Spanning topics from global conflict to home gaming, international business, and human communication, this text reviews the key concepts unpinning the technology which has shaped the modern world.
Topics and features:
Introduces the foundations of computing, the fundamentals of algorithms, and the essential concepts from mathematics and logic used in computer sciencePresents a concise history of computing, discussing the historical figures who made important contributions, and the machines which formed major milestonesExamines the fields of human-computer interaction, and software engineeringProvides accessible introductions to the core aspects of programming languages, operating systems, and databasesDescribes the Internet revolution, the invention of the smartphone, and the rise of social media, as well as the Internet of Things and cryptocurrenciesExplores legal and ethical aspects of computing, including issues of hacking and cybercrime, and the nature of online privacy, free speech and censorshipDiscusses such innovations as distributed systems, service-oriented architecture, software as a service, cloud computing, and embedded systemsIncludes key learning topics and review questions in every chapter, and a helpful glossary
Offering an enjoyable overview of the fascinating and broad-ranging field of computing, this easy-to-understand primer introduces the general reader to the ideas on which the digital world was built, and the historical developments that helped to form the modern age.
Dr. Gerard O'Regan is a CMMI software process improvement consultant with research interests including software qualityand software process improvement, mathematical approaches to software quality, and the history of computing.
