本书综合介绍信息技术的知识、技能以及与信息技术相关的人文和社会方面的内容。作为各专业的信息技术导论性课程，本书既介绍了计算机软硬系统的基础知识，同时也介绍了如何使用计算机处理日常报表、报告、数据库、通信等。本书尽可能地将*有用的信息综合起来提供给读者，因此，本书具有如下特点：①覆盖面广。几乎包含了要了解IT技术所必须掌握的所有核心概念和内容，详而不繁。②实用性强。所讲述的软件都是*新的，涉及的内容包罗万象。③复习巩固提高。每章都有关键问题表，章末都有“是什么、怎么做、为什么重要”式的小结，每章都有自我测试题和思考题。④丰富的补充材料。有教师参考资料（试题库、教师手册、PowerPoint幻灯片）、视频片段、互动式配套光盘、自助学习系统，提供两种自我测试软件。
内容：1. 概述 2. 硬件 3. I/O硬件 4. 存储器 5. 系统软件 6. 应用软件 7. 通信技术8. 通信技术的使用 9. 信息系统的分析与设计 10. 软件编程与语言 11. 信息管理 12. 文件与数据库 13. **计算 14. 种族、隐私、**与社会问题。

1.Overview:The Foundation for Your Future
1.1 Whw Is the User?—Mostly People Like You
1.2 The Importance ot Becoming
1.3 What Is a Comprter-Based Information
The Digital Basis of Computers
The Analog Basis of Life
1.4 Comprter Hardware
Input Hardware
Processing and Memory(Primary Storage)
Hardware
Output Hardware
Secondary Storage Hardware
Communications Hardware
1.5 Computer Software
System Software:The Computer's Boss
Applications Software:Your Servant
1.6 Types of Computer Systems:What's the Difference?
1.7 Milestones in Computer Development
The Evolution of Computers:Data Overload or Knowledge
1.8 Computiong Trends:Connectivity,Interactivity,and Digital Convergence
Connectivity
Interactivity
Digital Convergence
CAREER BOX:Using Computers in Real Estate
CAREER BOX:Using Computers in Government and Politics
Summary
Exerciuses
EPISODE 1:Starting a Web Business E1.36
2.Processing Hardware:Turning Data into Something You Can Use
2.1 How Data and Programs Are Represented in the Computer
Binary Coding Schemes
The Parity Bit:Checking for Errors
Machine Language:Your Brand of Computer's Very Own Language
How Computer Capacity Is Expressed:Bit by Bit
2.2 The Processor,Main Memory,and Registers
The Processor In Charge
Specialized Processor Chips:Assistants to the CPU
CISC,RISC,and MPP:Not All Processors Are Created Equal
Main Memory:Working Storqge Area for the CPU
Registers
The Machine Cycle:How a Single Instruction Is Processed
2.3 Telling Computers Apart:RAM Capacity,Word Size,and Processor Speed
RAM Capacity
Word Size
Processing Speeds
2.4 Focus on the Microcomputer:What's Inside?
The Power Supply
The Motherboard
The Microprocessor
RAM Chips
ROM Chips
Other Forms of Memory
Ports:Connecting Peripherals
Expansion Slots and Boards
2.5 Coming Attractions?
CAREER BOX:Using Computers in Law
CAREER BOX:Using Computers in Information Technolgy
Summary
Exercises
……
3.Input/Output Hardware:Interfaces Between You & the Computer
4.Storage Hardware:Preserving Data & Information
5.System Software:The Director
6.Applications Software:The User's Tools
7.Communications Technology:Starting Along The Information Superhighway
8.Uses of Communications Technology:Telecommuting,Online Resources,& The Internet
9.Information Systems Analysis & Design:The Systems Development Life Cycle
10.Software Programming & Languages:Where Software Comes From
11.Information Management:Who Needs To Know What,& When?
12.Files & Databases:Organizing & Maintaining Digital Data
13.Advances in Computing:Multimedia,Artificial Intelligence,&Intelligent Agents
14.Ethics,Privacy,Security,&Social Questions:Computing for Right Living