Computer Science

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I want to thank to my wife, Mary Beth, for her support and for pretending not to notice the various home improvement projects that didn’t get done. I also extend thanks to everyone whose work improved this book, including my chief editor, Roger Masse, and all at The Philip Lief Group, Inc. including Jill Korot, Judy Linden, and Albry Montalbano. Thanks also to Scott Nurkin for translating my ugly stick figures into the illustrations you see on these pages. Finally, thanks to ACCIS: the president, Betty Howell; the dean, Ronan O’Beirne; and all the other faculty members, staff, and students I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.

CONTENTS

Introduction Chapter 1: What Is Computer Science?

Introduction to Computing Professions in Computer Science Subject Areas in Computer Science The History of Computing Summary Chapter 2: Basic Computer Concepts

Key Terminology and Concepts System Components Summary Chapter 3: Hardware

Computer Architecture CPU Hardware Devices Device Interfaces Summary Chapter 4: Software

Types of Software Operating Systems

Suites and Components Summary Chapter 5: Programming

Program Logic Software Engineering Languages Summary Chapter 6: Networks

Network Overview Network Components Current Networking Technologies Summary Chapter 7: The Internet

History of the Internet Connecting to the Internet Internet Protocols World Wide Web E-Mail Chat and Instant Messaging Summary Chapter 8: 2-D Graphics 3-D Graphics Computer Graphics

Graphics Hardware and Software Summary Chapter 9: Databases Artificial Intelligence Robotics Summary Chapter 10: Computers in Society Governmental Issues Intellectual Property Issues Ethical Issues Computers in Business Computers in Education Computers in Entertainment Summary Glossary References Advanced Computer Concepts

Welcome to Computer Science Made Simple, a novice’s guide to one of the most important fields today. I wrote this... [continues]

Read full essay