Computing Fundamentals Digital Literacy Edition

The Basic Computing Skills You Need to Enhance Your Academic Education

Computing Fundamentals provides students with the basic computing skills needed to get the most from their educational endeavors, regardless of field of study. Written by Microsoft Office Master Instructor Faithe Wempen, this detailed resource helps you develop a strong understanding of how computers work and how they affect our society. In addition to helping you master essential computing tasks such as working with operating systems, applications, and the Internet, this book also provides you with all the knowledge you need for computing basics.

• Learn the types of computer hardware and how they work together
• Understand operating systems and application software
• Get a complete introduction to Windows^® 7
• Learn the basics of Microsoft^® Office applications
• Understand the essential technologies behind networking, the Internet, and the web
• Learn how to protect your online privacy and security
• Explore legal, ethical, and health issues of computing

Each chapter includes a summary, list of key terms, and sample questions to help you master basic computer skills.

Faithe Wempen, M.A., is a Microsoft Office Master Instructor and A+ certified computer technician, and the author of more than 120 books on computer hardware and software. An adjunct instructor of Computer Information Technology at Purdue University, she has also written and taught online technology courses that have educated over a quarter of a million students for corporate clients including Hewlett-Packard, CNET, and Sony.

Part I: Computer Basics and Hardware 9

Chapter 1: Computer Basics 11

Chapter 2: The System Unit 31

Chapter 3: Input, Output, and Storage 49

Part II: Software 85

Chapter 4: Operating System Basics 87

Chapter 5: Introduction to Windows 7 109

Chapter 6: Understanding Application Software 143

Chapter 7: Understanding Microsoft Office 2010 173

Part III: Connectivity and Communication 203

Chapter 8: Networking and Internet Basics 205

Chapter 9: Online Communication 229

Chapter 10: Web Basics 265

Chapter 11: Network and Internet Privacy and Security 293

Chapter 12: Legal, Ethical, Health, and Environmental Issues in Computing 321

Answers to Chapter Questions 343

Glossary 349

Index 369

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.