Product Description

For introductory courses in computer concepts often including instruction in Microsoft Office. Explores the promises and challenges of information technology, along with its effect on businesses, people, society, and the future. Tomorrow's Technology and You explores information technology on three levels: *Explanations: Clearly explains what a computer is and what it can (and can't) do; it clearly explains the basics of information technology, from multimedia PCs to the Internet and beyond. *Applications: Illustrates how computers and networks are-and will be-used as practical tools to solve a wide variety of problems. *Implications: Puts technology in a human context, illustrating how digital devices and networks affect our lives, our world, and our future. Previous Edition: Computer Confluence: Tomorrow's Technology and You, Seventh Edition

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #356073 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 672 pages

From the Back Cover

When Information Technology Enters our Lives…

Today we’re standing at the junction of three powerful and rapidly evolving technological forces: computers, communications, and digital entertainment. Computer technology is showing up in everything from automobiles to home appliances to telephones to televisions, and the lines that separate these machines are fading. This digital convergence is rapidly–and radically–altering the world in which we live.

Completely updated the latest technologies, Tomorrow’s Technology and You, Eighth Edition provides you with an understanding of information technology so you can successfully navigate change and advance into the future. To accomplish this computers and information technology are presented on three levels:

1. Explanations–Clearlyexplains what a computer is and what it can (and can’t) do, along with the basics of information technology, from digital media to the Internet and beyond.
2. Applications–Illustrates how computers and networks are–and will be–used as practical tools to solve a wide variety of problems.
3. Implication–Putscomputers in a human context, illustrating how information technology affects our lives, our world, and our future.

Tomorrow’s Technology and You, Eighth Edition goes beyond simply describing the latest technology. It explains the many benefits we derive and risks we accept when information technology enters our lives.

www.prenhall.com/beekman (or www.computerconfluence.com)

Previous Edition: Computer Confluence: Tomorrow’s Technology and You, Seventh Edition

About the Author

George Beekman is an Honorary Instructor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University. For more than two decades he designed and taught courses in computer literacy, interactive multimedia, computer ethics, and computer programming at OSU. An innovative computer literacy course he created more than two decades ago served as the inspiration for Tomorrow’s Technology and You. George Beekman has taught workshops in computer literacy and multimedia for students, educators, and economically disadvantaged families from the Atlantic to Alaska. He has written many books on computers, information technology, and multimedia, as well as more than 100 articles and reviews for Macworld and other popular publications. In his spare time he hikes and runs along forest trails, takes photos and videos, and plays acoustic and electronic music with friends and family.

Michael J. Quinn is a Professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University. In the past two decades he has taught a wide variety courses, including computer literacy, computer programming, computer ethics, analysis of algorithms, and parallel computing. He has written seven books and more than 70 peer-reviewed papers in these areas.  For recreation, he enjoys playing golf with his friends.

Customer Reviews

Well suited for use as a text in courses called "Introduction to microcomputers"
It has been a few years since I taught a college course that could be described by the phrase, "Introduction to microcomputers", and I am not sure when I will do so again. Nevertheless, I still occasionally examine books looking for a really good one that could be used to teach the class. That was the context within which I examined this book.
I found it very suitable for such a course and would have no trouble using it as a text. The explanations are within the range of understanding that the students of such courses possess. There are a large number of colorful illustrations and a large set of questions appears at the end of each chapter. What I really loved about the book is the large number of quotes. Once I opened the book, I leafed through it reading all of them. It was a microcosmic lesson in the history of computing, scientific advancement and how computers are altering society.
I can strongly recommend this book as a text in any course that can be described by the phrase "Introduction to microcomputers." It has all the required material and a great deal of tasty "informational sugar."

A Great Book for students who want to know basics of IT world
I am an instructor at some university in Korea and have been about 25 years in the IT arena.
I have been looking for a right textbook for IT and non-IT major students from freshmen to Junior year.
Someone recommended this to me and I looked into it at the library. And I have finally decided to use it as the textbook for my class. Great things from this book are;

1. very clear and easy explanation on complicated concepts
2. very selective discussion subjects and questions at every chapter
3. corelation between IT and social issues like intellectual property
4. every subject starts with its history causing readers curiosity
5. contains lots of pictures and graphics helping students get "look and feel"

exactly right
this book was exactly what i asked for and it came on time! i've had bad amazon experiences....but this was perfect. thanks :)