Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate

Technology in Focus

The History of the PC

Chapter 2

Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

Chapter 3

Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources

Technology in Focus

Information Technology Ethics

Chapter 4

Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play

Chapter 5

Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management

Technology in Focus

Computing Alternatives

Chapter 6

Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System

Chapter 7

Networking and Security: Connecting Computers and Keeping Them Safe from Hackers and Viruses

Technology in Focus

Protecting Your Computer and Backing Up Your Data

Chapter 8

Mobile Computing: Keeping Your Data on Hand

Technology in Focus

Digital Entertainment

Chapter 9

Behind the Scenes: A Closer Look at System Hardware

Technology in Focus

Careers in IT

Glossary

Index

Credits

About the Author

Three professors from Montgomery County Community College traveled with the Prentice Hall Information Technology team for over two years to uncover what students and professors today wanted and needed in an Intro to Computer Concepts text. After meeting with more than 1,000 students and instructors and developed Technology in Action. Due to overwhelming success, they recently published Technology in Action 6/e!

Alan D. Evans, M.S., CPA

Alan Evans is currently a faculty member at Manor College and Montgomery County Community College teaching a variety of computer science and business courses.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Rider University and an M.S. in Information Systems from Drexel University, and he is a certified public accountant.  After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized his true calling was education.  He has been teaching at the college level since 2000.  Alan enjoys giving presentations at technical conferences and meets regularly with computer science faculty and administrators from other colleges to discuss curriculum development and new methods of engaging students. 

 

Kendall E. Martin, Ph.D.
Kendall has been teaching since 1988 at a number of institutions, including Villanova University, DeSales University, Arcadia University, Ursinus College, County College of Morris, and Montgomery County Community College, at both the undergraduate and master’s degree level. Kendall’s education includes a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has industrial experience in research and development environments (AT&T Bell Laboratories) as well as experience from several start-up technology firms. At Ursinus College, Kendall developed a successful faculty training program for distance education instructors, and she makes conference presentations during the year.

Mary Anne Poatsy, MBA, CFP
Mary Anne is an adjunct faculty member at Montgomery County Community College, teaching various computer application and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. Mary Anne holds a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Mary Anne has more than nine years of educational experience, ranging from elementary and secondary education to Montgomery County Community College, Muhlenberg College, and Bucks County Community College, as well as training in the professional environment. Prior to teaching, Mary Anne was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Muncipal Bond Investment Banking department.