本书原书自1989年以来每年都出一次新版，主要用作英语国家的计算机科学导论性课程教材。在我国曾经出版过本书的几个版本，并作为教材推荐给各高等学校使用，得到了用书学校师生的好评。本书是最新版，内容做了更新和补充，突出知识的先进性、系统性和教学的实践性，并提供更为丰富的习题和在线教学资源。 本书概括地介绍了计算机与信息技术的常见概念和术语、主要应用领域及其对社会的影响。本书由9章组成，主要内容包括：信息技术和因特网概述，因特网、万维网与电子商务，应用软件，系统软件，硬件系统部件，输入输出设备，二级存储，通信与网络，隐私、安全与伦理。 本书具有丰富的教学资源，包括教师指导手册、教学大纲、PPT和各类图表，章末还提供了关键术语、多种习题，以及包含2200多个问题、按难度等级分类的在线题库，供采用本书的老师使用。因此，本书既有助于读者了解和掌握计算机及信息技术的基础知识，又便于他们掌握相应的英文词汇，提高专业英语的阅读能力。 本书既可作为计算机、软件工程、信息管理及相关专业“计算机导论”双语课程的教材，也可作为相关专业“计算机专业英语”课程的教材。

1 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNET, AND YOU
Introduction
Information Systems
People
Software
System Software
Application Software
Making IT work for you: Free Antivirus Program
Hardware
Types of Computers
Cell Phones
Personal Computer Hardware
Data
Connectivity and the Mobile Internet
Careers in IT
A Look to the Future: Using and Understanding Information Technology
Visual Summary
Key Terms
Multiple Choice
Matching
Open-Ended
Discussion
2 THE INTERNET, THE WEB, AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Introduction
The Internet and the Web
Making IT work for you: Online Entertainment
Internet Access
Providers
Browsers
Web Utilities
Filters
File Transfer Utilities
Internet Security Suites
Communication
Social Networking
Blogs, Microblogs, Podcasts, and Wikis
Messaging
E-mail
Search Tools
Search Engines
Content Evaluation
Electronic Commerce
Security
Cloud Computing
The Internet of Things
Careers in IT
A Look to the Future: Home Smart Home
Visual Summary
Key Terms
Multiple Choice
Matching
Open-Ended
Discussion
3 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Introduction
Application Software
User Interface
Common Features
General-Purpose Applications
Word Processors
Spreadsheets
Presentation Software
Database Management Systems
Specialized Applications
Graphics Programs
Video Game Design Software
Web Authoring Programs
Other Specialized Applications
Mobile Apps
Apps
App Stores
Software Suites
Office Suites
Cloud Computing
Specialized and Utility Suites
Careers in IT
Making IT work for you: Cloud Office Suites
A Look to the Future: VR and AR Applications in the Workplace
Visual Summary
Key Terms
Multiple Choice
Matching
Open-Ended
Discussion
4 SYSTEM SOFTWARE
5 THE SYSTEM UNIT
6 INPUT AND OUTPUT
7 SECNDARY STORAGE
8 COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS
9 PRIVACY. SECURITY AND ETHICS
Glossary