Computers are extremely fast, versatile, and finding their way into every business, industry, government and research activity today. The uses of computers are diverse and encompass arts and entertainment, science and medicine, education, transportation, problem-solving, research, decision-making, home and personal management, data warehouse, communication and message serv Computers are extremely fast, versatile, and finding their way into every business, industry, government and research activity today. The uses of computers are diverse and encompass arts and entertainment, science and medicine, education, transportation, problem-solving, research, decision-making, home and personal management, data warehouse, communication and message services, Internet, World Wide Web, intranet, law enforcement, etc. These computers can be used by any executive through a variety of user-friendly menu-driven graphical user interface packages without any prior computer experience. Exploring the world of information technology can be informative, exciting, and challenging. • For those students taking an introductory computer course who are just beginning to discover the world of information technology, Computers Today will make the process of this discovery enjoyable and educational. • For those who are not entirely comfortable with computers and their applications, this text book provides blocks of information presented within the framework of the end-user's perspective and environment. This book is written in a friendly, lucid, and engaging style that sparks the reader's interest. This project is an effort to show how computers affect our daily lives and how they will continue to have an ever increasing impact on our future. We believe that, in Computers Today, you will find all you need to ensure that students understand and retain what they have read. We offer up-to-date coverage of latest computer systems concepts and an explanation of popular software packages. Though comprehensive in scope, each topic presents practical, day-to-day applications of computers. PURPOSE OF THIS EDITION Computers Today acquaints readers with the many related areas of computer skills they will need if they are to understand the driving force behind our information society. These areas are: • Knowing Computer Capabilities and Limitations. • Knowing How To Use Computers. • Knowing How Computer Hardware and Software Is Acquired. • Understanding The Computer's Impact. KEY THEMES • Extensive Personal Computer Coverage. Although we discuss all types of computers, we place a strong emphasis on personal computers, reflecting their continuing prominence in home, business, and education. • Focus on Computers in Business. We provide several features that focus on the uses of computers in the business environment. Topics include the use of personal computers; organizational information systems, the role of the chief information officer; security, privacy, and ethics; and knowledge-based systems, virtual office, and decision support systems. • Coverage. Offers up-to-date coverage of computer concepts and an explanation of popular software packages. Though comprehensive in scope, each topic presents practical, day-to-day applications of computers. • Buyer's Guide. Businesses, students and hobbyists are making important economic decisions about the purchase of computers for their needs. This book provides enough guidelines for the purchase of hardware and software. • Appealing Style. When students enjoy what they read, they remember it. The text's friendly style encourages the reader and increases students' comprehension and confidence.