Computer Confluence: Exploring Tomorrow's Technology

Computer Confluence, Concise Edition 2/E is more than a book: it's the confluence of three media resources: an illustrated book, state-of-the-art CD-ROM, and up-to-the-minute web site. It goes beyond computer concepts and explores the promise and problems of information technology, how it affects people and society, and the future. Since 1994, thousands of readers have been introduced to computers through George Beekman's unique approach. The concise edition is not simply a subset of chapters from the standard edition, but a tightly integrated and carefully thought out approach to computer concepts. It presents readers with applications without getting stuck in "how-to" details. Includes updated and expanded coverage of hot topics and updated screens; Total text, Web and CD integration; Crosscurrents boxes which contain lively, often controversial, thought-provoking articles by many of today's writers and visionaries in technology, covering everything from privacy in financial records to software bugs and bombs, including questions for discussion; How It Works boxes which are highly graphical and, in many cases, provided in animated, interactive form on the CD-ROM; and Rules of Thumb boxes. For readers interested in courses in introductory computers.