Description
For introductory courses in computer concepts or computer literacy often including instruction in Microsoft Office.
A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student!
Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media.
Table of contents
Technology in Action, Eighth Edition
Contents at a Glance
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: Connecting Computing Devices
Technology in Focus
Under the Hood
Chapter 8
Digital Lifestyle: Managing Digital Data and Devices
Chapter 9
Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices
Technology in Focus
Careers in IT
Glossary
Index
Credits
New to this edition
The following list includes comprehensive changes for the 8th edition:
New Multiple-Choice Questions
All chapters have all-new, multiple-choice questions. In addition, multiple-choice questions have been added to all Technology in Focus features.
New Ethics Projects
Each chapter now concludes with a special team-oriented ethics project that discusses new and interesting developments in technology that relate directly to the real world.
New and Updated End-of-Chapter Projects
More than 80% of all of the end-of-chapter projects for Making the Transition to… Next Semester, Making the Transition to… the Workplace, Critical Thinking Questions, and Team Time are all new or have been updated.
New and Updated Active Helpdesk Calls
The following list includes changes specific to each chapter for the 8th edition:
Chapter 1: Why Computers Matter to You: Becoming Computer Literate
· Updates to computer system statistics
· New section on military careers that use computers
Chapter 2: Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
· New coverage of Apple’s Mac Mouse
· Updates to how to select a printer and statistics on media storage
· New coverage of USB 3.0 technology
Chapter 3: Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web’s Resources
· New “How Cool Is This?” topic: WolframAlpha
· New coverage of wireless in-flight service
· Updates to Internet connection speeds
Chapter 4: Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play
· New coverage of free software, Software as a Service (SaaS), and
Web-based software
· Updated coverage of note-taking software
· New coverage of open source software licensing and reinstalling software
· New Bits and Bytes: “Working with Different File Formats,” “Making a Winning Presentation” and “Getting Rid of Bloat”
Chapter 5: Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management
· Updated coverage of operating systems for cell phones, Microsoft Windows editions, and RAM requirements
· New sections on operating systems and platforms, running multiple operating systems on a single computer, and using Linux
· New coverage of system repair discs and Windows’ Problem Steps Recorder
Chapter 6: Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
· Updates to the “Ideal Computer System” worksheet
· Updated coverage of all hardware statistics, including processors
· New Bits and Bytes: “3D Explosions” and “Taking Your System
Out of the Box”
· New coverage of SuperFetch and RAID technology,
Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices
· Chapter revised to refocus content on setting up and working with a home Ethernet network
· New section on troubleshooting wireless networks
Chapter 8: Digital Lifestyle: Managing Digital Data and Devices
· Updated coverage of smartphone connection speeds and operating systems, digital cameras, and printers
· New coverage on syncing computers with mobile devices, MiFi access, and Bluetooth tethering
· New Trends in IT: “World Changing: Impact of Mobile Technology” and “Ecosystem of New Tools: Augmented Reality”
Chapter 9: Securing Your Systems: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices
· Updated coverage of cybercrimes and Facebook privacy
· New and updated coverage of data backups, including online backups
· New Bits and Bytes: “CAPTCHA: Keeping Web Sites Safe From Bots”
Features & benefits
For introductory courses in computer concepts or computer literacy often including instruction in Microsoft Office.
A Computer Concepts Text Focused on Today’s Student!
Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media.
Unique Approach: Technology in Action engages students by combining a unique teaching approach with rich companion media. It teaches the practical concepts students want to learn (such as setting up a wireless network), while still covering the material they need to learn (such as how networks function).
Annotated Instructor’s Edition: The new Technology in Action Annotated Instructor’s Edition provides chapter-by-chapter recommendations from the authors on how to successfully use the companion media and resources in a course, while the new Instructor Resource CD allows you to reorganize and customize assets to fit your own teaching style.
Learn By Experience: A unique approach teaches computer technology the way students would actually experience it in real life. The topic sequence covers concepts using a spiraling approach between chapters that mirrors the typical student learning experience.
Unique Companion Media: Technology in Action’s rich companion media engages students in and out of the classroom while providing essential training on computer concepts.
· Sound Bytes: These multimedia lessons demystify computer concepts with audio and video presentations. Sound Bytes are available as podcasts.
· Active Helpdesk Calls with Assessment: These highly interactive, engaging, almost game-like media place the student in the role of a helpdesk staffer answering computer technology questions from callers.
· A virtual supervisor provides support to the student throughout calls.
· Assessment questions after each call provide instructors with a tool to gauge and track students’ progress.
· Features a Spanish transcript your students can access while using the Active Helpdesk.
· NEW! The Active Helpdesk Calls have been completely re-done for the 8th edition!
Crossword Puzzles: Allow students to test their knowledge.
Quiz Game: Question-and-answer quiz game modeled on a popular television game show.
Other topics of distinction
Numbered Objectives: Questions open each chapter and outline what the student will learn.
Visual Media Cues: These features at the bottom of the textbook pages indicate the companion media that aligns with the text material.
Question and Answer Format: The material is designed to keep students engaged by using a constant dialogue.
Special Feature Sections: A variety of features provide additional information and learning opportunities.
· Dig Deeper: These sections cover technical topics in depth to challenge more advanced students.
· Technology in Focus: Mini-chapters that teach students key uses of technology today, including a section on Information Technology Ethics.
· Bits and Bytes: Offer information on computer maintenance.
· Trends in IT: Explore new and emerging technologies, computers in society, careers in computing, and ethical considerations.
· Behind the Scenes: Students are engaged by challenging research assignments.
Comprehensive End-of-Chapter Material:
· Multiple Choice, True/False: Provide additional reinforcement and review for students.
· Multimedia Page: Outlines how the media components, Active Helpdesk, Sound Bytes, and Companion Website, work in the chapter.
· Critical Thinking Questions: Designed to demand the full attention of the student.
· Team Activities: Designed for instructors who want to use team projects but need some structure.
SUPPLEMENTS
Student Supplements
Student CD containing Companion Media: This CD contains all of the Sound Bytes and the Active Helpdesk Calls.
myitlab: Online training and assessment for Office Applications and Computer Concepts. Students can also access all of the multimedia resources, including Sound Bytes and Active Helpdesk Calls, as well as PowerPoint presentations and Audio PowerPoints. Students can complete end-of-chapter assessments and take exams. A built-in Discussion Board enables students to interact with one another and their instructor.
Companion Website: www.pearsonhighered.com/techinaction Features an interactive study guide, downloadable supplements, additional Web Research Projects, Web resource links such as Careers in IT and crossword puzzles, plus bonus chapters on the latest trends and hottest topics in information technology.
Instructor’s Supplements
Instructor’s Edition: Working hand-in-hand, a new Technology in Action Instructor’s Edition provides chapter-by-chapter recommendations from the authors on how to successfully use the companion media and resources in a course, while the new Instructor Resource CD allows you to reorganize and customize assets to fit your own teaching style.
Instructor Resource CD: This CD contains all of the Companion Media, including Sound Bytes and Active Helpdesk Calls, as well as all of the instructor resources for the text, including PowerPoint presentations, Audio PowerPoint presentations, Test Banks, Sound Byte labs, end of chapter solutions, Web links, Web research projects, team projects, and image library.
***Blackboard and Web CT epacks for Technology in Action, Introductory are only available in Complete versions. Instructors ordering Blackboard and Web CT epacks with Technology in Action 8e, Introductory Edition will receive access to the following online supplements:
0132559072 Blackboard (WebCT) CE/Vista e-Pack for Technology in Action Complete, 8/e
0132559080 Blackboard Course Cartridge for Technology in Action Complete, 8/e
Author biography
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 they developed Technology in Action. Due to overwhelming success, they recently published Technology in Action 8/e!
Alan D. Evans, M.S., CPA
Alan Evans is currently a faculty member at Moore College of Art and Design 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.