World of Computing: A Primer Companion for the Digital Age

ISBN-13: 9783319758435 / Angielski / Miękka / 2018 / 320 str.

Gerard O'Regan

Opis

This engaging work provides a concise introduction to the exciting world of computing, encompassing the theory, technology, history, and societal impact of computer software and computing devices.

Spis treści

What is a Computer?

Foundations of Computing

A Concise History of Computing

Overview Mathematics in Computing

Introduction to Algorithms

A Concise Introduction to Logic

Human Computer Interaction

Introduction to Programming Languages

Overview of Software Engineering

Overview of Operating Systems

Overview of Databases

Overview of Telecommunications

The Internet and World Wide Web

The Smartphone and Social Media

Legal Aspects of Computing

Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Innovation in the Computing Field

Epilogue

O autorze

Dr. Gerard O'Regan is a CMMI software process improvement consultant with research interests including software quality and software process improvement, mathematical approaches to software quality, and the history of computing. He is the author of such Springer titles as Concise Guide to Formal Methods, Concise Guide to Software Engineering, Guide to Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to the History of Computing, Pillars of Computing, Introduction to Software Quality, Giants of Computing, and Mathematics in Computing.

Blurb

This engaging work provides a concise introduction to the exciting world of computing, encompassing the theory, technology, history, and societal impact of computer software and computing devices. Spanning topics from global conflict to home gaming, international business, and human communication, this text reviews the key concepts unpinning the technology which has shaped the modern world.

Topics and features:

• Introduces the foundations of computing, the fundamentals of algorithms, and the essential concepts from mathematics and logic used in computer science
• Presents a concise history of computing, discussing the historical figures who made important contributions, and the machines which formed major milestones
• Examines the fields of human−computer interaction, and software engineering
• Provides accessible introductions to the core aspects of programming languages, operating systems, and databases
• Describes the Internet revolution, the invention of the smartphone, and the rise of social media, as well as the Internet of Things and cryptocurrencies
• Explores legal and ethical aspects of computing, including issues of hacking and cybercrime, and the nature of online privacy, free speech and censorship
• Discusses such innovations as distributed systems, service-oriented architecture, software as a service, cloud computing, and embedded systems
• Includes key learning topics and review questions in every chapter, and a helpful glossary

Offering an enjoyable overview of the fascinating and broad-ranging field of computing, this easy-to-understand primer introduces the general reader to the ideas on which the digital world was built, and the historical developments that helped to form the modern age.

Dr. Gerard O'Regan is a CMMI software process improvement consultant with research interests including software quality and software process improvement, mathematical approaches to software quality, and the history of computing.