The Tao of Computing

This text presents a broad, practical introduction to computers and computer technology. It uses a question and answer format to provide thoughtful answers to the many practical questions that students have about computing. The text offers a down-to-earth overview of fundamental computer fluency topics, from the basics of how a computer is organized, to an overview of operating systems, to a description of how the Internet works. The second edition includes technological advances, new applications, examples from popular culture, and new research exercises.

Describing both the practical details of interest to students and the high-level concepts and abstractions highlighted by faculty, The Tao of Computing, Second Edition presents a comprehensive introduction to computers and computer technology. This edition updates its popular predecessor with new research exercises and expanded discussion questions.

It uses a question-and-answer format to provide thoughtful answers to the many practical questions that students have about computing. Among the questions answered, the book explains:

• What capabilities computers have in helping people solve problems and what limitations need to be considered
• Why machines act the way they do
• What is involved in getting computers to interact with networks

The book offers a down-to-earth overview of fundamental computer fluency topics, from the basics of how a computer is organized and an overview of operating systems to a description of how the Internet works. The second edition describes new technological advances including social media applications and RSS feeds.