This book presents an introduction to the field of information technology (IT) suitable for any student of an IT-related field or IT professional. Coverage includes such IT topics as IT careers, computer hardware (central processing unit [CPU], memory, input/output [I/O], storage, computer network devices), software (operating systems, applications software, programming), network protocols, binary numbers and Boolean logic, information security and a look at both Windows and Linux. Many of these topics are covered in depth with numerous examples presented throughout the text.

New to this edition are chapters on new trends in technology, including block chain, quantum computing and artificial intelligence, and the negative impact of computer usage, including how computer usage impacts our health, e-waste and concerns over Internet usage. The material on Windows and Linux has been updated and refined. Some content has been removed from the book to be made available as online supplemental readings.

Ancillary content for students and readers of the book is available from the textbook’s companion website, including a lab manual, lecture notes, supplemental readings and chapter reviews. For instructors, there is an instructor’s manual including answers to the chapter review questions and a testbank.