Introduction to Computers 2026 Edition

This is an introductory text for a basic computer literacy course. Contents of the text include: 1. Introduction: History of computer development, Different classes of computers, Networks and communication, Virtual reality, Information processing cycle, Distinction between hardware and software, Social effects of computers, Hacking and malware. 2. Computer Components: CPU, Memory, Secondary storage, Input, Output and Communications devices. 3. Computer Software: System software (operating systems, utility programs), Application programs, Classes of and distribution methods for software, Ethical issues related to software. 4. The System Unit: Motherboard, CPU, Types of Memory, Secondary Storage, Data representation, Connectors and Ports. 5. Input: Keyboards, Scanners, Pointing devices (mouse, trackball, touchscreen, ...), Speech recognition. 6. Output: Monitors, Projectors, Wearables, Printers, Fonts, Audio output. 7. Storage: Hard disk drives, Optical storage, Obsolete media, Cloud storage, Data compression 8. Networks and Internet: Internet development, Internet services (WWW, e-mail, FTP, ... ), e-commerce, Internet architecture (HTML, TCP/IP, routers, servers, ... ), Social issues, Security, Net neutrality.