An Introduction to Information Processing provides an informal introduction to the computer field. This book introduces computer hardware, which is the actual computing equipment.
Organized into three parts encompassing 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the evolution of personal computing and includes detailed case studies on two of the most essential personal computers for the 1980s, namely, the IBM Personal Computer and Apple's Macintosh. This text then traces the evolution of modern computing systems from the earliest mechanical calculating devices to microchips. Other chapters consider the components and operation of typical data communications systems. This book discusses as well the various types of communications networks and communications via space satellites. The final chapter deals with software or computer programs, the sets of instructions that programmers write to inform the computer how to solve particular problems.
This book is a valuable resource for computer specialists, mathematicians, and computer programmers.
Inhalt
Preface
Part One Introduction
1 The Information Revolution
Introducing the Computer
The Benefits
The Dangers
Looking to the Future
An Introduction to Personal Computing
Summary
2 The Evolution of Computers
Early Computing Devices
The Dawn of the Modern Computer Age
Generations of Computers
Summary
Part Two Hardware
3 The Processor
The Basic Computer Processing Cycle
The Central Processing Unit
The Binary Number System
Data Organization
Machine Language Instructions
The Josephson Junction: The "Computer on Ice"
Consequences of Technology
Biochips (Fleshware?)
Summary
4 Input: Gateway to the Computer
Punched Cards
Key-to-Tape and Key-to-Disk Systems
Terminal-Oriented Systems
Touch Sensing
Other Input Devices
Source Data Automation
Summary
5 Output: Getting Results from Computers
Printed Reports
Types of Printers
Terminal-Oriented Systems
Cathode Ray Tube Terminals
Portable Terminals
Other Types of Computer Output
Applications for the Future
Summary
6 Secondary Storage
Magnetic Tape Storage
Disk Storage
Mass Storage Devices
Bubble Memory
Optical Disks
File Organization Methods
Applications for the Future
Summary
7 Data Communications
History
How Data Communications Systems Work
Asynchronous and Synchronous Transmission
Data Transmission Codes
Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex Transmission
Line Speed
Transmission Media
Line Configuration
Data Communications Networks
Multiplexors
Concentrators
Common Carriers
Expectations for the Future
Summary
Part Three Software
8 Structured Programming
What Is a Computer Program?
The Program Development Process
Structured Programming
Programming Psychology
Case Studies in Structured Program Development
Summary
9 Programming Languages
Programming Languages
A Survey of High-Level Languages
Query Languages
A Universal Programming Language
Software Packages
Trends
A Brief Introduction to LOGO
Summary
10 Structured Systems Analysis and Design; Systems Acquisition
Why Develop or Modify Systems?
The Systems Life Cycle
Systems Acquisition
Case Study: Structured Systems Analysis and Design
Summary
11 Database Management Systems, Management Information Systems, Decision Support Systems
Data as a Business Resource
Database Management Systems
Management Information Systems
Decision Support Systems
Summary
12 Operating Systems
Systems Programs
Applications Programs
Operating Systems
Operating Systems Functions
Batch Processing
Multiuser Operating Systems
Multiprogramming
Channels and Interrupts
Double Buffering
Storage Protection
Relocatable Programs
Reentrant Programs
Deadlock
Timesharing
Real-Time Systems
Scheduling
Print Spooling
Virtual Storage
Multiprocessing
Security
User-Friendliness
Firmware
Case Study 12-1: CP/M
Case Study 12-2: UNIX, XENIX, MS-DOS
Conclusion
Summary
Appendix A BASIC Programming
Module 1: Introduction to BASIC
Module 2: Structured Programming in BASIC
Module 3: Single-Subscripted Arrays and Subroutines
Module 4: Advanced Topics
Appendix B Number Systems
Digit Value and Positional Value
The Binary Number System
The Octal Number System
The Hexadecimal Number System
Appendix C The Computing Profession
Computing Careers
Education
Professional Organizations
Professional Certification
Professional Conferences and Trade Shows
Seeking Employment
Glossary
Illustration Credits
Index