1  laying the groundwork
  chapter 1  the big picture
2  the information layer
  chapter 2  binary values and number systems
  chapter 3  data representation
3  the hardware layer
  chapter 4  gates and circuits
  chapter 5  computinq components
4  the programming layer
  chapter 6  low-level programming languages and pseudocode
  chapter 7  problem solving and algorithms
  chapter 8  abstract data types and subprograms
  chapter 9  object-oriented design and high-level programming languages
5  the operating systems layer
  chapter 10  operatincj systems
  chapter 11  file systems and directories
6  the applications layer
  chapter 12  information systems
  chapter 13  artificial intelligence
  chapter 14  simulation, graphics, gaming, and other applications
7  the communications layer
  chapter 15  networks
  chapter 16  the world wide web
  chapter 17  computer security
8 in conclusion
  chapter 18  limitations of computing
glossary
endnotes
index
photo credits