Computers in Plain English

The book is an overview of computers in simple terms. I start by explaining mainframes, but only enough to give the basis for where some of today's terms came from. In the beginning chapter I also lay out binary and hexadecimal numbers and the exponential system. This is done for the purpose of explaining how a computer can digest numbers, and by introducing hexadecimal, I am able to show how character data is able to be manipulated. I cover exponents so that the large numbers are more readily understood. The next chapter goes into operating systems-what they are, where they came from and how it applies to the home PC. This allows me to follow with a chapter on DOS and then Windows. Next is a chapter describing the Internet. In the chapter on programs that follows, I give an overview of the types of software available. Because buying a computer can be overwhelming, I delve, in the next chapter, in the hardware involved in a computer system. This then is followed by a hypothetical system, from its arrival in the home to how everything is installed. Once it is up and running, it must be maintained, and I have included my system cleanup instructions. There is a simple glossary and an appendix with information on fonts and point sizes. Included as a bonus is a complete ASCII table. These may never be needed, but this book is designed as a guide, and should anyone follow this up with an interest in the field, this is important information.Berry, Ronald is the author of 'Computers in Plain English', published 2004 under ISBN 9781413705195 and ISBN 1413705197.