Thoroughly revised and updated, Computer Science Illuminated, Third Edition continues to excite and enlighten students on the dynamic and diverse field of computer science. Written by two of today’s most respected computer science educators, Nell Dale and John Lewis, the text provides a broad overview of the many aspects of the discipline from a generic view point. Separate programming language chapters are available for those who would like to explore a particular programming language. The many layers of computing are thoroughly explained beginning with the information layer, working through the hardware, programming, operating systems, application, and communication layers, and ending with a discussion on the limitations of computing. Perfect for introductory computing and computer science courses, Computer Science Illuminated, Third Edition’s thorough presentation of computing systems provides computer science majors with a solid foundation for further study, and offers non-majors a comprehensive and complete introduction to computing.

• Programming concepts are introduced in a language-neutral context, while introductory chapters on Java, C++, Pascal, and new chapters on Python, Alice, and VB.NET are available as bundle items. Includes new and updated biographies throughout. Includes new and revised ethical issues contributed by Richard Spinello and Herman Tavani, including Spinello’s new essay on blogging. Contains a new section on information Security including a new essay on cryptography. An expanded section on Computer Graphics now includes gaming, simulations, and CAD, contributed by esteemed author Jeffrey McConnell. Includes a new section on e-commerce and computer security. Updated throughout with the latest information in the field of computer science.

Preface / Laying The Groundwork: The Big Picture / The Information Layer: Binary Values and Number Systems / Data Representation / The Hardware Layer: Gates and Circuits / Computing Components / The Programming Layer: Problem Solving and Algorithm Design / Low-level Programming Languages / High-Level Programming Languages / Abstract Data Types and Algorithms / The Operating Systems Layer: Operating Systems/ File Systems and Directories / The Applications Layer: Information Systems / Artificial Intelligence / Simulation, Graphics, and Other Applications / The Communications Layer: Networks / The World Wide Web / In Conclusion: Limitations of Computing / Glossary / Endnotes / Index.

Undergraduate – Graduate Students in Computer Science