The hard work of software is obvious when one watches 3D films like Avatar or games like Crysis. But one need not know anything about how software works to appreciate such computer-generated imagery in films or video games. Software is in fact so woven into everyday life that we take tasks performed by software--such as performing safe online transactions, finding driving directions on a smartphone, or seeking an answer to any question through Google search--for granted.

But few people understand how software really works; while using apps or software programs is routine, one can’t see the software components performing, because everything the software does happens on a small computer chip or SIM card hidden in the device. Except for technology geeks who have spent years studying to become what they are, most software end users do not understand how it works. The author of this book attempts to teach them.

When Arthur C. Clarke wrote that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” he implicitly warned that those who understand technology can fool those who don’t. It may mean that there could be chances of rogue companies falsely claiming that one’s login data is safe and there is no danger even if it is stolen. How true can that be? How can one be assured of secure online transactions? One need not be an expert programmer or technology geek to answer this. A curious mind that knows how software works is adequate to understand a few basic software processes. As per the author, no prior knowledge of how computers work is required--but it would definitely make the learning process easier if the reader is a programmer-in-the-making or a computer applications student.

Spread over nine chapters, a preceding short intro, and an index at the end, this book makes for almost effortless reading for any computer or software technology enthusiast. The appreciable aspect is that the author doesn’t use any programming code when explaining the usually hard topics of encryption, data compression, and symmetric and asymmetric keys for authentication or multitasking, and tries to explain concepts in simple English with some simple diagrams.

The nine chapters cover the following topics (which the author finds most central to daily life today): encryption, passwords, web security, movie CGI, game graphics, data compression, search, concurrency, and map routes.

The author explains the concepts in easy language, with simple diagrams. The curious reader will be able to “unmask the magic” or mystery of how software works. However, if someone with no background in computing still finds the topic difficult to grasp, chapters 1, 2, 3, and 7, which deal with everyday routine tasks, are worth looking at. Readers will be much more confident in handling computers, tablets, and smartphones after reading this book.

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