McKeown has updated his text for an introductory course in computer literacy. It differs from the myriad other texts in this area in that, once the reader has completed the first five chapters (Block 1), he or she can skip to any of the other four blocks without needing to understand the material in any other block.

Block 1 is devoted to such topics as uses of the computer to make a human’s job easier or more productive. Here topics such as ATMs, smart houses, point of sale, and CAD/CAM are introduced. The author briefly discusses the hardware components from mainframes to laptops and how they are connected, and considers types of software. He introduces the seven-step information system life cycle and how each step is conducted. The author covers the impact computers have had on our society, including security, depersonalization, and computer crime issues. The block concludes with an overview of future trends. The remaining four blocks are in-depth discussions of topics introduced in Block 1.

Block 2 encompasses three chapters. The first of these is a detailed look at the internals of the system, including clocks and buses. Fetch, decode, and execute processes are discussed. Many topics covered in this block are not even mentioned in most texts for literacy courses. For instance, the author explains exactly what happens to the system as it boots up, from the time the power switch is turned on until the system is ready to run an application. Most novices are inquisitive about this process, but it is rarely explained.

Input/output devices and secondary storage round out Block 2. The author has chosen to go beyond the general overview in these areas; he uses excellent graphics to explain how the various devices operate. When students have completed this block, they should feel they understand how each hardware component works and how they all work together.

Block 3 provides the reader with an insight into the software required to make the hardware perform. It begins with the usual look at operating systems and then moves to the standard computer literacy applications of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, communications, and graphics. These sections are filled with excellent full-color representations of various aspects of each application package. Examples are drawn from several different products, not just the big three (WordPerfect, Lotus, and dBASE). As an adjunct to this block, the reader can consult the appendix for a deeper look at MS-DOS. The reader can also try some of the hands-on applications included in the appendix. An integrated applications package called HBJ Software, which includes word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, communications, and home accounting, is normally included with the text. Unfortunately, I did not receive the software, so no review of it was possible. According to the comments about the software, it appears to be a menu-driven system.

Block 4 details how MIS fits into the organizational structure. The various stages of the information systems life cycle are explained in depth. The block surveys popular computer languages. Once the reader has finished this block, he or she is directed to an extensive appendix for hands-on practice with BASIC.

Finally, Block 5 is a section not found in many literacy books. While most literacy books mention its topics, they do not go into as much depth as McKeown does. This block covers computer crime and security, and an excellent section discusses the future impacts of computers on the general public. It discusses recent criminal investigations into computer crimes and the security measures being implemented to combat and prevent them. Another section covers societal issues such as privacy and health.

Most texts of this type omit or quickly gloss over how and when to buy a personal computer and what to buy. This text does not shy away from the topic; it provides an excellent section on exactly what to look for when purchasing a system for the first time or upgrading or enhancing an existing system.

Most chapters include sections of excellent color photos related to specific topics. The sections on robots and the making of an integrated circuit chip are particularly good.

I found this text to be quite readable, with excellent graphics and photos liberally dispersed throughout to enhance the discussions. The material is all up to date and well researched. The book contains an extensive section on  BASIC.  This material is a carryover from an earlier era when every literacy text had to cover BASIC. Since teaching a programming language is not part of many literacy classes today, this section could easily be omitted without harming the text.