The Usborne Computer Dictionary for Beginners

I well recall my first meeting with a computer when it took me half an hour to realise that when my instructor talked about 'booting it up' he meant 'switching it on'. Since then my knowledge of these awe-inspiring, fascinating yet infuriating machines has gone from A to C whilst the jargon, cyberspeak and technobabble has travelled from A to Z and back again. With the arrival of the Internet, who knows where it will end? This book is a noble attempt to make sense of the vocabulary that has been spawned by the information revolution with over 1500 words and phrases explained. It's far from being a conventional dictionary as it takes a subject approach - so we have double-page spreads on Input and Output devices, Inside the Processing Unit, Printers, and so on. The key words are given in bold type and are defined in a continuous text and there's extensive use of cross-referencing. Clear page design, judicious use of colour diagrams and illustrations, three glossaries and a comprehensive index make this a very user-friendly resource. It's ideal for all aspiring members of the digital generation as well as those who suffer from the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) Factor. The jargon is catching, isn't it?