Princeton University Press
Understanding the Digital World: What You Need to Know about Computers, the Internet, Privacy, and Security, Second Edition
Key Metrics
- Brian W Kernighan
- Princeton University Press
- Paperback
- 9780691219103
- 9.9 X 6.9 X 0.9 inches
- 1.85 pounds
- Computers > Internet - Online Safety & Privacy
- English
Secure TransactionBook Description
A brand-new edition of the popular introductory textbook that explores how computer hardware, software, and networks work
Computers are everywhere. Some are highly visible, in laptops, tablets, cell phones, and smart watches. But most are invisible, like those in appliances, cars, medical equipment, transportation systems, power grids, and weapons. We never see the myriad computers that quietly collect, share, and sometimes leak personal data about us. Governments and companies increasingly use computers to monitor what we do. Social networks and advertisers know more about us than we should be comfortable with. Criminals have all-too-easy access to our data. Do we truly understand the power of computers in our world?
In this updated edition of Understanding the Digital World, Brian Kernighan explains how computer hardware, software, and networks work. Topics include how computers are built and how they compute; what programming is; how the Internet and web operate; and how all of these affect security, privacy, property, and other important social, political, and economic issues. Kernighan touches on fundamental ideas from computer science and some of the inherent limitations of computers, and new sections in the book explore Python programming, big data, machine learning, and much more. Numerous color illustrations, notes on sources for further exploration, and a glossary explaining technical terms and buzzwords are included.
Understanding the Digital World is a must-read for readers of all backgrounds who want to know more about computers and communications.
Author Bio
Professor Brian W. Kernighan, who earned his doctoral degree in electrical engineering from Princeton in 1969, joined the department in 2000. Before returning to Princeton, he worked for 30 years at the Computing Science Research Center of Bell Laboratories, where he was head of the Computing Structures Research Department from 1981 to 2000.
Professor Kernighan was a member of the editorial board for Software?Practice & Experience, 1990-2009, and has been the adviser for the Addison-Wesley series on Professional Computing since 1990. His research Interests include software tools, application-oriented languages, programming methodology, user interfaces, digital humanities, and technology education.
Research Interests
Application-specific languages, document preparation, user interfaces, software tools, programming methodology.
Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2019; Member, National Academy of Engineering, 2002; USENIX Association Lifetime Achievement Award, 1997.
Source: Princeton University
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