Laura E. DeNardis, Ph.D.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THEORY

UNDERGRADUATE IT TEXTBOOK

Laura DeNardis and Pelin Aksoy (Thompson 2007)

Review
“The text is accessible, the concepts understandable – just what’s needed for a freshman-level text.”

“Fantastic job of treating an important, current technology topic at a reasonable level for an introductory IT textbook. I have not seen anything comparable yet in other textbooks directed at the target audience. The discussion of the different modes (soft IP phone, ATA-interfaced, etc.) is excellent and the Case Study at the end of the chapter is terrific and encourages students to actually “test drive” VoIP technology.”

“Overall this chapter is the best I’ve seen to-date at this level of discussion.”

“Terrific job! Complex concepts have been adequately covered and artfully explained for a first introductory treatment of communications systems.”

“The chapter takes a very practical and applied approach; it uses clear, detailed examples.”

“Great coverage and excellent writing style.”

“The topical coverage of current wireless technologies is excellent.”

Description
Explore the expansive world of information technology (IT) with this innovative book that will engage as it educates. The purpose of Information Technology in Theory is threefold: to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of cutting-edge information technologies, to identify and discuss the fundamental principles underlying these technologies, and to investigate the reciprocal relationship between these technologies and society. Unlike other books on the market that focus exclusively on either the non-technical, business aspects of IT or the technical, computer-focused aspects, this book presents technical information along with discussions of how this information plays a role in everyday business, economic, and social life. Using state-of-the-art technologies and real-world examples, coverage includes the fundamental principles of how computers work, the mathematical and physical properties underlying digital multimedia creation, networking technologies, and key social issues in network security. With this breadth of knowledge, readers will acquire a valuable framework for formulating their own opinions about the important issues that today’s IT environment raises.