While studying, look for the activity icon for: • Vocabulary terms with e-flash cards and matching activities • Files for hands-on examples, skill-building activities, and the capstone project These activities can be accessed at www.g-wlearning.com/informationtechnology/0905/ 3 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Most young adults have been using computers since they could read and write or, in many cases, even before then. Computers are used to complete school assignments, conduct business, and—most of all—communicate. Most people are computer users they know how to operate these devices. However, to be computer literate you must understand the details of how computers work and the impact computers have on your life and career. Knowing how to use Microsoft Offi ce applications is only a small part of being computer literate. This chapter provides an overview of important topics in the fi eld of information technology (IT). You may already know some of the facts, but some facts may be new to you. You will learn about computers, their historical time line, and the various ways in which they can be categorized. Additionally, information is included about the Internet and problems, such as malware, faced by information technology professionals and society as a whole.