Tim and Linda O'Leary live in the American Southwest and spend much of their time engaging instructors and students in conversation about learning. In fact, they have been talking about learning for over 25 years. Something in those early conversations convinced them to write a book, to bring their interest in the learning process to the printed page. Today, they are as concerned as ever about learning, about technology, and about the challenges of presenting material in new ways, both in terms of content and the method of delivery.

A powerful and creative team, Tim combines his years of classroom teaching experience with Linda's background as a consultant and corporate trainer. Tim has taught courses at Stark Technical College in Canton, Ohio, and at Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate New York, and is currently a professor at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Tim and Linda have talked to and taught students from 8 to 80, all of them with a desire to learn something about computers and the applications that make their lives easier, more interesting, and more productive.

Each new edition of an O'Leary text, supplement, or learning aid has benefited from these students and their instructors who daily stand in front of them (or over their shoulders). Computing Essentials is no exception.

A WORD FROM THE AUTHORS

Times are changing, technology is changing, and this text is changing, too. Do you think the students of today are different from those of yesterday? Mine are, and I'll wager that yours are as well. On the positive side, I am amazed how much effort students put toward things that interest them and things they are convinced are relevant to them. Their effort directed at learning application programs and exploring the Web seems, at times, limitless. On the other hand, it is difficult to engage them in other equally important topics, such as personal privacy and technological advances.

I've changed the way I teach, and this book reflects that. I no longer lecture my students about how important certain concepts like microprocessors, input devices, and utility programs are. Rather, I begin by engaging their interest by presenting practical tips related to the key concepts, by demonstrating interesting applications that are relevant to their lives, and by focusing on outputs rather than processes. Then, I discuss the concepts and processes.

Motivation and relevance are the keys. This text has several features specifically designed to engage students and to demonstrate the relevance of technology in their lives. These elements are combined with a thorough coverage of the concepts and sound pedagogical devices.