The 20th century not only brought us the dawn of the information age, but it also continued to bring us rapid changes in information technology. There is no indication that this rapid rate of change will be slowing—it may even be increasing. As we begin the 21st century, computer literacy will undoubtedly become a prerequisite in whatever career a student chooses. The goal of Computing Essentials is to provide students with the basis for understanding the concepts necessary for success in the information age. Computing Essentials also endeavors to instill in students an appreciation for the effect of information technology on people and our environment and to give students a basis for building the necessary skill set to succeed in this new 21st century.