An easy-to-understand guide to often-confusing computer/Internet jargon!

Internet and Personal Computing Fads is an A-to-Z reference book written in a straightforward style that’s informative enough for library use but informal enough for general reading. This essential guide takes a practical look at the most often-seen computer and Internet terms and describes them in easy-to-understand language.

From Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to Hypertext to Y2K, more than 100 entries are included, featuring historical backgrounds, popular and practical uses, interesting “fun facts,” and bibliographies. Detailed enough for reference use by academics, the book has a natural tone that will appeal to students, casual computer users, and those who are intrigued by the chaotic, fascinating, but often frustrating and daunting morass of information known today as the World Wide Web.

A perfect introduction to the world of computers and the Internet, this book presents brief, jargon-free explanations of terms representing a variety of fields of interest, including general computer use, business, entertainment, multimedia development, and education. You'll learn about:

• artificial intelligence
• the history of computer hardware
• the “Mac vs. PC” debate
• Internet domains such as “.com,” “.edu,” “.gov,” and others
• the meanings of commonly used e-mail abbreviations, including BTW, FYI, LOL, and more
• distance learning
• the origin and meaning of the word “cyberspace”
• and a great deal more!

In clear and concise entries, Internet and Personal Computing Fads will help you understand the meaning of terms including:

• bandwidth
• biometrics
• bookmarks
• CAD (computer-assisted design)
• chat rooms
• clip art
• cookies
• cybercafé
• digital audio, video, imaging, and cameras
• dot com
• e-mail, e-books and e-zines
• electronic publishing
• emoticons
• filtering
• freeware (shareware)
• gaming
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• instant messaging
• Internet advertising
• Linux
• MIDI
• mp3
• Spam (Internet junk mail)
• URL
• usenet
• and many, many more!

An everyday guide for enthusiasts and a perfect place to start for newcomers, Internet and Personal Computing Fads is an easy-to-use handbook with wide-ranging appeal. It combines the comprehensive information you’d expect from a reference book with a casual and colorful look at the histories and backgrounds of popular computer/Internet terms and concepts. As a vital resource or an occasional reference, this book is an exceptional value.