Synopsis: The encyclopedia features about 600 cross-referenced entries - including more than 175 new to this volume - that reflect the new ways of using information technology and the important social issues that arise from such use. To articulate the main themes of the book and to aid the reader, the introduction features a complete list of the entries grouped into specific categories, including business and e-commerce applications, computer industry, databases, future computing, Internet and World Wide Web, programming languages, and software development and engineering. It is an indispensable resource that will meet the specific demands of students, interested lay people, and computer professionals who need accurate and straightforward information.