The updated third edition of this comprehensive introduction to hardware and software takes a new, refreshing approach, answering the recurring question, "Why is this important in business?" The author discusses not only the nuts and bolts, but also the value of this knowledge to tomorrow's managers for better decision making and resource allocation. A new chapter, "Internet and Distributed Application Services," builds on the book's current networking coverage with topics such as ftp, directory services, transaction monitors, CORBA, and DCOM.