Books in High-Tech Science series

There were communications networks long before the advent of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. In fact, modern computer networkswhether on a website, college campus, or just in your homestem from technology used to create the first telephone networks, and later, television networks. Readers will appreciate the history behind communications networking while learning how todays networks connect people. Colorful photographs accompany accessible information about LANs, WiFi, and more, and interesting sidebars further explain the networks we rely on every day.

You probably use Wi-Fi all the time to connect to the internet through your laptop, tablet, or phone. It's easy. Wi-Fi hotspots surround you as you go through your day - from school to a pizza place or coffee shop and then back home. Not so long ago, the internet wasn't as accessible. Find out how Wi-Fi works, how it became commonplace, and what it might do for you in the future.

High-tech is hitting home in new ways every day, as devices change how young people watch television and movies, how they listen to music, how they get news and information, how they study and learn, and even how they turn the lights on and off. What’s the science behind these technologies, how do they work, and where is the tech world heading next? Super-engaging text will connect with readers and help them better understand how advances in technology have changed their lives and homes - and what the future may hold.

A virtual assistant by any name - Alexa, Siri, whoever - can be a sweet addition to your home. You might use one for simple jobs like playing music or streaming podcasts. And you might use one to communicate with friends and remind you about homework coming due while helping you make your breakfast. Find out how digital assistants work and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech home.

Social networks are part of daily life, but there seems to be no end to the number of comments and pictures one can post. Internet e-mail providers, such as Gmail and Hotmail, are similarly common and seem to have infinite storage space. Cloud computing is part of the reason. Readers will learn the history of the Internet and computer servers leading to the modern technology of the cloud. Colorful photographs accompany clear explanations of many important tech terms and ideas, including IP addresses, ISPs, and more.

In the past, secretaries and assistants were in charge of taking dictation from their bosses to write letters, memos, and other documents. With the advent of speech recognition software, this practice is hardly done anymore! Including interesting history and development of the latest voice technology, the main content will introduce readers to this fascinating software that allows jet pilots to speak to their planes, smartphone users to make a hands-free call, and automated phone systems to give bank account information. Colorful photographs will draw readers into hi-tech information while opening their imaginations to future possibilities.

It seems simple: tap the screen of your smartphone to open an app, or swipe your finger across the screen to make the smartphone do something else. However, that touch screen has been years in the making and is a complex piece of what is now essential technology. Readers will find out how layers of glass, metal, and LEDs work together to make a touch screen work. Full-color images augment explanations of different kinds of touch screens. Readers will be captivated by the many uses touch screens have in the world today, from controlling machinery in a factory to helping surgeons perform medical procedures.

Imagine you arrive at school and realize you forgot to feed the dog. No problem. Pull out your phone and command the dog dish to dispense a serving of food. That's all there is to it - if you live a smart home. What once sounded like science fiction is now a reality for some families. People use smart phones and other devices to lock doors, turn on lights, close window shades, and check to see how much milk they have in the fridge. Find out how this technology works and what the future holds for smart homes.

High-tech is hitting home in new ways every day, as devices change how young people watch television and movies, how they listen to music, how they get news and information, how they study and learn, and even how they turn the lights on and off. What’s the science behind these technologies, how do they work, and where is the tech world heading next? Super-engaging text will connect with readers and help them better understand how advances in technology have changed their lives and homes - and what the future may hold.

A virtual assistant by any name - Alexa, Siri, whoever - can be a sweet addition to your home. You might use one for simple jobs like playing music or streaming podcasts. And you might use one to communicate with friends and remind you about homework coming due while helping you make your breakfast. Find out how digital assistants work and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech home.

Whether you're watching a movie, bingeing on a classic TV show, or listening to your favorite song, you're probably streaming it. Videotapes, DVDs, and CDs are mostly just memories now. Streaming puts a world of options at your fingertips when you’re at home and, with a smartphone or tablet, when you're on the go. Find out how streaming was invented, how it works, and what the future might hold for this part of a high-tech life.