This text has been designed to be used as part of a first course in data processing, especially in those disciplines where the emphasis is on the use of computing devices to serve organizational need. The course may include hands-on computer work either the learning of a computer programming language or the utilization of previously written software packages. The treatment of BASIC in the appendix provides an introduction to programming. As more and more students are introduced to programming in high school, junior high or elementary school, instructors may want to add exercises in word processing, spreadsheet analysis, or other areas.