Book excerpt: Higher National Computing 2e is a new edition of this extremely successful course book, updated specifically to cover the compulsory core units of the 2003 BTEC Higher National Computing schemes. Full coverage is given of the four core units for HNC, the two additional core units required at HND, and the Core Specialist Unit 'Quality Systems', common to both certificate and diploma level. Students following the HNC and HND courses will find this book essential reading, as it covers the core material they will be following through the duration of their course. Knowledge-check questions and activities are included throughout, resulting in a clear and straightforward text which encourages independent study. Like the syllabus itself, this book is ideal for students progressing to HNC / HND from GNVQs, as well as A-Level and BTEC National, with content designed to cover the requirements of students following General Computing, Software Engineering and Business IT courses.