Book excerpt: Introduction to Computing and Algorithms prepares students for the world of computing by giving them a solid foundation in the study of computer science - algorithms. By taking an algorithm-based approach to the subject, this book helps readers grasp overall concepts rather than getting them bogged down with specific syntax details of a programming language that can become obsolete. Students work with algorithms from the start and apply these ideas to real problems that computers can help solve. The benefit of this approach is that students will understand the power of computers as problem-solving tools, learn to think like programmers, and gain an appreciation of the computer science discipline.