"BTEC First ICT Practitioners" is a key new course book for the 2006 BTEC First ICT Practitioner schemes from Edexcel. Full coverage is given to the core units of the Certificate and Diploma (units 1 and 2) and to selected specialist units. It includes: Using ICT to Present Information (Unit 1); Introduction to Computer Systems (Unit 2); Website Development (Unit 4); Networking Essentials (Unit 6); Database Software (Unit 9); Spreadsheet Software (Unit 10); and, ICT Graphics (Unit 18). Each chapter in the textbook corresponds to one of these units of the syllabus. Students of BTEC First ICT programs will find this text essential reading for the duration of their study - all the core material they will be following throughout their course is included in this book. Each chapter includes numerous illustrations, learning outcome summaries, definitions, learner activities, test your knowledge quiz questions and exercises.The result is a clear, straightforward and easily accessible text, which encourages independent study and acts as a reference to various topics within the qualification. The choice of specialist units reflects the breadth of Information and Communication Technology, rather than focusing on specific computing areas such as hardware and programming, and puts the emphasis on practical rather than academic units. It provides students with an excellent portfolio of knowledge and skills that will enable them to progress onto higher qualifications, such as the BTEC National, AS and A2, or to suitable employment within the ICT sector.Sharon Yull is a Senior Lecturer at City College Norwich and a Senior Subject Examiner for Higher Nationals in Computing for Edexcel. Sharon also runs the Training and Education Company, an IT and education consultancy, and has written books for other BTEC IT qualifications. It provides chapter by chapter coverage of the compulsory core units and selected specialist units of the 2006 BTEC Firsts in ICT for Practitioners. The specialist units have been chosen with a view to develop practical skills and to reflect the breadth of ICT. The book is a student-friendly text with numerous illustrations, definitions, activities, quiz questions, and exercises.