This book presents the underlying engineering behind information technology that is transforming our economic and social systems so dramatically. It addresses a need that has arisen from the impact information technology is making on all professions, technical and non-technical. Understanding of information science and engineering, underlying high performance computing and communications is relevant for students from all disciplines today. Covering a broad range of technologies and assuming no formal engineering or computer science background, this book prepares readers to become active practitioners and leaders in the on-going information revolution. Using technology to educate the reader about the technology, the accompanying CD contains links to a set of Java-based virtual laboratory experiments. The integration of Java and Java Script-based applets with the book greatly enhances the presentation of material by allowing the reader to experience the underlying components of information technology in actin, rather than merely in description.