Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C by Reema Thareja, published by Oxford University Press, remains one of the most recommended textbooks for beginners entering the world of computer science. The second edition, released in 2017, specifically addresses the needs of undergraduate students by providing a balanced mix of theoretical concepts and practical implementation. Understanding the Structure of the Book

The textbook is strategically divided into two primary sections: Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C. This dual approach ensures that students understand the "why" of hardware and logic before diving into the "how" of writing code. The first section covers essential hardware concepts: Evolution of computers and generations. Input and output devices. Primary and secondary memory structures.

Every chapter includes a "Case Study" and multiple "Programming Examples" that are tested and ready to run.

Deep dives into if-else and switch-case logic.

The 2017 edition introduced several improvements over its predecessor to align with modern academic syllabi.