Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics

by Michael Miller

Who knew how simple computers could be? What can you do with your new PC? The sky's the limit! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics will show you how to set up and configure your PC, including how to connect to the Internet. Then you'll learn how to fix your digital photos, create digital scrapbooks, download digital music to your iPod, burn your own custom CDs, watch DVD movies, write letters and memos, balance your checkbook, and create show-stopping presentations. And if you need more computing horsepower, you'll even learn how to upgrade your PC and add new peripherals. It's all easy, thanks to Michael Miller's step-by-step instructions and helpful advice! Now updated for both Windows Vista(TM) and Windows(R) XP, Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics will have you using your new PC in no time! Here's a preview of what you'll find inside: Learn how to set up and configure your new computer, and install new computer hardware and software Get the scoop on how to work with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista, and how to personalize it just for you Learn how to use the most popular computer programs--including Microsoft(R) Word, Microsoft(R) Works, Microsoft(R) Money, and Quicken Connect to the Internet for web surfing, email, instant messaging, blogging, and podcasts--and create your own MySpace page Become a digital media pro--learn to work with digital cameras and photos, download and listen to digital music, and burn your own CDs and DVDs Find out how to protect your PC from spam, viruses, spyware, and computer attacks Learn how to set up a wireless home network and share your Internet connection with multiple PCs
Introduction
I Getting Started
1 Understanding Desktop PCs 2 Understanding Notebook PCs
3 Setting Up Your New Computer System II Using Windows 4 Getting to Know Windows Vista
5 Using Windows XP on Older Computers
6 Personalizing Windows
7 Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
III Upgrading and Maintaining Your System
8 Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System
9 Setting Up a Home Network
10 Performing Routine Maintenance
11 Dealing with Common Problems 12 Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online IV Using Computer Software
13 Installing New Software 14 The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft
15 Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word
16 Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel 17 Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint 18 Banking and Beyond: Working with Microsoft Money and Quicken 19 Connecting to the Internet--At Home and on the Road
V Using the Internet 20 Sending and Receiving Email 21 Surfing the Web wit

Genres: Computers

457 pages, ebook

First published November 28, 2002

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well rounded, easy to understand resource. Offers the beginner basic information about popular topics in computers today, including security, popular software, and social media. With lots of lists of places to get started on making tech and online choices, a definate ice breaker for those overwhelmed with today’s technology or just want to keep tabs on what’s out there.

[Gopal Meghwal]

Really it is great book I ever read.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember how intimidating it was when I got my first computer. At the time, my husband regularly used a computer at work and thought that I should learn. Of course, I didn’t even know how to turn on the thing let alone make it do something worthwhile.

Looking back, I wish I would have had a resource like Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics. The book starts right from the start. Right off, the book tells the reader that they aren’t likely to damage the computer by pressing the wrong button. It also explains all the components of a computer and then takes the reader step by step through what the computer can do. Since the book is based on Windows 7 technology, the new computer owner can simply unpack the parts and begin setting up. By the end of the book, the reader will pretty much be caught up on the basics.

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics is good for those new to computing. It provides the basics and does so in an easy to understand way. However, additional resources may need to be consulted if troubleshooting information is required.

[Ted Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I took over teaching the Basic Computer course at Henrico County Adult Education (Richmond, VA area) in September 2010, this was the textbook. I used this book for the Fall semester, then decided to keep it as the text for this class. I've been using it ever since - when they upgrade to a version of Windows beyond 7, I will consider using a more recent edition of this book (my students have seemed to like it in the nearly five years I have used this book).

[Lisa Bryner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author can explain in everyday English. I learned quite a few things about computer basics.