Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (4th Edition) (Paperback)

by Michael Miller (Author) "Chances are you're reading this book because you just bought a new computer, are thinking about buying a new computer, or maybe even had someone..." (more)
Key Phrases: home publishing programs, molehill group, online branch, Works Suite, Outlook Express, Windows Media Player (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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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™ and Windows® 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®  Word, Microsoft®  Works, Microsoft®  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 with Internet Explorer

22 Searching the Web

23 Shopping Online

24 Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions

25 Exploring Blogs and Podcasts

26 Social Networking with MySpace

27 Creating Your Own Web Page

28 Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites

29 Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
VI Exploring the Digital Lifestyle

30 Using Your PC with a Digital Camera

31 Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos

32 Sharing Your Digital Photos Online

33 Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs

34 Downloading and Playing Digital Music

35 Using Your PC with an iPod or MP3 Player

36 Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC

37 Downloading and Playing Videos from the Web

38 Making Your Own Digital Home Movies
Index

 

Michael Miller is the best-selling author of more than 75 how-to books, covering topics such as Windows XP and eBay online auctions. Michael has helped more than a million readers be productive with their PCs and has earned a reputation for practical advice, technical accuracy, and making difficult topics easy to understand.

 

Category: Computers & Internet

Covers:    General Computing

User Level:    Beginning

 

$21.99 USA / $26.99 CAN / £15.99 Net UK

 

www.quepublishing.com

About the Author

Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical advice and technical accuracy and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers. Mr. Miller has written more than 75 best-selling books in the past 18 years. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner’s Guide to eBay, How Windows Vista Works, and Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource. He is known for his casual, easy-to-

read writing style and his practical, real-world advice–as well as his ability to explain a wide variety of complex topics to an everyday audience. You can email Mr. Miller directly at [e-mail]. His website is located at www.molehillgroup.com.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Que; 4 edition (March 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078973673X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789736734
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,494 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for adult beginners, September 8, 2005

By	D. Clippinger "Thumbs McKee" (Hollywood MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (Paperback)

This book, unlike the dummies books, does not assume you have a basic knowledge of computer controls. The picture graphics from XP screens tie in to step by step intstructions that give you confidence to sit down and know you'll get a desired result. I strongly recommend this for someone like me who got their first computer at age fifty-five. Four months and five books later was still stymied with some facets. If you want to do it by yourself, or have to, this is the book to start with.

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars for an adult reader, October 14, 2004

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

[This is a review of the SECOND EDITION.]

Miller continues in his series of introductory computer books with this offering. An easy look at computers, aimed at the complete tyro. Slightly cartoony in some of the figures. But it is not aimed at kids, though they could certainly gain from it. A typical user is suggested by the cover. Like perhaps a middle-aged person who thus far has sat out learning this stuff.

Like I said, it is not a kid's book. The narrative is sober. Miller is careful to minimise the use of computer jargon. And when he does introduce such jargon, you get s clear explanation. Look, you're not going to feel like you're reading your child's textbook. Whether by accident or design, Miller seems to have positioned this book as somewhat of a contrast to a Dummy's or Idiot's book, even though all 3 might be aimed at the same audience.

By the way, he concentrates on Microsoft computers. Apple and linux users may gnash their teeth at this, but he is just following the market realities.

87 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THe Place To Start!!!, June 26, 2003

By	Raven J. Hagewood "theerave" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (Paperback)

This is a wonderful straight forward book for beginners and intermediate PC users. I have used PCs for years and just wanted to make sure that I did not have any gaps in my knowledge and I found out alot of stuff that I didn`t even know!!! 1st it has a whole bunch of really cool websites that you didn`t know about. Perfectly clear directions. Stuff on digital camera, PC maintenence, Personal Finance Applications this is a wonderful book and I would be throwing it away because it describes how to connect and use stuff that I haven`t even bought yet. Chapters are short. One thing though it is for Windows XP!!!! Lots of Pictures and it is so clear. BEGINNERS START HERE!!!!