The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics, 3E [Paperback]

Joe Kraynak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592571689 | ISBN-13: 978-1592571680 | Publication Date: January 6, 2004 | Edition: 3

The computer how-to that's actually coherent... Now in its third edition, this book puts the reader in charge of the computer, rather than the other way around. It identifies practical uses for the computer, and shows how to get the most out of your machine, simply and step-by-step.

€ New information on going digital with music, photos, and video
€ Updates for Windows XP
€ Updates for soon-to-be-released Microsoft Office 2003
€ Step-by-step instructions for backing up data
€ Advice for troubleshooting common problems
€ Latest info on upgrades, components, and accessories
€ Ideal for any new user, including the large numbers of senior citizens teaching themselves how to use the computer

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

When you first get a PC, you want to do something with it. You didn't buy it to learn about it any more than you buy a car to learn about its engine. You want to write a letter, send an email message, check out some Web sites, make a greeting card, or personalize the Windows desktop. Whatever it is you want to do, you don't want to have to read a book describing what a Pentium processor is or how your AGP adapter produces the pretty image on the screen. You want something more tangible; you want to do something practical. The only trouble is that the darn computer won't cooperate. It's just not as easy as it looks. That's the purpose of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics. This book identifies the 20-30 tasks that you as a PC novice want to perform and then it draws a map showing you how to achieve your goal. You'll follow simple steps to print a greeting card, reconcile a checkbook balance, decorate the Windows desktop, make the PC run faster, and more. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Joe Kraynak has taught hundreds of thousands of new computer users how to make the most of their PCs with his easy-to-read books. Joe has been writing and editing successful computer books for consumers for over 12 years. His long list of computer books includes The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to PCs, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Microsoft Office 2000, and The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Upgrading Your PC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 3 edition (January 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592571689
• ISBN-13: 978-1592571680
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,627,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good on computer tips, but poor on graphical illustration!, September 8, 2000

By 

Emmanuel T. Nwaimah (Yaounde, Cameroon (West Africa)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics (Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

Users of this book should ignore part of it's title regarding the "complete idiot." It has very useful tips for the average computer user as well. It packs a lot of information into 383 pages and has a good glossary and index. However, it would have made a great book had the publisher considered colorful graphics and reader-friendly font types!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Everybody, December 21, 2001

By 

Hillari Hunter "Westside Tomboy" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics (Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

My sister received a computer, but had no clue how to use it. I got this book for her, because it explains things clearly without a lot of jargon. I would have preferred that it had a little more information about some aspects of the computer such as email, but this book has a lot to cover. It can't go in depth about everything (and besides that, the publisher puts out other books in this series that explains individual computer subjects). A good starter textbook for those who are totally new to the computer, however.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Getting briefed on the basics, March 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics (Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)

Another great addition to the "Complete Idiot's guide"- series. This one covers all the neccessary basic information needed to beat the dread one might feel as an "uninitiated" in the midst of the ever-increasing media-hype about computers. Buy it for your Granny.