The Complete Idiot's Guide to PCs [Paperback]

Joe Kraynak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1996 | Series: The complete idiot's guide

With first-timers making up a steady 50% of PC buyers, this fourth edition of this best-selling title is a must-have for these computer users. The Complete Idiots Guide to PCs, Fourth Edition takes the fear out of learning about personal computers with its whimsical, solid approach.
-- Provides readers with all the information they need to purchase and set up their system, create impressive documents and spreadsheets, install a modem, and troubleshoot their PC
-- Covers Windows 95, the Internet, and the basics of the major software packages
-- Free CD-ROM includes an Internet browser, utilities, diagnostic programs, media files, communications programs, games, and more

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book is proof that it's possible to buy an Idiot's Guide and not feel like one. This book takes the novice by the hand for a very ambitious tour of the world of possibilities available to the PC user. After a section of basic training for those who've flipped the "On" switch for the first time, the book surveys the world of software and hardware opportunities. Chapters cover everything from gaming software to file management to educational software, business uses for the computer, and a hefty introduction to modems, online services, and the Internet. Descriptions are task oriented, reasonably well detailed, and useful for the beginner. Also included is a lengthy computer terms glossary, as well as a large chunk of site listings from Lycos in an appendix. The book also includes a CD-ROM packed with Web software, editors, e-mail programs, and all kinds of utilities. For the new user of a PC, these will be useful additions. The book does a good job covering a very wide subject matter. It's an effective and useful guide for those who have a new computer and are looking to get more out of it. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

From shopping for the personal computer to caring for the beast--technically timid users will love this lighthearted and helpful look at the personal computer. Taking a less-is-more approach, this book simply covers what users need and want to know. Provides easy-to-understand descriptions and instructions for buying, setting up, and using PCs and popular software applications. Includes "What's Wrong with This Picture" illustrations depicting humorous PC pitfalls and mistakes. Features a full-color tear-out card which includes a PC Shopping Guide, Emergency Troubleshooting Tips, and a Setup "Don'ts" List. Covers IBM & Compatibles. -- Alpha Books --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: Que Pub; Bk&CD-Rom edition (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078970787X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789707871
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,472,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Kraynak has authored and coauthored numerous informative and easy-to-use books, including Take the Mic, Stage a Poetry Slam, Flipping Houses For Dummies, Foreclosure Self-Defense For Dummies, Financing Real Estate Investments For Dummies, 52 Weeks of Sales Success, Foreclosure Investing For Dummies, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics, and Google Simplified: Top 100 Tips & Tricks.

He specializes in teaming up with prominent specialists in various fields to present their knowledge, experience, and insight to consumers in an easily accessible format. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with experts in real estate (Ralph R. Roberts), psychiatry (Candida Fink, MD), food allergies (Robert A. Wood, MD), slam poetry (Marc Kelly Smith), mortgage lending (Chip Cummings), and mortgage fraud (Rachel Dollar).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand., March 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide To PC's (Paperback)

7months ago I got a PC I never even touched one before. I was completely computer illiteret. This book is written in language I can understand. Not like other books. I was able to pick up an get started on my PC right away thanks to this easily understood book. I will only buy computer books written for the "Idiot" from now on.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Brilliant, February 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to PCs (Paperback)

TCIGTPCs is one of the best books I have ever read in terms of novice suitibility. If it does use jargon it explains them in detail - it is impossible to get confused with this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Needs a makeover, January 30, 2006

By 

A. C. Walker (Arvada, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to PCs (8th Edition) (Paperback)

This book is out of date. Talks alot about Windows 98, ME and obsolete hardware. Would have been useful around the turn of the century.