Customer Reviews

Just the Computer Essentials: A Plain-English, No-Nonsense Guide to Buying and Maintaining a PC Running the Windows Vista™ Operating System for Your Home or Home Office

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I've been using Windows XP for years now and just got a new computer with Windows Vista Home Premium on it. There's definitely a big difference between those two versions of Windows! I've become very good at using XP, but wanted to make sure that I got Windows setup right and wasn't missing anything. I looked at a couple Vista books and I'm happy that this was the book I chose. It's very straight-forward and to the point and leaves out a lot of the over-technical garbage that most home users wouldn't even care about. The author does, however, hit on everything I needed to get my computer running right. He discusses the specifics of the security software to run (like comparing different vendors) and he talks about some of the options for configuring backups (including some of the newer online backup services... this was excellent!).

I will also say that I already needed one of the chapters when my computer wouldn't boot up. I had a similar problem a couple years ago on my XP computer and HP had me reload the whole computer. I'm glad I thought to check this book first because I came to find out that there are some MUCH easier options in Windows Vista and was able to get back up and running in about ten minutes! So, that in itself made this a great purchase in my opinion - I probably saved a couple days worth of time in that alone!

Great book and definitely worth it!

I got this book to help me get a better understanding of what I needed to know when getting a new computer. I was actually very impressed. I quickly learned what I need to know and got a new computer that I am very happy with. I don't feel like I got ripped off because I knew just what to look for. I have already started using other parts of the book as well. I was easily able to transfer all my settings from my old computer to my new one just following along with his instructions. James White was very good at making the book easy to follow and put a ton of pictures in it showing you exactly how to do whatever it is you need to do. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

My home computer started having problems and I wasn't sure what to do? A friend told me about "Just the Computer Essentials".

The book was extremely helpful and helped me navigate my way through my computer issues at home. It now has a place right next to my computer so I can grab it for quick reference if I need to.

I have also told several friends and family members about the book, who have all said that it has really helped them out in crunch time.

A great book, with lots of help inside, absolutely worth the purchase!

Dawn Sawyer

I bought this book because I had just upgraded my computer to one with Windows Vista and wanted to learn the ins and outs quickly. It's been such a great tool in learning all of the new things I can now do!

Also, I teach introductory class online for first time college freshman, most of whom are older, non-traditional students, that covers study skills and basic computer skills (such as surfing the internet and attaching files to emails). Because they're just starting their college careers, many of them are looking at buying new computers and I've recommended that they all purchase this book to help them pick out and use their new computers.

I found out about this book after a friend referred me to it. I'm not the most technical, but was able to understand everything he discussed. He took the time to explain everything in a way that made complete sense. My computer is getting pretty old, and I'm just about ready to get a new one. I'm sure I'll have this book right at my side when I get it and to help me move everything to the new computer!

I would definitely say that this book is worth it if you're looking for a little help on your computer

This book is a life saver...

I was having trouble deciding what computer to buy and what I really needed in a computer. I was looking at a few different self-help computer books & I thought I'd give this one a shot just because the author had the same last name as mine :)

"Just the Computer Essentials" does what it promises. It helped me decide what computer to buy and more importantly how to transfer everything to my new computer and back up my important files. This book is easy to read & understand. I have recommended it to my family and friends who are looking to buy a new computer or if they just need some help with a computer problem.

"Just the Computer Essentials" is an excellent choice for the computer "savy" or the "not so savy" PC user like me. I found it easy to follow, even through complicated topics. Just recently purchased a Notebook with
Vista and have saved a lot of time and frustration referencing this book. Thank you, Jim White...When can we expect the next one?

This is a great book for anyone who needs help understanding the ins and outs of computers. I'm not a computer expert and was worried that this would be just another book full of mumbo-jumbo. But, to the contrary, this is a well-written, easy-to-read, resource guide that will help you navigate your computer and the new Vista software. You won't be disappointed!