Is This Thing On?, revised edition: A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophobes, and the Kicking & Screaming [Paperback]

Abby Stokes (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 3, 2012

Now updated and revised, the user-friendliest, most reassuring, jargon-free, smartest, and most comprehensive nuts-and-bolts guide for seniors, who are the fastest-growing demographic among social networks.

Abby Stokes is the perfect guide to the digital domain: She’s taught more than 140,000 seniors how to use a computer.  In an easy, authoritative, hand-holding way, she covers it all: how to choose, buy, and start using a computer. How to connect to the Internet, sign up for e-mail, and use search engines. Plus, how and why to get digital in the first place: the ins and outs of online shopping, banking, travel planning, dating, research; how to take and share digital photographs and videos; how to discover online communities, and use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube; the world of apps, online music, and streaming movies; and, importantly, online security and “netiquette.” There’s information on iPads, smartphones—including the Blackberry, iPhone,
and Android—and e-readers like Nook and Kindle. A companion website—www.abbyandme.com—plus a Facebook page and Twitter feed provide easy and safe access to this brave new world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Abby Stokes has taught more than 140,000 people, mostly seniors, how to use a computer, privately and through courses at Cooper Union and New York University’s School of Lifelong Learning. She lectures on the topic around the country. Ms. Stokes divides her time between New York City and Niantic, Connecticut.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Revised edition (January 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761168826
• ISBN-13: 978-0761168829
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1.2 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Computers & Technology > Hardware > PCs
  • #68 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Deserves WAY more than five stars May 15, 2012

By Brigid Cahalan

Format:Paperback

As a public librarian working in New York City, I am very interested in bridging the digital divide. Though we librarians--everywhere--have been busily doing this for 20 years or thereabouts, there are still those who resist, are terrified of, or hostile towards learning about computers.

Luckily for us, Abby Stokes lives and works in our city and has made herself available to speak in our library branches. At this point she has spoken in dozens of libraries to enthusiastic crowds, and we are in the midst of preparing another branch tour over the next few months. Part of my job involves teaching a class, "Computer Surfing for 50+", and for years I have always concluded the class by recommending the first (2008) edition of Abby's remarkable book, as both a launching-off point for people wanting to learn more--and a soup-to-nuts mini-course for those who want a solid grounding. Its value is enhanced by the brilliant list of 200 websites, arranged by topic, at the back of the book.

The new edition is what we Abby groupies have been dreaming of: it's all there--smartphones, e-readers, Facebook, Skype, flashdrives, and so much more. The format is very pleasing; a paperback (hence, easy to carry), but large enough and with enough of an inside margin that one can position it next to the computer so you can go page by page, following along with Abby's instructions. And I suspect many people do. The test-drive form for those in the market for a computer is what everyone buying a computer wants without realizing it. The sidebars, charts, and lists of steps and tips, are practical and appealing. At the back of the book you will surely be delighted, as I was, by the glossary, the updated list of 200+ websites, the extensive list of keyboard shortcuts, and the thorough index....

The icing on the yummy cake that is Abby's book are the inspired illustrations, and the humor that comes through on almost every page. Abby Stokes knows what late bloomers, technophobes and the kicking and screaming need to know--and how to impart it.

I recommend this book for: all libraries; all people who are learning, or teaching,computer skills; and, really. . .everyone. Read more ›

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners and for nonexperts who want to teach them. January 24, 2012

By Perennial Harmony

Format:Paperback

Petie Reed

Abby P. Stokes says that in 17 years of teaching, she has never found anyone who can not learn to use a computer. Her book: "Is This Thing On?" A Computer Handbook translates geek speak into plain English and gives permission to learn about only what you want or need. Who says we need to know everything about technology to use it? I highly recommend her methods and book.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't talk down to anyone June 18, 2012

By barbannne

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my brother, who is just about convinced to get his first computer because it seems to him that using email and making reservations online is getting almost mandatory. I have been using computers for 16 years, but knew there were some basics, such as cut and paste, and what was Bluetooth, that I didn't know about, so I have read the book first. The book reassures those new to computing that with patience, they ca learn to use the computer for the many positive things ,such as using Skype and sharing photos online. Not a lot of computer jargon is used in the beginning, which can be intimidating. I found the glossary to be helpful, as there were some terms I was not sure of myself.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Seniors delight! August 9, 2012

By D. Hildenbrand

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm not one of the kids, but I feel like I'm catching up with their technology. I've worked with computers on a superficial level for years, just skimming along, asking questions and oft times feeling lost. This wonderful book, 'Is This Thing On?' by Abby Stokes is by far the best go-to guide that I've found. I gave one to my husband, he likes it, (he's like me computer-wise), and I've sent one to my parents who would like to like computers, but are afraid to. Anyway, thanks for making it available, it's a great help.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Computer Handbook. March 12, 2012

By Jim

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Well written, easy to read. Answers provided for FAQ. Provides an abundance of practical, utilizable material. Valuable to both the Mac and PC user. A worthwhile investment.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Help From Book February 14, 2012

By josh

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book has been a tremendous help with computer. I highly recommend it. It is simple and easy to understand.
Josh

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars This should have been two books. January 3, 2013

By Ms D

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was familiar with computers because I used them at work until 2009. The second half of the book was more about what I wanted to know because of iphones, ipads, and all of the new things introduced in the years since. I found it helpful enough to order a second one for my sister.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great book! December 7, 2012

By Howard Harms

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Perfect for my mother, who isn't quite sure" how to work this thing" (her computer). She'll enjoy the humor, too.