Webtv for Dummies [Paperback]

Brad Hill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998 | Series: For Dummies (Computer/Tech)

WebTV is a way to access the Internet from your television. You do not need a computer and there is no software to load; all you need is a television, a phone line, and a WebTV Internet terminal. This manual takes users step-by-step through WebTV set-up and logging-off, and e-mailing with WebTV's infra-red keyboard. It also seeks to answer frequently-asked questions in a jargon-free style. As well as a basic explanation of the Web, the manual explains WebTV terms, such as "Message Watch", "Lineshare", "One Thumb Browsing" and "Smart Card".

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The very fact that WebTV for Dummies, 3rd Edition exists might be a negative comment on the supposedly simple, television-based means of accessing the Internet. No matter: this book accomplishes several goals, chief among which is to explain how to use the WebTV interface, clueing you in on how to send and receive e-mail, surf the Web, and participate in interactive TV shows. Although it's weird to read a technical book about how to aim a handheld remote control, the coverage is complete and accurate. You also learn how to find and use the WebTV Communities, and how to organize them for easy repeat access. Plus, there's a tutorial on basic online safety, etiquette, and information-finding techniques.

On the negative side of the ledger, WebTV suffers from a dearth of illustrations. Of the ones that appear in these pages, many aren't too useful. (Who benefits by seeing a picture of Yahoo!, for example?) However, as do most of the latest Dummies books, this one distinguishes itself by the high quality of its procedures. Instead of intermingling descriptions of steps to take with statements of the effects you should see as a result of your steps, these books keep cause and effect separate. Readers almost always can tell what they should do next, and they always know how to tell if they're on the right track. That's the kind of reinforcement that users of WebTV need. --David Wall

Topics covered: WebTV for those who are unfamiliar with the Internet and the Web, with emphasis on using WebTV to participate in social groups, locate information via Internet search engines, and communicate by using e-mail. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Send instant messages, enjoy interactive TV, and more!

Expanded 20-page directory of great Internet sites!

Your guide to all the great features of WebTV and WebTV Plus Get e-mail and the Internet today — even if you don't have a computer! All you need is a WebTV set-top box, a phone line, a television, and this friendly guide, which explains everything about WebTV Classic and Plus, sending and receiving e-mail pictures, creating your own Web site, and more!

Discover how to: Set up your system Shop online Find show times easily Chat with MSN Instant Messenger Create your own Web page Listen to Internet radio stations

The Dummies Way^™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com Register to win cool prizes Browse exclusive articles and excerpts Get a free Dummies Daily^™ e-mail newsletter Chat with authors and preview other books Talk to us, ask questions, get answers

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc (Computers) (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076450150X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764501500
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,658,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a nonfiction writer. In a typical year I write about a half-million words for publication in various media and genres. My book authorship is mostly of the how-to variety; I've penned (word-processed, actually) several "...For Dummies" titles, one "Complete Idiots Guide to..." book, and a number of non-series titles. Over the years I've written hundreds of columns and articles for magazines and Web publications. Currently I'm a lead blogger at Weblogs, Inc, where I manage a small writing staff and oversee several blogs. I have posted well over 3,000 blog entries at Weblogs, Inc. (Even I find that hard to fathom). At the time of this writing, my most recently completed book is "Blogging For Dummies," which will be out in January, 2006.

A typical day consists of ... well, writing. I sit down, check e-mail and IM messages, and start out blogging for a couple of hours to sharpen my brain for the day. If a book is in progress, chances are good that a ferocious deadline is nipping at my heels; most of my books are written in short, concentrated bursts (weeks, not months). When two or more projects collide I am reminded of the motto at an espresso bar near my home: "Sleep is for the weak."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dummies Books Are The Best!, November 26, 1999

By 

Terry (Logansport, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: WebTV for Dummies (Paperback)

I have been reviewing many of the "Dummies" books for the past year, not only the internet ones, but also those on other subjects. I find them entertaining and written in such a way that the writer seems like a friend looking over your shoulder, guiding your steps."WebTV for Dummies" was a lifesaver! I wanted to do more with my webby than just surf the net and chat, and "Dummies" showed me how to find what I needed. The "cheat sheets" are great; a fast, easy-to-find guide that I don't have to search through the whole book to find. This was the first reference book I bought after I got my webby, and probably will be the onlyone, unless they come out with another!Go, Dummies!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good resource for the Dummies in us all!, October 8, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Waterford, Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: WebTV for Dummies (Paperback)

After having Webtv for two weeks I needed something like this. I was totally lost until received my copy. I am surprized that Webtv shippers don't pack a real guide like this. On screen helps are no help if you have to back-track a great deal. To save time.

One key item was the 20 yellow pages of http address for Webtvers; Key items like where to find graphics and so forth.

I would have gotten rid of my Webtv unit if t were not for this book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book explains Webtv and the internet in plain english., June 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Webtv for Dummies (Paperback)

I purchased a WebTV plus in January of this year (after a disasterous couple of months with RCA). In the infomercials "plus" is touted as simple. This is maybe true for the younger generation who are raised in this world of hi-tech. Us older folks who were raised with the hand cranked phone it wil always be a miracle. After some frustrating weeks realizing I was not using the internet's full potential I decided to buy a book to help me. The bookseller recommended "WebTV for dummies" and that qualified me. Brad Hill not only explains everything in plain english he does it with a good sense of humor. I have only one question, it seems sometimes that the end results in the book are for the classic and little is said about the plus unit. Maybe another book will be written exclusive for the WebTV plus.