Windows 7 For Dummies [Paperback]

Andy Rathbone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009

The perfect plain-English guide to the much-anticipated release of Windows 7

Windows For Dummies is the all-time bestselling guide to the Windows operating system. Windows 7 For Dummies answers all your questions about the interface adjustments and all the new tools in Windows 7.

Whether you're new to computers or just eager to start using the newest version of Windows, expert author Andy Rathbone will walk you step by step through the most common Windows 7 tasks, including managing files, applications, media, and Internet access. If you've never used Windows before, it shows you the things most books assume you already know, like how to navigate the interface, customize the desktop, and work with the file system. Then it helps you get comfortable using all aspects of Windows 7.

• Nearly ninety percent of the world's PCs use the Windows operating system
• Covers basic management of applications, files, and data; creating and printing documents; setting up an Internet connection and e-mail account; and online security
• Explores using Windows to edit and manage audio, video, and photo files, and how to create CDs, DVDs, and playlists with Media Center
• Helps you tweak and customize Windows 7 to operate your way and set up user accounts, build a home network, and maintain your PC
• Provides troubleshooting advice, helps you find missing files and use the Help system, and explains common error messages

Windows 7 For Dummies will have you up and running on the newest version of Windows quickly and easily.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Personalize your Windows 7 desktop with your own photos

• Speed up Windows with built-in shortcuts

• Customize Windows warnings to only give the notices you want

• Move your files from your old PC to a Windows 7 computer

Windows 7 is loaded with features, tools, and shortcuts designed to make life easier for all users. To learn how they all work, you need this latest version of the book that's been making Windows clear for years! It starts at Square One, helping you set up Windows 7, use folders and files, get online, play with media, and keep Windows happy.

• New to Windows? — Part I is full of stuff everybody thinks you already know, like how to use the Start menu, taskbars, and files

• What's new in Windows 7 — control the number of prompts and warnings, enjoy plentiful shortcuts, and explore interactive previews

• Lost and found — use the Search function to locate anything: missing windows, programs, e-mails, songs, photos, files, even other computers on your network

• Cruisin' with the new Internet Explorer — set up and customize Internet Explorer, understand plug-ins, and navigate the Web

• Move your stuff — transfer your files from an old PC to your Windows 7 system

• Where the fun starts — play music and movies with Media Player, organize photos, and create slideshows you can put on DVD

• Keep your files safe — make backups and create a system repair disk

Open the book and find:

• Shortcuts for finding photos, music, and video on your PC

• Steps to setting up separate user accounts for a whole family

• Tips for laptop users

• How to get photos from your digital camera to your computer

• Advice on managing e-mail with Windows 7

• Common Windows 7 headaches and how to avoid them

• How to create a simple home network

• Windows 7's tools for safe computing

About the Author

Andy Rathbone has written all previous editions of Windows For Dummies, the bestselling computer reference book of all time. Andy's helpful tips and easy-to-understand directions have helped millions of people run Windows on their home and business computers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470497432
• ISBN-13: 978-0470497432
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > Windows OS
  • #18 in Books > Computers & Technology > Microsoft
  • #57 in Books > Computers & Technology > Software

More About the Author

I've written more than 50 books in the past 20 years, including the "Windows For Dummies" series, "Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies," and "Motorola Xoom For Dummies."

Feel free to visit my Web site at www.andyrathbone.com, where I answer a reader's question each week.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get by without this reference, November 6, 2009

By 

L. Abrams "brightlight864" (Southeastern United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows 7 For Dummies (Paperback)

Windows 7 For Dummies Book + DVD bundle (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

I bought the book at the same time I bought the upgrade to Windows 7. I could manage without it and figure everything for myself but I why should I. Using this book is like getting together with some of my computer maven friends for a talk.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something Every New Computer Buyer Needs to Read, November 30, 2009

By 

Donald Kinscherf - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows 7 For Dummies (Paperback)

This book is clearly written and concise. If you just browse through it you are informed to keep it like a dictionary and dont try to remember all said...the book is really for reference purposes... and it has some funny comments also

83 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing if you have used Windows before, October 29, 2009

By 

JM - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows 7 For Dummies (Paperback)

I found this book to be very disappointing. Most of the information is very basic, and would be common knowledge to anyone who has used a Windows product from the XP version, or even earlier. There is very little information about how Windows 7 might be different then previous versions, and it is buried in basic introduction to Windows explanations.

If you have used XP or Vista, and are looking for a guide about how to make the most of Windows 7 without trudging through Windows 101, check out Woody Leonhards book, called (somewhat confusingly) Windows 7 All in 1 for Dummies. Its about twice as long, around the same price, and details the improvements of Windows 7 rather then a basic introductory guide to Windows in general.