Windows 98 for Dummies [Paperback]

Andy Rathbone (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764502611 | ISBN-13: 978-0764502613 | Publication Date: June 5, 1998 | Edition: 1

Windows 98 For Dummies won't try to turn you into a Windows wizard, but you'll pick up a few chunks of useful computing information while reading it. Instead of becoming a Windows 98 expert, you'll know just enough to get by quickly, cleanly, and with a minimum of pain so that you can move on the more pleasant things in life.

This easy-to-understand guide is for those who are yearning to

• Conquer Windows 98 basics
• Personalize your PC
• Send and receive e-mail
• Get more out of the Web
• Have fun with audio and video
• Deal with common problems and aggravations

Something in Windows 98 will eventually leave you scratching your head. No other program brings so many buttons, bars, and babble to the screen. When something in Windows 98 has you stumped, use this book as a reference. You won't find any fancy computer jargon in these pages. Instead, you'll find subjects like these, discussed in plain old English:

• Preparing your computer to run Windows 98
• Finding the file you saved yesterday
• Moving those little windows around on the screen with the mouse
• Running your favorite old programs under Windows 98
• Performing chores in Windows 98 that you used to do in older versions of Windows
• Figuring out which of the many Windows versions you're using

There's nothing to memorize and nothing to learn. Just turn to the right page, read the brief explanation, and get back to work. Unlike other books, this one enables you to bypass any technical hoopla and still get your work done.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Dummies series long ago proved itself an excellent means of explaining the elementary aspects of operating systems to new users. Windows 98 for Dummies continues the tradition with its admirable coverage of Microsoft's latest consumer operating system.

Windows 98 for Dummies begins by explaining the differences between PCs and Macintoshes and detailing the differences between clicking and double-clicking. In the process of introducing the operating system, Rathbone explains lots of incidental factoids, including what a graphical user interface is and how the Print Screen button has been given new functionality in Windows 98. He then moves on to the mechanics of window management, explaining how to maximize, minimize, and incrementally adjust the size of application windows. Other chapters deal with cutting and pasting, the accessory programs, and the details of getting DOS programs to run properly. Rathbone's prose is clear and intelligent, and a superb index helps you zero in on the facts you need in a hurry.

Throughout, this book carries the lighthearted adornment that has always characterized Dummies books. The attempts at frivolity range from clunkers (Rich Tennant's weary cartoons) to knee slappers (some of the author's quips in the text). It's always a pleasure to see a computer book that doesn't take itself or its technology too seriously.

Generally speaking, Windows 98 for Dummies stays away from networking issues. More Windows 98 for Dummies, the book's sequel, covers networking in some detail. Though LANs are sufficiently complicated to merit a second volume, it's too bad this book doesn't include any information on dial-up networking--especially since the author discusses Web surfing at some length. And Outlook Express, Windows 98's e-mail program, gets scarcely a mention in these pages. With Windows 98 more focused on connectivity than any previous Microsoft operating system, it seems improper to consign connectivity to a second volume.

You'll learn a lot from Windows 98 for Dummies if you're new to Windows 98 or to computers in general. However, the book leaves you hungry for more before long. --David Wall

Review

"This book feels your pain and prescribes a chuckle." --Business Week

"It's the most fun you'll have with a computer book." --Business Week

"Informative, friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent.... It could help save you time and ease your frustration level." --San Diego Union-Tribune

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (June 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764502611
• ISBN-13: 978-0764502613
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #747,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

110 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but a little dilute, December 22, 1999

By 

David C. Williams - See all my reviews

This review is from: Windows 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

The book lives up to its brag of providing information on Windows 98 that is comprehensible to people who are not techno-geeks. It also addresses the kinds of questions that can be urgent to newcomers (e.g., "Where did all my stuff go?" or "Why won't my computer respond?") However, the information is diluted with more chat and cuteness than is needed; I think twice as much information could have been provided in this number of pages (and at this price) without compromising understandability. Perhaps then there wouldn't have had to be so many recommendations to go get "More Windows 98 for Dummies" and other "Dummies" books. In short: I recommend it for anyone confronted with Windows 98 and feeling a little helpless about it (as I was after upgrading from Windows 3.1), but don't expect to become very proficient based upon this book alone.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent-for a beginner, October 26, 1999

By 

Clark W Griswold - See all my reviews

This review is from: Windows 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

I thought this book was an excellent book for people who are just beginningto learn the bloated version of Windows 95- Windows 98. It is good at teaching the basic manuevers and how to do basi stuff, but it does not go into any depth about advanced functions. Overall, it wasn't bad. i reccomend it for beginner to lower intermediate.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Windows 98 for Dummies A Big Winner, June 25, 2000

By 

Daniel E. Valentine (Victorville, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows 98 for Dummies (Paperback)

Absolutely positively the best book yet for Windows 98 beginners. All the "stuff" you need to get you started. Guarantee that if you read and use this book you will have all the basics you need to move around and operate Window 98. Newer addition also includes Second Edition of Windows 98. A must for beginners especially. Pay real close attention to the tips they give you.