Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series) [Paperback]

Studio Visual Steps (Author)

Book Description

Series: Computer Books for Seniors series | Publication Date: October 15, 2009

The ultimate starting point for senior citizens who want to learn how to use a personal computer, this reference guides users through the basics of the Windows 7 operating system with easy-to-read large print and numerous screenshots. Seniors can work through the book at their own pace while sitting at the computer, learning how to write letters and memos, send and receive e-mail, explore the World Wide Web, and customize computer settings. The information is suitable for users with Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, and Outlook Express.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Studio Visual Steps is a team of experienced professionals dedicated to producing useful and informative technology titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Visual Steps Publishing; large type edition edition (October 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9059051262
• ISBN-13: 978-9059051263
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > Windows OS
  • #73 in Books > Computers & Technology > Home Computing > Internet

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy way to Update to a new System, December 16, 2009

By 

Ed W. Campbell (Independence, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series) (Paperback)

I belong to an active computer club in the Hill Country of Texas. During several of our recent meetings the new OS (Operating System) Windows 7 has been discussed. At a current meeting several publications were mentioned with "Windows 7 for SENIORS" in the group. The book is published by "Visual Steps" and provides an Accompanying support website.
I have used publications from this publisher in the past and found them to be very informative and cover the topics and shortcuts very well. It is the fastest way to become familiar with a new OS and because it is written for Seniors it has extra details provided. It is a fast and effective way to updating and staying in tune with the times.
These comments provided to you by an 81 year old senior that is trying to stay in the flow of things.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Windows 7 For Seniors, October 2, 2010

By 

Ronald J. Dakin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series) (Paperback)

This is an excellent tool for seniors, or anyone else who would be considered casual users of a computer. Because of the many graphics in the book and the non-tech language it is easy to follow. All of "Visual Steps" books are excellent. I teach computers to seniors and I highly recommend this book to them.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars confusing explanations plus factual errors, May 15, 2011

By 

Robert L. Stromberg (Cambridge, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Windows 7 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series) (Paperback)

I am quite disappointed in this book. It has confusing explanations of essential points, such as:

1. How to use the mouse: On p. 25, this book says to "direct the movement of the pointer on your computer screen by gently moving your mouse." How do I move the mouse? Do I point it like a laser pointer, or do I slide it from side to side, and up and down? On the next page, this book says "The pointer can be used as if it were your fingertip." Again, do I use my fingertip as a pointer indicating a direction (he went thataway) or do I use my fingertip as if I were drawing? Actually neither.

2. The topic of "files and folders" is vital, especially if you're going to find that picture you took or that letter you wrote. In this book, Chapter 6 is "Libraries, Folders and Files" (p. 177). The sentences in the introductory paragraph make little sense. "A file is the generic name for everything saved on the computer." I think this means "All the data saved on a computer hard drive is in a file." "A file can be a program, a data file with names, text you have written, or a photo." To say that a file is "a data file with names" is not only a circular definition but it is so vague as to convey... nothing. Do you mean a mailing list? Nowhere on this page does it say that a file has a name, and an extension that indicate the type of data contained in the file.

This same page says that you can "link folders and files to a library." I know how to include a folder in a library, but I didn't know you could include a single file in a library. One more: "Using a folder window, you can work with files and folders that are on the hard disk of your computer." And, you can use "this folder window" to copy "a text or another file to a USB memory stick."

I'm fairly familiar with file systems on computers, and this page of explanation leaves me scratching my head to try to figure out what is meant.

3. A straight factual error: On page 15, the book says "In order to work with the Internet, you must have the following two programs installed on your computer:

o Windows Internet Explorer 8
o Windows Live Mail"

Internet Explorer is not called "Windows Internet Explorer." Many people use a web browser other than Internet Explorer such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera. Nowadays I'd start someone with IE 9. Why mention the version number? After all, Windows 7 comes with IE 8 preinstalled. It's HARD to uninstall it. Also, many people these days are using web-based email such as Gmail or Yahoo mail. This choice is not offered. Why bother with Windows Live Mail? Keep things simple!

I believe most people, seniors included, would benefit from a discussion of the choice between using an email program like Windows Live Mail (which replaces Windows Mail, which replaced Outlook Express) vs. using a web-based email account.

Editorial problems arise on every page I look at. If I were teaching a course in technical writing or editing, I'd use this book as an example of what NOT to do.