Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

~ Michael Miller (Author) "Chances are you're reading this book because you just bought a new computer, are thinking about buying a new computer, or maybe even had someone..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, 2E, teaches you how to get the most from your personal computer system - and from common peripherals, including CD burners, digital cameras, and PDAs. This book shows new computers users how to set up their computer hardware, find their way around the Windows XP desktop, learn to use essential software programs, and get connected to and start using the Internet. Users will also learn how to keep their computer systems up and running, and how to troubleshoot common computer problems.

Everything is explained in an easy-to-understand language, with step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations. This book presents a non-technical approach to an otherwise technically intimidating topic, it's filled with practical information and real-world advice.

About the Author

Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical advice and technical accuracy and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers.

Mr. Miller has written more than 50 best-selling books in the past 15 years. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner's Guide to Upgrading and Fixing Your PC, Absolute Beginner's Guide to eBay, and Bargain Hunter's Secrets to Online Shopping. He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world advice-as well as his ability to explain a wide variety of complex topics to an everyday audience.

You can email Mr. Miller directly at [e-mail]. His Web site is located at http://www.molehillgroup.com.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Que; 2 edition (May 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789731754
• ISBN-13: 978-0789731753
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,096,670 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for adult beginners, September 8, 2005

By	D. Clippinger "Thumbs McKee" (Hollywood MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (Paperback)

This book, unlike the dummies books, does not assume you have a basic knowledge of computer controls. The picture graphics from XP screens tie in to step by step intstructions that give you confidence to sit down and know you'll get a desired result. I strongly recommend this for someone like me who got their first computer at age fifty-five. Four months and five books later was still stymied with some facets. If you want to do it by yourself, or have to, this is the book to start with.

75 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars for an adult reader, October 14, 2004

By	W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

[This is a review of the SECOND EDITION.]

Miller continues in his series of introductory computer books with this offering. An easy look at computers, aimed at the complete tyro. Slightly cartoony in some of the figures. But it is not aimed at kids, though they could certainly gain from it. A typical user is suggested by the cover. Like perhaps a middle-aged person who thus far has sat out learning this stuff.

Like I said, it is not a kid's book. The narrative is sober. Miller is careful to minimise the use of computer jargon. And when he does introduce such jargon, you get s clear explanation. Look, you're not going to feel like you're reading your child's textbook. Whether by accident or design, Miller seems to have positioned this book as somewhat of a contrast to a Dummy's or Idiot's book, even though all 3 might be aimed at the same audience.

By the way, he concentrates on Microsoft computers. Apple and linux users may gnash their teeth at this, but he is just following the market realities.

91 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THe Place To Start!!!, June 26, 2003

By	Raven J. Hagewood "theerave" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (Paperback)

This is a wonderful straight forward book for beginners and intermediate PC users. I have used PCs for years and just wanted to make sure that I did not have any gaps in my knowledge and I found out alot of stuff that I didn`t even know!!! 1st it has a whole bunch of really cool websites that you didn`t know about. Perfectly clear directions. Stuff on digital camera, PC maintenence, Personal Finance Applications this is a wonderful book and I would be throwing it away because it describes how to connect and use stuff that I haven`t even bought yet. Chapters are short. One thing though it is for Windows XP!!!! Lots of Pictures and it is so clear. BEGINNERS START HERE!!!!