Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics (4th Edition) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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Who knew how simple computers could be?

 

What can you do with your new PC? The sky's the limit! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics will show you how to set up and configure your PC, including how to connect to the Internet. Then you'll learn how to fix your digital photos, create digital scrapbooks, download digital music to your iPod, burn your own custom CDs, watch DVD movies, write letters and memos, balance your checkbook, and create show-stopping presentations. And if you need more computing horsepower, you'll even learn how to upgrade your PC and add new peripherals. It's all easy, thanks to Michael Miller's step-by-step instructions and helpful advice!

 

Now updated for both Windows Vista™ and Windows® XP, Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics will have you using your new PC in no time! Here's a preview of

what you'll find inside:

• Learn how to set up and configure your new computer, and install new computer hardware and software
• Get the scoop on how to work with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista, and how to personalize it just for you
• Learn how to use the most popular computer programs—including Microsoft®  Word, Microsoft®  Works, Microsoft®  Money, and Quicken
• Connect to the Internet for web surfing, email, instant messaging, blogging, and podcasts—and create your own MySpace page
• Become a digital media pro—learn to work with digital cameras and photos, download and listen to digital music, and burn your own CDs and DVDs
• Find out how to protect your PC from spam, viruses, spyware, and computer attacks
• Learn how to set up a wireless home network and share your Internet connection with multiple PCs

Introduction

I  Getting Started
1 Understanding Desktop PCs

2 Understanding Notebook PCs
3 Setting Up Your New Computer System

II Using Windows

4 Getting to Know Windows Vista

5 Using Windows XP on Older Computers
6 Personalizing Windows

7 Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
III Upgrading and Maintaining Your System

8 Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System

9 Setting Up a Home Network

10 Performing Routine Maintenance

11 Dealing with Common Problems

12 Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online

IV Using Computer Software

13 Installing New Software

14 The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft
15 Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word

16 Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel 

17 Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint 

18 Banking and Beyond: Working with Microsoft Money and Quicken 

19 Connecting to the Internet—At Home and on the Road
V Using the Internet  

20 Sending and Receiving Email

21 Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer

22 Searching the Web

23 Shopping Online

24 Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions

25 Exploring Blogs and Podcasts

26 Social Networking with MySpace

27 Creating Your Own Web Page

28 Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites

29 Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
VI Exploring the Digital Lifestyle

30 Using Your PC with a Digital Camera

31 Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos

32 Sharing Your Digital Photos Online

33 Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs

34 Downloading and Playing Digital Music

35 Using Your PC with an iPod or MP3 Player

36 Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC

37 Downloading and Playing Videos from the Web

38 Making Your Own Digital Home Movies
Index

 

Michael Miller is the best-selling author of more than 75 how-to books, covering topics such as Windows XP and eBay online auctions. Michael has helped more than a million readers be productive with their PCs and has earned a reputation for practical advice, technical accuracy, and making difficult topics easy to understand.

 

Category: Computers & Internet

Covers:    General Computing

User Level:    Beginning

 

$21.99 USA / $26.99 CAN / £15.99 Net UK

 

www.quepublishing.com

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 75 best-selling books in the past 18 years. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner’s Guide to eBay, How Windows Vista Works, and Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource. 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 website is located at www.molehillgroup.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Que; 4 edition (March 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078973673X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789736734
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,435 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Curious, August 4, 2007

By	Joanne M. Alegre "Curious Jo" (Murrieta, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been using a computer for many years and still did not understand all the task/programs I could have been using. This book has been extremely helpful working as a primer explaining everything very clearly and is still up to date with the Windows Vista. I would highly recommend this book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a well done, March 23, 2007

By	John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The nice thing about this book is that it is very clear that the author has 'been there, done that.' As he writes he talks about things like surfing the web and when he does he gives pointers about things like viruses and other malware.

Although I've been involved with PC's for a lot of years, he has much more experience in many aspects than I do. For instance, I've just gotten tasks to do with digital cameras. He has several chapters on working in this area that told me a lot about what I needed to do. I was also impressed with his discussion of the new Vista operating system. I haven't moved to Vista just yet, but it seems that sooner or later it will be required. Reading what he had to say gave me the heads up on the system.

All in all, quite a useful book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Beginner's Guide- Five Stars, August 4, 2007

By	P. Miller (Boone,NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This a great book for aquainting yourself with your computer. If you are new to the computer world as I was you will find this book very helpful in taking control of your computer instead of it controlling you. It covers both versions of Windows: XP & Vista. I would recommend it to anyone just starting out. I think it would be safe to say it could save you a lot of time in the longrun and maybe keep you from pulling your hair out!