Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics

by Michael Miller
Released September 2009
Publisher(s): Que
ISBN: None

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Book description

Everything casual users need to know to get the most out of their new Windows 7 PCs, software, and the Internet

  • The best-selling beginner's guide, now completely updated for Windows 7 and today's most popular Internet tools - including Facebook, craigslist, Twitter, and Wikipedia

  • Easy step-by-step instructions cover setting up a new PC, getting online, working with digital media, using productivity tools, and much more

  • By the world's #1 author of beginning technology books, Michael Miller

    • This year, you may be one of the millions of casual computer users that will buy a new Windows 7 notebook or desktop PC. You'll want to know how to find your way around, get comfortable, and get the job done - without jargon, complexity, or hassle. There's a book for you: Michael Miller's Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, Windows 7 Edition. It's the one book that covers everything today's beginners and near-beginners need to know: not just about Windows, but also about software, hardware, and the Internet. Through 90+ books, author Michael Miller has established an unparalleled track record in explaining complicated concepts simply and clearly, and empowering beginners. Now, he's thoroughly updated his best-selling Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics to cover today's user experience - with Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, and today's hottest online tools, from craigslist and Facebook to Twitter, Wikipedia, and Google Docs. Miller offers step-by-step instructions and friendly, practical advice for making the most of Windows 7's improvements, including the new taskbar, Action Center, and Aero Snap. He walks through setting up a new computer; connecting to the Internet; working with digital media; burning custom CDs; watching DVD movies; using Microsoft Office and other popular software; managing money online; setting up home networks; keeping PCs running reliably; and protecting them from spam, viruses, and spyware. This is the one indispensable book for today's PC novice

    Table of contents

    1. Title Page
    2. Copyright Page
    3. Dedication
    4. Contents at a Glance
    5. Table of Contents
    6. About the Author
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. We Want to Hear from You!
    9. Reader Services
    10. Introduction
    11. Part I. Getting Started
      1. 1. How Personal Computers Work
      2. 2. Setting Up Your New Computer System
    12. Part II. Using Windows
      1. 3. Getting to Know Windows 7
      2. 4. Personalizing Windows
      3. 5. Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
    13. Part III. Upgrading and Maintaining Your System
      1. 6. Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System
      2. 7. Setting Up a Home Network
      3. 8. Performing Routine Maintenance
      4. 9. Dealing with Common Problems
      5. 10. Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online Nuisances
    14. Part IV. Using Computer Software
      1. 11. Installing New Software
      2. 12. The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office
      3. 13. Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word
      4. 14. Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel
      5. 15. Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint
    15. Part V. Using the Internet
      1. 16. Connecting to the Internet at Home and on the Road
      2. 17. Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer
      3. 18. Searching the Web
      4. 19. Researching with Wikipedia
      5. 20. Shopping Online
      6. 21. Buying and Selling on eBay
      7. 22. Buying and Selling on Craigslist
      8. 23. Banking and Paying Bills Online
      9. 24. Watching Videos on the Web
      10. 25. Using Web—Based Applications
      11. 26. Creating Your Own Web Page
      12. 27. Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites
    16. Part VI. Communicating via the Internet
      1. 28. Sending and Receiving Email
      2. 29. Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
      3. 30. Social Networking with Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter
      4. 31. Exploring Blogs and Podcasts
    17. Part VII. Exploring the Digital Lifestyle
      1. 32. Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos
      2. 33. Sharing Your Digital Photos Online
      3. 34. Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs
      4. 35. Downloading and Playing Digital Music
      5. 36. Using Your PC with an iPod or iPhone
      6. 37. Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC
      7. 38. Making Your Own Digital Home Movies
    18. Index

    Product information

    • Title: Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics
    • Author(s): Michael Miller
    • Release date: September 2009
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: None