Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 10 Edition, Eighth Edition

Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 10 Edition, Eighth Edition

by Michael Miller
Released August 2015
Publisher(s): Que
ISBN: 9780134077499

Read it now on the O’Reilly learning platform with a 10-day free trial.

O’Reilly members get unlimited access to books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.

Start your free trial

Book description

Make the most of your new Windows® 10 notebook or desktop computer—without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to get comfortable, get productive, get online, get started with social networking, make more connections, and have more fun! Even if you’ve never used a Windows computer before, this book shows you how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Computer basics have never, ever been this simple!

Who knew how simple using computers could be?

This is today’s best beginner’s guide to using your computer or tablet with the new Windows 10 operating system…simple, practical instructions for doing everything you really want to do!

Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn:

  • Set up your new computer and use the Windows 10 Start menu and desktop

  • Connect to the Internet and browse the Web with Microsoft Edge

  • Get started with social networking on Facebook®, Twitter™, Pinterest™, and LinkedIn®

  • Use Windows 10’s built-in apps—and find great new apps in the Windows Store

  • Connect printers and external storage, and set up automatic file backup

  • Create a home network in just minutes

  • Go online to shop and sell—and smart search with Microsoft Cortana®

  • Get your office work done fast

  • Organize, view, and share photos

  • Play music using Spotify®, Pandora®, iTunes®, and more

  • Watch TV shows and movies online with Netflix® and Hulu™

  • Protect yourself against viruses, spyware, and spam

  • Keep your system running reliably at top speed

    • Table of contents

    1. About This eBook
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. Contents at a Glance
    5. Table of Contents
    6. About the Author
    7. Dedication
    8. Acknowledgments
    9. We Want to Hear from You!
    10. Reader Services
    11. Introduction
      1. How This Book Is Organized
      2. Which Version of Windows?
      3. Conventions Used in This Book
        1. Menu Commands
        2. Shortcut Key Combinations
        3. Web Page Addresses
        4. Special Elements
      4. There’s More Online
    12. Part I: Understanding Computers
      1. 1. How Personal Computers Work
        1. What Your Computer Can Do
          1. Good for Getting Online
          2. Good for Social Networking
          3. Good for Communicating
          4. Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies
          5. Good for Keeping in Touch
          6. Good for Entertainment
          7. Good for Keeping Informed
          8. Good for Work
          9. Good for Play
        2. Inside a Personal Computer
          1. The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything
          2. Microprocessors: The Main Engine
          3. Computer Memory: Temporary Storage
          4. Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage
          5. Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage
          6. CD/DVD Drives: Storage on a Disc
          7. Keyboards: Fingertip Input
          8. Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices
          9. Network Connections: Getting Connected
          10. Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise
          11. Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture
        3. Other Parts of Your Computer System
          1. Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals
          2. Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps
          3. Making Everything Work—with Windows
        4. Different Types of Computers
          1. Desktop PCs
          2. Notebook PCs
          3. Tablet PCs
          4. Hybrid PCs
          5. Which Type of PC Should You Choose?
        5. Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much
      2. 2. Setting Up and Using a Notebook Computer
        1. Understanding Notebook PCs
        2. Connecting Peripherals and Powering On
          1. Getting Connected
          2. Powering On for the First Time
      3. 3. Setting Up and Using a Desktop Computer
        1. Understanding the Components of a Desktop Computer System
        2. Before You Get Started
        3. Connecting a Traditional Desktop PC
          1. Connect in Order
          2. Connect by Color
        4. Connecting an All-in-One Desktop
        5. Turning It On and Setting It Up
          1. Getting the Right Order
          2. Powering On for the First Time
    13. Part II: Using Windows
      1. 4. Getting to Know Windows 10—for New Computer Users
        1. Introducing Microsoft Windows
        2. Starting and Logging In to Windows
        3. Getting to Know the Windows Desktop
        4. Learning Basic Operations
          1. Pointing and Clicking
          2. Double-Clicking
          3. Right-Clicking
          4. Dragging and Dropping
          5. Mouse Over
          6. Moving and Resizing Windows
          7. Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows
          8. Scrolling Through a Window
          9. Peeking at the Desktop
          10. Using Dialog Boxes, Tabs, and Buttons
        5. Using the Start Menu
          1. Navigating the Start Menu
          2. Launching a Program
          3. Reopening Recent Documents
        6. Using the Taskbar
          1. Deciphering Taskbar Icons
          2. Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows
          3. Using Jump Lists
          4. Managing Taskbar Buttons
        7. Switching Between Programs
        8. Learning Important Windows Shortcuts
        9. Shutting Down Windows—and Your Computer
      2. 5. Getting to Know Windows 10—If You’ve Used Windows Before
        1. A Short History of Windows
          1. Early Windows
          2. Windows Goes Mainstream
          3. Starting It Up with Windows 95
          4. Windows XP, Vista, and 7
          5. Then Came Windows 8
          6. Introducing Windows 10
        2. Windows 10 for Windows 8/8.1 Users
        3. Windows 10 for Windows 7 Users
        4. Windows 10 for Windows XP Users
        5. The Most Important New Features of Windows 10
          1. Back to the Desktop (Goodbye, Start Screen)
          2. The Start Menu Returns—Better Than Ever
          3. Modern Apps in Desktop Windows
          4. More New Stuff
      3. 6. Using Windows 10 on a Touchscreen Device
        1. Understanding Windows 10’s Tablet Mode
        2. Using Tablet Mode
          1. Scrolling Through the Tiles
          2. Opening a Tile
          3. Finding Additional Apps in the All Apps List
        3. Using Windows 10 with a Touchscreen Display
          1. Tapping
          2. Pressing and Holding
          3. Swiping
          4. Panning
          5. Zooming
          6. Rotating
          7. Other Important Touch Operations
      4. 7. Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage
        1. Understanding Files and Folders
        2. Using File Explorer
          1. Launching File Explorer
          2. Exploring the File Explorer Window
          3. Working with Ribbons and Tabs
        3. Navigating the Folders on Your PC
        4. Viewing Files and Folders
          1. Changing the Way Files Display
          2. Sorting Files and Folders
          3. Grouping Files and Folders
          4. Searching for Files
        5. Performing Basic File and Folder Operations
          1. Creating New Folders
          2. Renaming Files and Folders
          3. Copying Files
          4. Moving Files
          5. Deleting Files
        6. Working with the Recycle Bin
          1. Restoring Deleted Files
          2. Managing the Recycle Bin
        7. Working with Compressed Folders
          1. Compressing a File
          2. Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder
        8. Copying Files to Another Computer
          1. Copying Files over a Network
          2. Copying Files with a Portable Drive
          3. Copying Files via Email
        9. Working with Cloud-Based Storage
          1. Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer
          2. Using Microsoft OneDrive
          3. Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive
          4. Evaluating Other Online Storage Services
      5. 8. Personalizing Windows
        1. Personalizing the Windows Desktop
          1. Changing the Desktop Background
          2. Changing the Accent Color
          3. Choosing a Windows Theme
          4. Customizing the Taskbar
          5. Customizing the Start Menu
        2. Personalizing the Lock Screen
          1. Changing the Lock Screen Background
          2. Displaying a Slide Show on the Lock Screen
          3. Adding Apps to the Lock Screen
        3. Changing Your Account Picture
        4. Setting Up Additional User Accounts
          1. Setting Up a New Family Member
          2. Setting Up Other Users
          3. Switching Users
          4. Logging Out
          5. Logging In with Multiple Users
        5. Configuring Other Windows Settings
          1. Configuring Settings with the Settings Tool
          2. Configuring Settings from the Traditional Control Panel
    14. Part III: Setting Up the Rest of Your System
      1. 9. Connecting Other Devices to Your PC—and Your PC to Other Devices
        1. Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals
        2. Adding New Hardware to Your System
        3. Connecting and Using a Printer
          1. Understanding Different Types of Printers
          2. Connecting a Printer to Your Computer
          3. Connecting a Printer to Your Network
          4. Printing to Your System’s Printer
        4. Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC
        5. Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV
      2. 10. Adding Storage and Backup
        1. Understanding External Storage
        2. Connecting an External Hard Drive
        3. Backing Up Your Important Files
          1. Backing Up to an External Hard Drive
          2. Using Windows’ File History Utility
          3. Backing Up Online
      3. 11. Setting Up a Home Network
        1. How Networks Work
          1. Wired Networks
          2. Wireless Networks
          3. Connecting and Configuring
        2. Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home
          1. How It Works
          2. What You Need
          3. Making the Connections
        3. Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network
          1. Connecting via Ethernet
          2. Connecting Wirelessly
        4. Connecting Computers in a Homegroup
          1. Creating a New Homegroup
          2. Connect to an Existing Homegroup
        5. Accessing Computers on Your Network
          1. Accessing Homegroup Computers
          2. Accessing Other Computers on Your Network
    15. Part IV: Using the Internet
      1. 12. Connecting to the Internet—at Home and Away
        1. Different Types of Connections in the Home
          1. Broadband DSL
          2. Broadband Cable
          3. Fiber Broadband
          4. Broadband Satellite
        2. Sharing an Internet Connection
        3. Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot
      2. 13. Browsing and Searching the Web
        1. Understanding the Web
        2. Using Microsoft Edge
          1. Browsing the Web with Edge
          2. Revisiting History
          3. Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs
          4. Saving Your Favorite Pages
          5. Returning to a Favorite Page
          6. Displaying the Favorites Bar
          7. Displaying a Page in Reading View
          8. Browsing in Private
          9. Setting a Different Start Page
        3. Using Google Chrome
        4. Searching the Web with Google
          1. Understanding Web Search
          2. Using Google Search
          3. Constructing a Query
          4. Performing an Advanced Search
          5. Searching for Images
        5. Using Wikipedia for Research
          1. Understanding Wikipedia
          2. Searching Wikipedia
          3. Reading Wikipedia Articles
        6. Searching—and More—with Cortana
          1. Search Cortana from the Taskbar
          2. Search Cortana from Microsoft Edge
          3. Search Cortana by Voice
          4. View News and Other Information
          5. Set a Reminder
      3. 14. Shopping and Selling Online
        1. How to Shop Online
          1. Step 1: Find an Online Store
          2. Step 2: Find a Product
          3. Step 3: Examine the Product
          4. Step 4: Order the Product
          5. Step 5: Check Out
          6. Step 6: Confirm the Order
        2. How to Shop Safely
        3. Buying and Selling on eBay
          1. How Does an eBay Auction Work?
          2. Buying Fixed-Price Items
          3. Protecting Yourself Against Fraudulent Sellers
          4. eBay Selling, Step-by-Step
        4. Buying and Selling on Craigslist
          1. Understanding Online Classifieds
          2. Browsing the Listings
          3. Buying on Craigslist
          4. Listing an Item for Sale
          5. Making the Sale
    16. Part V: Communicating Online
      1. 15. Sending and Receiving Email
        1. How Email Works
        2. POP/IMAP Email Versus Web Mail
          1. POP/IMAP Email
          2. Web Mail
        3. Using Gmail
          1. Navigating Gmail
          2. Reading Messages
          3. Viewing Conversations
          4. Replying to a Message
          5. Composing a New Message
          6. Sending and Receiving Photos and Other Files
        4. Using the Windows 10 Mail App
          1. Checking Your Inbox
          2. Sending New Messages
          3. Adding Another Email Account
      2. 16. Social Networking with Facebook and Other Social Media
        1. Using Facebook
          1. Signing Up and Signing In with the Facebook App
          2. Getting to Know Facebook
          3. Finding Friends
          4. Searching for Friends
          5. Viewing a Friend’s Timeline Page
          6. Posting Status Updates
          7. Determine Who Can—or Can’t—See a Status Update
          8. Viewing Friends’ Updates in Your News Feed
          9. Uploading Photos to Facebook
          10. Viewing Photos
          11. Managing Your Privacy on Facebook
        2. Using Pinterest
          1. What Pinterest Is and What It Does
          2. Navigating the Pinterest Site
          3. Viewing Boards and Pins
          4. Following Other Users
          5. Pinning Items
          6. Repinning Existing Items
          7. Creating New Board
        3. Using LinkedIn
          1. Personalizing Your Profile
          2. Finding New Connections
          3. Contacting Other LinkedIn Members
        4. Using Twitter
          1. Joining Twitter
          2. Navigating Twitter
          3. Tweeting with Twitter
          4. Following Other Users
          5. Customizing Your Profile
        5. Using Social Networks—Smartly and Safely
          1. Protecting Your Children
          2. Protecting Yourself
      3. 17. Video Chatting with Friends and Family
        1. Video Chatting with Skype
          1. Adding Contacts
          2. Making a Video Call
        2. Video Chatting in Facebook
        3. Video Chatting in Google Hangouts
    17. Part VI: Working with Software Programs
      1. 18. Using Applications on the Desktop
        1. Managing Applications in Windows 10
          1. Finding Installed Apps
          2. Pinning Apps to the Start Menu
          3. Pinning Apps to the Taskbar
          4. Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop
        2. Working with Applications
          1. Using Menus
          2. Using Toolbars and Ribbons
          3. Closing an Open App
          4. Working with Universal Apps
        3. Exploring Windows 10’s Built-In Apps and Utilities
        4. Exploring Windows 10’s Universal Apps
          1. Weather
          2. Maps
          3. News
          4. Sports
          5. Money
          6. Alarms & Clock
      2. 19. Finding and Installing New Apps
        1. Finding and Installing Apps from the Windows Store
          1. Opening the Windows Store
          2. Browsing the Windows Store
          3. Searching the Windows Store
          4. Downloading an App
        2. Finding and Installing Apps from Your Local Retailer
        3. Finding and Installing Apps Online
        4. Understanding Cloud Computing Apps
    18. Part VII: Doing Fun and Useful Stuff with your PC
      1. 20. Doing Office Work
        1. Getting to Know Microsoft Office
          1. Using Office on the Desktop
          2. Using Office Online
          3. Which Version of Office Should You Use?
        2. Word Processing with Microsoft Word Online
          1. Exploring the Word Workspace
          2. Working with Documents
          3. Entering Text
          4. Editing Text
          5. Formatting Text
          6. Checking Spelling and Grammar
          7. Printing Your Document
        3. Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel
          1. Exploring the Excel Workspace
          2. Entering Data
          3. Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns
          4. Adjusting Column Width
          5. Calculating with Formulas
          6. Including Other Cells in a Formula
          7. Quick Addition with AutoSum
          8. Using Functions
          9. Formatting Your Spreadsheet
          10. Creating a Chart
        4. Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint
          1. Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace
          2. Applying a Theme
          3. Inserting New Slides
          4. Adding and Formatting Text
          5. Start the Show!
        5. Exploring Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
          1. Using Google Docs
          2. Using Google Sheets
          3. Using Google Slides
      2. 21. Staying Organized
        1. Using the Windows Calendar App
          1. Displaying Different Views
          2. Creating a New Appointment
        2. Using Web-Based Calendars
        3. Using Web-Based To-Do Lists
      3. 22. Viewing and Sharing Digital Photos
        1. Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
          1. Connecting via USB
          2. Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card
          3. Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet
          4. Scanning a Picture
        2. Viewing Your Photos with the Windows 10 Photos App
        3. Editing Your Photos with the Photos App
          1. Automatically Enhancing a Photo
          2. Rotating a Photo
          3. Cropping a Photo
          4. Removing Red-Eye
          5. Retouching a Photo
          6. Applying Filters
          7. Adjusting Brightness and Contrast
          8. Adjusting Color and Tint
          9. Applying Special Effects
          10. Using Other Photo-Editing Programs
        4. Printing Your Photos
          1. Choosing the Right Printer and Paper
          2. Making the Print
          3. Printing Photos Professionally
        5. Sharing Photos at an Online Photo Site
        6. Emailing Digital Photos
      4. 23. Watching Movies, TV Shows, and Other Videos
        1. Watching Streaming Video Online
          1. Viewing Movies and TV Shows on Netflix
          2. Viewing TV Shows on Hulu
          3. Viewing Videos on Network Websites
        2. Downloading Videos from the iTunes Store
        3. Viewing Videos on YouTube
          1. Searching for Videos
          2. Viewing Videos
          3. Sharing Videos
          4. Uploading Your Own Videos to YouTube
        4. Making Your Own Home Movies
        5. Playing DVD Movies on Your PC
        6. Watching Online Videos on Your Living Room TV
      5. 24. Playing Music
        1. Listening to Streaming Music Online
          1. Listening to Spotify and Other On-Demand Streaming Services
          2. Listening to Pandora and Other Personalized Playlist Services
          3. Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online
        2. Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music
          1. Purchasing Music from the iTunes Store
          2. Purchasing Music from the Amazon Digital Music Store
          3. Purchasing Music from Google Play Music
        3. Playing Digital Music on Your PC
          1. Playing Music with the iTunes App
          2. Playing Music with the Groove Music App
          3. Playing Music with Windows Media Player
        4. Listening to CDs on Your PC
          1. Playing a CD
          2. Ripping a CD to Your PC
          3. Burning Your Own CDs
    19. Part VIII: Keeping Your System Up and Running
      1. 25. Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, and Spam
        1. Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses
          1. Watching for Signs of Infection
          2. Catching a Virus
          3. Practicing Safe Computing
          4. Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software
        2. Hunting Down Spyware
        3. Defending Against Computer Attacks
          1. Using the Windows Firewall
          2. Using Third-Party Firewall Software
        4. Fighting Email Spam
          1. Protecting Your Email Address
          2. Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs
        5. Resisting Phishing Scams
        6. Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content
          1. Using Content-Filtering Software
          2. Encouraging Safe Computing
      2. 26. Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems
        1. Maintaining Your Computer
          1. Cleaning Up Unused Files
          2. Removing Unused Programs
          3. Performing a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk
        2. Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition
          1. System Unit
          2. Keyboard
          3. Display
          4. Printer
        3. Maintaining a Notebook PC
          1. Using the Windows Mobility Center
          2. Conserving Battery Life
          3. Securing Your Notebook
        4. Troubleshooting Computer Problems
        5. Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
        6. Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes
          1. What Causes Windows to Freeze?
          2. Dealing with Frozen Windows
          3. Dealing with a Frozen Program
          4. Dealing with a Major Crash
        7. Restoring, Resetting, or Refreshing Your System
          1. Restoring Your System to a Previous State
          2. Refreshing System Files
          3. Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition
    20. Index

    Product information

    • Title: Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 10 Edition, Eighth Edition
    • Author(s): Michael Miller
    • Release date: August 2015
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: 9780134077499