Teach Yourself Visually™: Computers, 5th Edition

Teach Yourself Visually™: Computers, 5th Edition

by Paul McFedries
Released September 2007
Publisher(s): Visual
ISBN: 9780470168783

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

Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something — and skip the long-winded explanations? If so, then this book is for you. Open it up and you'll find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show you how to tackle more than 135 basic computer tasks. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for performing necessary operations, including:

Comparing types of computers

Selecting memory and storage options

Using Windows® or Mac OS® X

Working with digital media

Exploring e-mail and the Web

Protecting your privacy online

Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks

Full-color screen shots demonstrate each task

Succinct explanations walk you through step by step

Two-page lessons break big topics into bite-sized modules

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Praise for Visual Books
  3. Credits
  4. About the Author
  5. Author's Acknowledgments
  6. 1. Getting Familiar with Computer Basics
    1. 1.1. Discover the Computer
    2. 1.2. Benefits of Using a Computer
    3. 1.3. What You Can Do with a Computer
    4. 1.4. Types of Computers
    5. 1.5. Tour the Personal Computer
    6. 1.6. Learn About Computer Hardware
    7. 1.7. Explore Computer Software
  7. 2. Discovering How Your Computer Works
    1. 2.1. Get to Know Data Input Devices
    2. 2.2. Get Acquainted with Data Output Devices
    3. 2.3. Learn About the Operating System
    4. 2.4. Tour the Central Processing Unit
    5. 2.5. Understanding Memory
    6. 2.6. Learn About Data Storage
  8. 3. Purchasing a Computer
    1. 3.1. Choose a Computer Type
    2. 3.2. Select a CPU
    3. 3.3. Determine How Much RAM You Need
    4. 3.4. Select Data Storage Options
    5. 3.5. Choose a Monitor and Video Card
    6. 3.6. Choose a Printer
    7. 3.7. Add Other Peripherals
    8. 3.8. Purchase Additional Software
    9. 3.9. Tips on Purchase Considerations
  9. 4. Getting Started with Your Computer
    1. 4.1. Set Up Your Work Area
    2. 4.2. Connect the Computer Components
    3. 4.3. Turn On the Computer for the First Time
    4. 4.4. Use a Keyboard
    5. 4.5. Keyboard Types
    6. 4.6. Use a Mouse
    7. 4.7. Explore Mouse Types
    8. 4.8. Use a CD–ROM or DVD–ROM Drive
    9. 4.9. Use a Memory Card Reader
    10. 4.10. Restart the Computer
    11. 4.11. Turn Off the Computer
  10. 5. Learning Windows Vista Basics
    1. 5.1. Explore the Windows Vista Screen
    2. 5.2. Start a Program
    3. 5.3. Switch Between Programs
    4. 5.4. Tour a Program Window
    5. 5.5. Access a Command from a Drop-Down Menu
    6. 5.6. Select a Command Using a Toolbar
    7. 5.7. Select Options from a Dialog Box
    8. 5.8. Use Dialog Box Controls
    9. 5.9. Save a Document
    10. 5.10. Open a Document
    11. 5.11. Print a Document
    12. 5.12. Edit Document Text
    13. 5.13. Copy a File
    14. 5.14. Move a File
    15. 5.15. Rename a File
    16. 5.16. Delete a File
  11. 6. Learning Macintosh OS X Basics
    1. 6.1. Explore the OS X Screen
    2. 6.2. Tour the Dock
    3. 6.3. Start a Program
    4. 6.4. Switch Between Programs
    5. 6.5. Tour a Program Window
    6. 6.6. Access a Command from a Menu
    7. 6.7. Select a Command Using a Toolbar
    8. 6.8. Select Options from a Dialog Box
    9. 6.9. Save a Document
    10. 6.10. Open a Document
    11. 6.11. Print a Document
    12. 6.12. Edit Document Text
    13. 6.13. Copy a File
    14. 6.14. Move a File
    15. 6.15. Rename a File
    16. 6.16. Delete a File
  12. 7. Using Software
    1. 7.1. Install a Program
    2. 7.2. Uninstall a Program
    3. 7.3. Create Documents with a Word Processor
    4. 7.4. Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet
    5. 7.5. Build Presentations with a Presentation Program
    6. 7.6. Store Information with a Database
    7. 7.7. Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor
    8. 7.8. Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program
  13. 8. Networking Computers
    1. 8.1. Understanding Networking
    2. 8.2. Survey Networking Hardware
    3. 8.3. Discover Network Configurations
    4. 8.4. Examine Network Security
    5. 8.5. Learn About Network Collaboration
  14. 9. Using Multimedia
    1. 9.1. How a Digital Camera Works
    2. 9.2. How a Digital Video Camera Works
    3. 9.3. How a Webcam Works
    4. 9.4. How a Digital Audio Player Works
    5. 9.5. Discover Digital Images
    6. 9.6. Learn About Digital Video
    7. 9.7. Understanding Digital Audio
    8. 9.8. Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer
    9. 9.9. Capture Video on Your Computer
    10. 9.10. Watch TV on Your Computer
    11. 9.11. Discover Gaming Consoles
  15. 10. Working with Portable Computers
    1. 10.1. Understand the Advantages of a Portable Computer
    2. 10.2. Learn About the Portable Computer Battery
    3. 10.3. Maximize Battery Power
    4. 10.4. Discover the Portable Computer Screen
    5. 10.5. Upgrade with PC Cards
    6. 10.6. Learn About Portable Computer Accessories
    7. 10.7. Handwrite Notes on a Tablet PC
    8. 10.8. Discover the Handheld PC
  16. 11. Connecting to the Internet
    1. 11.1. Introduction to the Internet
    2. 11.2. Explore Internet Connections
    3. 11.3. Start the Connect to the Internet Wizard
    4. 11.4. Set Up a Dial-Up Internet Connection
    5. 11.5. Set Up a Broadband Internet Connection
    6. 11.6. Set Up a Wireless Internet Connection
    7. 11.7. Connect to the Internet
    8. 11.8. Disconnect from the Internet
    9. 11.9. Make Your Internet Connection More Secure
  17. 12. Surfing the World Wide Web
    1. 12.1. Introduction to the World Wide Web
    2. 12.2. Learn About Web Browsers
    3. 12.3. Search the Web
    4. 12.4. Read News on the Web
    5. 12.5. Research Using the Web
    6. 12.6. Buy and Sell on the Web
    7. 12.7. Socialize on the Web
    8. 12.8. Create Your Own Web Site
  18. 13. Communicating Online
    1. 13.1. Introduction to E-Mail
    2. 13.2. Discover E-Mail Addresses
    3. 13.3. Compose an E-Mail Message
    4. 13.4. Receive an E-Mail Message
    5. 13.5. Learn About E-Mail Etiquette
    6. 13.6. Subscribe to a Mailing List
    7. 13.7. Learn About Mailing List Etiquette
    8. 13.8. Communicate by Instant Messaging
    9. 13.9. Carry on a Conversation
  19. 14. Wireless Computing
    1. 14.1. Discover Wireless Computing
    2. 14.2. Wireless Computing Devices
    3. 14.3. Configure a Wireless Gateway
    4. 14.4. Connect to a Wireless Network
    5. 14.5. Implement Wireless Network Security
    6. 14.6. Stream Media Throughout Your Home
  20. 15. Performing Computer Maintenance
    1. 15.1. Update Your Operating System
    2. 15.2. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
    3. 15.3. Defragment Your Hard Drive
    4. 15.4. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
    5. 15.5. Back Up Your Files
  21. 16. Implementing Computer Security
    1. 16.1. Guard Against Internet Intruders
    2. 16.2. Protect Yourself on the Web
    3. 16.3. Protect Your Children on the Web
    4. 16.4. Reduce E-Mail Spam
    5. 16.5. Guard Against E-Mail Viruses
    6. 16.6. Enhance E-Mail Privacy
    7. 16.7. Create a Strong Password
    8. 16.8. Secure Your Computer

Product information

  • Title: Teach Yourself Visually™: Computers, 5th Edition
  • Author(s): Paul McFedries
  • Release date: September 2007
  • Publisher(s): Visual
  • ISBN: 9780470168783