Computers Simplified

by McFedries, Paul

• ISBN13: 9780470168776
• ISBN10: 0470168773
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-10-08
• Publisher: Visual

Summary

Here's the easiest guide ever to computers - a book that skips the long-winded explanations and shows you how things work. Full-color screen shots walk you through each step, and self-contained, two-page lessons make learning a snap. You'll learn to use different types of computers and software, create documents and use different programs, get online, start using e-mail, and manage your music and digital photos. A friendly character called Chip introduces each task, and sidebars offer real-world advice.

Author Biography

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. Paul has worked with many different types of computers since 1975 and has been a full-time technical writer since 1991. He has written over 50 books that have sold more than three million copies worldwide. These books include the Wiley titles Teach Yourself VISUALLY Windows Vista, Windows Vista Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks, and The Unofficial Guide to Microsoft Office 2007. Paul is also the proprietor of Word Spy (www.wordspy.com), a website that tracks new words and phrases as they enter the language.

Table of Contents

Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

Discover the Computer

Benefits of Using a Computer

What You Can Do with a Computer

Types of Computers

Tour the Personal Computer

Learn About Computer Hardware

Explore Computer Software

Discovering How Your Computer Works

Get to Know Data Input Devices

Get Acquainted with Data Output Devices

Learn About the Operating System

Tour the Central Processing Unit

Understanding Memory

Learn About Data Storage

Purchasing a Computer Choose a Computer Type

Select a CPU

Determine How Much RAM You Need

Select Data Storage Options

Choose a Monitor and Video Card

Choose a Printer

Add Other Peripherals

Purchase Additional Software

Tips on Purchase Considerations

Getting Started with Your Computer

Set Up Your Work Area

Connect the Computer Components

Turn On the Computer for the First Time

Use a Keyboard

Use a Mouse

Use a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive

Use a Memory Card Reader

Restart the Computer

Turn Off the Computer

Learning Windows Vista Basics

Explore the Windows Vista Screen

Start a Program

Switch Between Programs

Tour a Program Window

Access a Command from a Drop-Down Menu

Select a Command Using a Toolbar

Use Dialog Box Controls

Save a Document

Open a Document

Print a Document

Edit Document Text

Copy a File

Move a File

Rename a File

Delete a File

Using Software

Create Documents with a Word Processor

Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet

Build Presentations with a Presentation Program

Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor

Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program

Using Multimedia

How a Digital Camera Works

How a Digital Video Camera Works

How a Webcam Works

How a Digital Audio Player Works

Discover Digital Images

Learn About Digital Video

Understanding Digital Audio

Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer

Discover Gaming Consoles

Working with Portable Computers

Understand the Advantages of a Portable Computer

Learn About the Portable Computer Battery

Maximize Battery Power

Discover the Portable Computer Screen

Upgrade with PC Cards

Learn About Portable Computer Accessories

Connecting to the Internet

Introduction to the Internet

Explore Internet Connections

Start the Connect to the Internet Wizard

Set Up a Dial-Up Internet Connection

Set Up a Broadband Internet Connection

Set Up a Wireless Internet Connection

Connect to the Internet

Disconnect from the Internet

Surfing the World Wide Web

Introduction to the World Wide Web

Learn About Web Browsers

Search the Web

Read News on the Web

Research Using the Web

Buy and Sell on the Web

Socialize on the Web

Communicating Online

Introduction to E-Mail

Discover E-Mail Addresses

Compose an E-Mail Message

Receive an E-Mail Message

Learn About E-Mail Etiquette

Wireless Computing

Discover Wireless Computing

Wireless Computing Devices

Connect to a Wireless Network

Stream Media Throughout Your Home

Wireless Computing

Discover Wireless Computing

Wireless Computing Devices

Connect to a Wireless Network

Stream Media Throughout Your Home

Implementing Computer Security

Guard Against Internet Intruders

Protect Yourself on the Web

Protect Your Children on the Web

Reduce E-Mail Spam

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