It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer!

by Stokes, Abby

• ISBN13: 9780761140672
• ISBN10: 0761140670
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-26
• Publisher: Workman Pub Co

Summary

The fearless guide for seniors, It's Never Too Late to Love a Computer is a reassuring, friendly, straightforward guide that will turn computerphobes into computerphiles. Written specifically for people who did not grow up with personal computers or even use them in the office, it presents everything that older newbies need to know: selecting, buying, and setting up hardware and software; using and adjusting the monitor; getting comfortable with the mouse and keyboard; adding and operating peripherals, such as a printer or scanner. Special sections specifically address the different needs of Mac and Windows users. And then the fun begins, as the book not only shows how to use a computer, but also covers all the reasons why to. Staying in touch with families via e-mail. Looking after stocks. Booking travel plans. Shopping on-line. Researching health issues. Joining newsgroups. Meeting like-minded friends in chat rooms. Not to mention using the computer for other tasks and entertainment, like word processing (finally getting back to that novel) or playing games.

Table of Contents

A Word Before You Begin	xiii
There Is Nothing to Fear but Technology Itself
Bring the World to Your Fingertips
Research, find and buy anything you can imagine, and communicate with loved ones . . . without leaving home	3	(8)
Hardware: The Thigh Bone's Connected to the...
A simple introduction to the parts of a computer and how they relate to one another	11	(12)
Software: Feeding the Computer Brain
An explanation of software and how it is used	23	(8)
Where Will It Sleep and How Often Do I Need to Water It?
There Is No Place Like Home vs. Taking Your Show on the Road
Desktop vs. laptop	31	(6)
Selecting Your Workspace
Tips on finding a comfortable and safe work area	37	(10)
Go for a Test-Drive
Apples and Oranges
Macintosh vs. PC	47	(6)
Would You Buy a Car Without Test-Driving It?
What to look for when you get behind a keyboard	53	(14)
Choosing the Best Route
What software and Internet services fit you best	67	(10)
Let the Shopping Begin
Shop Till You Drop
Old vs. new, extended warranties, store vs. mail order and what questions to ask	77	(14)
Baby's First Day Home
Counting Fingers and Toes
Taking your new computer out of the box and connecting all the parts	91	(10)
Shaking Hands
Meet your computer and mouse	101	(36)
Getting to Know You
Experimenting with what you can do on the computer	137	(28)
The Newlywed Game
Spanning the Globe
``Surfing the net''---traveling around the World Wide Web	165	(20)
Shall We Dance?
Let's send an e-mail	185	(10)
Mind Your Ps & Qs
An introduction to word processing	195	(14)
Troubleshooting---I Think It Has a Fever
What to do if something doesn't seem right	209	(9)
Appendices
Some Recommended Web Sites	218	(2)
Glossary	220	(4)
Resource List	224	(1)
Test-Drive Form	225	(6)
Index	231