The Little PC Book, Windows XP Edition

by Magid, Lawrence J.

• ISBN13: 9780201754704
• ISBN10: 0201754703
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson P T R

Summary

This friendly, easy-to-use guide to using a PC is now in its fourth edition. The Little PC Book, Windows XP Edition explains the rudiments of working with and setting up a PC with Windows XP, Microsoft's brand-new operating system release. Readers will find answers to some of these common questions: Who makes the best printers? How can I protect my computer from getting a virus? Where can I get free software? How do I back up my files? And how do I use this new operating system, Windows XP? This book covers the basics of PC hardware and software, navigating and using Windows XP, using your PC with the Internet, and cool things you can do with your PC, including listening to MP3s, working with digital video and digital cameras, and more.

Table of Contents

Part 1 / Getting Oriented	3	(106)
Why I Wrote This Book and Why You Need It	4	(2)
Types of Computers	6	(2)
Where to Get Help	8	(11)
The Windows Operating System: What's Inside Your PC	19	(3)
Introducing Windows XP: A House No Longer Divided	22	(6)
What do You Call That Thing, Anyway?	28	(2)
Where to Buy a PC	30	(4)
Should You Get a Laptop PC?	34	(6)
Choosing the Right Computer	40	(3)
The CPU: The Computer's Brain	43	(3)
Memory: The Electronic Workspace	46	(3)
The Hard Disk: The Computer's Filing Cabinet	49	(3)
Removable Disk Drives: The Computer's Front Door	52	(3)
Connectors: Plug In and Move Up	55	(4)
Expansion Slots: Room to Grow	59	(3)
Monitors and Display Adapters: The Face of the Computer	62	(6)
The Keyboard: Talking to Your Computer	68	(5)
Mice and Other Pointing Devices: Making Quick Moves	73	(3)
Printers: Putting Your Work on Paper	76	(6)
Modems: Dial-Up, Broadband, and Fax	82	(6)
Getting the Picture: Scanners, Digital Cameras, Camcorders	88	(6)
Accessories: Making Yourself Comfortable	94	(4)
Putting It All Together	98	(6)
Setting Up Your Workplace	104	(5)
Part 2 / Working with Windows XP	109	(100)
Starting Your Computer	110	(2)
The Windows XP Desktop	112	(3)
The Start Menu: Gateway to Windows XP	115	(8)
Giving Commands in Windows	123	(9)
Using the Taskbar	132	(2)
Windows Control Panel	134	(11)
The Help and Support Menu	145	(4)
Working with Files	149	(5)
File Naming Conventions	154	(5)
Working with Folders	159	(7)
Working with Programs	166	(11)
Windows Accessories	177	(6)
Networking	183	(8)
Preventing and Recovering from Disasters	191	(12)
Shutting Down, Standing By, and Logging Off	203	(6)
Part 3 / Cool Things You Can Do with Your PC	209	(50)
Stocking Up on Software	210	(6)
Where to Get Software	216	(6)
Installing and Uninstalling Software	222	(2)
Digital Music and DVD Movies	224	(10)
Creating Digital Video	234	(5)
Digital Photography	239	(6)
Greeting Cards and Other Creative Projects	245	(3)
Personal Finances	248	(4)
Games	252	(7)
Part 4 / Exploring the Internet	259	(62)
Internet Basics	260	(5)
Getting Online	265	(6)
Safety, Privacy, and Security	271	(10)
Email, Instant Messaging, and Online Chatting	281	(7)
Internet Explorer	288	(6)
Surfing the World Wide Web	294	(5)
Using Microsoft.net	299	(3)
My Favorite Sites	302	(19)
Glossary	321	(30)
Index	351