Computers Simplified, 7th Edition

Are you new to computers? Does new technology make you nervous? Relax! You're holding in your hands the easiest guide ever to computers - a book that skips the long-winded explanations and shows you how things work. All you have to do is open the book, follow Chip, your friendly guide - and discover just how easy it is to get up to speed.

"I spent many hours looking for just the right book. This is that book! One picture is worth a thousand words. This book is the best computer book I have found."
-Larry Ruckert (Ocean Pines, MD)
* A friendly character named Chip guides you through each section
* Full-color illustrations demonstrate each concept or task
* Jargon-free captions offer practical tips and tricks
* Self-contained, two-page lessons make learning a snap

Biography

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. While now primarily a writer, Paul has worked as a programmer, consultant, and Web site developer. Paul has written more than 40 books that have sold over three million copies worldwide. These books include the Wiley titles Teach Yourself VISUALLY Windows XP, Second Edition, and Windows XP Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks, Second Edition

About The Author:

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. While now primarily a writer, Paul has worked as a programmer, consultant, and Web site developer. Paul has written more than 40 books that have sold over three million copies worldwide. These books include the Wiley titles Teach Yourself VISUALLY Windows XP, Second Edition, and Windows XP Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks, Second Edition.

Table Of Contents:

1. 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.

2. Discovering How Your Computer Works.

Data Input Devices.

Data Output Devices.

Learn About the Operating System.

Tour the Central Processing Unit.

Understanding Memory.

Learn About Data Storage.

3. 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.

4. Getting Started with Your Computer.

Set Up Your Work Area.

Connect the Computer Components.

Turn On Your Computer for the First Time.

Use a Keyboard.

Use a Mouse.

Use a Floppy Disk Drive.

Use a CD or DVD Drive.

Restart Your Computer.

Turn Off Your Computer.

5. Learning Windows XP Basics.

Explore the Windows XP 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.

Select Options from a Dialog Box.

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.

6. 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.

7. Using Multimedia.

How a Digital Camera Works.

How a Digital Video Camera Works.

How a Web Cam Works.

How a Digital Audio Player Works.

Discover Digital Images.

Learn About Digital Video.

Understanding Digital Audio.

8. Working with Portable Computers.

Advantages of a Portable Computer.

Learn About the Portable Computer Battery.

Maximize Battery Power.

Discover the Portable Computer Screen.

Upgrade with PC Cards.

9. Connecting to the Internet.

Introduction to the Internet.

Explore Internet Connections.

Start the New Connection Wizard.

Choose an Internet Service Provider.

Set Up an Internet Connection.

Connect to the Internet.

Disconnect from the Internet.

Make Your Internet Connection More Secure.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Communicate by Instant Messaging.

Carry On a Conversation.

12. Wireless Computing.

Discover Wireless Computing.

Wireless Computing Devices.

Connect to a Wireless Network.

13. Performing Computer Maintenance.

Update Your Operating System.

Check Your Hard Drive for Errors.

Defragment Your Hard Drive.

Clean Up Your Hard Drive.

Back Up Your Files.

14. Implementing Computer Security.

Guard Against Internet Intruders.

Protect Yourself on the Web.

Protect Your Children on the Web.

Reduce E-Mail Spam.

Guard Against E-Mail Viruses.

Special Features:

Computers Simplified