• Author:
  • McFedries, Paul
• Subject:
  Computer Hardware
• Published by:
  John Wiley & Sons Inc (US)
• Published:
  31/08/2007
• Price:
  $37.99
• <  Buy this book  >

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

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.

Chapter 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.

Chapter 2: 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.

Chapter 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.

Chapter 4: 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.

Keyboard Types.

Use a Mouse.

Explore Mouse Types.

Use a CD–ROM or DVD–ROM Drive.

Use a Memory Card Reader.

Restart the Computer.

Turn Off the Computer.

Chapter 5: 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.

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.

Chapter 6: Learning Macintosh OS X Basics.

Explore the OS X Screen.

Tour the Dock.

Start a Program.

Switch Between Programs.

Tour a Program Window.

Access a Command from a Menu.

Select a Command Using a Toolbar.

Select Options from a Dialog Box.

Save a Document.

Open a Document.

Print a Document.

Edit Document Text.

Copy a File.

Move a File.

Rename a File.

Delete a File.

Chapter 7: Using Software.

Install a Program.

Uninstall a Program.

Create Documents with a Word Processor.

Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet.

Build Presentations with a Presentation Program.

Store Information with a Database.

Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor.

Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program.

Chapter 8: Networking Computers.

Understanding Networking.

Survey Networking Hardware.

Discover Network Configurations.

Examine Network Security.

Learn About Network Collaboration.

Chapter 9: 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.

Capture Video on Your Computer.

Watch TV on Your Computer.

Discover Gaming Consoles.

Chapter 10: 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.

Handwrite Notes on a Tablet PC.

Discover the Handheld PC.

Chapter 11: 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.

Make Your Internet Connection More Secure.

Chapter 12: Surfing the World Wide Web.

Introduction to the World Wide We.

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.

Create Your Own Web Site.

Chapter 13: 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.

Subscribe to a Mailing List.

Learn About Mailing List Etiquette.

Communicate by Instant Messaging.

Carry on a Conversation.

Chapter 14: Wireless Computing.

Discover Wireless Computing.

Wireless Computing Devices.

Configure a Wireless Gateway.

Connect to a Wireless Network.

Implement Wireless Network Security.

Stream Media Throughout Your Home.

Chapter 15: 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.

Chapter 16: 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.

Enhance E-Mail Privacy.

Create a Strong Password.

Secure Your Computer.