Everything casual users need to know to get the most out of their new Windows 7 PCs, software, and the Internet

-The best-selling beginner's guide, now completely updated for Windows 7 and today's most popular Internet tools - including Facebook, craigslist, Twitter, and Wikipedia

-Easy step-by-step instructions cover setting up a new PC, getting online, working with digital media, using productivity tools, and much more

-By the world's #1 author of beginning technology books, Michael Miller

This year, you may be one of the millions of casual computer users that will buy a new Windows 7 notebook or desktop PC. You'll want to know how to find your way around, get comfortable, and get the job done - without jargon, complexity, or hassle. There's a book for you: Michael Miller's Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, Windows 7 Edition.

It's the one book that covers everything today's beginners and near-beginners need to know: not just about Windows, but also about software, hardware, and the Internet. Through 90+ books, author Michael Miller has established an unparalleled track record in explaining complicated concepts simply and clearly, and empowering beginners. Now, he's thoroughly updated his best-selling Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics to cover today's user experience - with Windows 7, Internet Explorer 8, and today's hottest online tools, from craigslist and Facebook to Twitter, Wikipedia, and Google Docs.

Miller offers step-by-step instructions and friendly, practical advice for making the most of Windows 7's improvements, including the new taskbar, Action Center, and Aero Snap. He walks through setting up a new computer; connecting to the Internet; working with digital media; burning custom CDs; watching DVD movies; using Microsoft Office and other popular software; managing money online; setting up home networks; keeping PCs running reliably; and protecting them from spam, viruses, and spyware. This is the one indispensable book for today's PC novice.

Part I: Getting Started
1. How Personal Computers Work
2. Setting Up Your New Computer System
Part II: Using Windows
3. Getting to Know Windows 7
4. Personalizing Windows
5. Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
Part III: Upgrading and Maintaining Your System
6. Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System
7. Setting Up a Home Network
8. Performing Routine Maintenance
9. Dealing with Common Problems
10. Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online Nuisances
Part IV: Using Computer Software
11. Installing New Software
12. The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office
13. Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word
14. Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel
15. Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint
Part V: Using the Internet
16. Connecting to the Internet -- at Home or On the Road
17. Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer
18. Searching the Web
19. Researching with Wikipedia
20. Shopping Online
21. Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions
22. Buying and Selling on craigslist
23. Banking and Paying Bills Online
24. Watching Videos on the Web
25. Using Web-Based Applications
26. Creating Your Own Web Page
27. Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites
Part VI: Communicating via the Internet
28. Sending and Receiving Email
29. Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
30. Social Networking with Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter
31. Exploring Blogs and Podcasts
Part VII: Exploring the Digital Lifestyle
32. Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos
33. Sharing Your Digital Photos Online
34. Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs
35. Downloading and Playing Digital Music
36. Using Your PC with an iPod or iPhone
37. Playing DVDs on Your PC
38. Making Your Own Digital Home Movies