9780470888476

Simply the easiest way to start using a Windows PCIf you want a "show me how, don't tell me why" approach to learning how to use a computer, this is the book for you. Large, full-color screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions show you how to get up and running with Windows and the latest hardware add-ons, the Internet, and popular software applications. Learn all the basics plus how to use Office 2010, protect your computer from viruses, sync up mobile devices, and much more. Designed for people who learn best visually, this full-color guide covers basic information for beginning computer users, including how to use Windows 7, multimedia applications, wireless devices, and the Internet Uses large screen shots and step-by-step instructions to make learning fast and easy Covers Office 2010, multimedia management, virus protection, popular software applications, common peripherals, and basic security Shows how to integrate the latest wireless technologies and sync mobile devicesVisual learners will find this colorful guide shows exactly what to expect at every step and makes learning to use a PC easier than ever before.

Elaine Marmel is President of Marmel Enterprises, LLC, an organization which specializes in technical writing and software training. Elaine spends most of her time writing; she has authored and coauthored over 50 books about Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word for Windows, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Quicken for Windows, Quicken for DOS, Microsoft Word for the Mac, Microsoft Windows, 1-2-3 for Windows, and Lotus Notes. From 1994 to 2006, she also was the contributing editor to monthly publications Inside Timeslips, Inside Peachtree, and Inside QuickBooks.
Elaine left her native Chicago for the warmer climes of Arizona (by way of Cincinnati, OH; Jerusalem, Israel; Ithaca, NY; Washington, DC, and Tampa, FL) where she basks in the sun with her PC, her cross-stitch projects, her dog, Josh, and her cats, Watson and Buddy. For many years, she sang barbershop harmony with two International Championship choruses.

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 and Software.

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.

2 Purchasing a Computer.

Choose a Computer Type.

Select a CPU.

Choose an Edition of Windows.

Determine How Much RAM You Need.

Select Data Storage Options.

Choose a Monitor and Video Card.

Choose a Printer.

Add Other Hardware and Software.

Tips on Purchase Considerations.

3 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.

Use a Mouse.

Explore Mouse Types.

Use an Optical Drive.

Use a USB Storage Device.

Restart the Computer.

Turn Off the Computer.

4 Learning Windows 7 Basics.

Explore the Windows 7 Screen.

Understanding the Start Menu.

Start a Program.

Tour a Program Window.

Select a Command Using the Ribbon.

Select a Command Using a Menu or Toolbar.

Understanding Dialog Box Options.

Use Dialog Box Controls.

Save a Document.

Open a Document.

Switch Between Open Programs.

Print a Document.

Edit Document Text.

Start Frequently Used Programs.

Customize the Start Menu.

Customize the Taskbar.

Select a Desktop Theme and Screen Saver.

5 Managing Files and Folders.

Understanding How Windows Organizes Data.

View Files.

Become Familiar with the Windows Explorer Screen.

Select Files.

Create a New Folder.

Change the Windows Explorer Layout.

Rename a File.

Copy a File.

Move a File.

Create a Data CD or DVD.

Delete a File.

Restore a Deleted File.

Search for a File.

6 Securing Windows 7.

Secure Your Computer.

Change the Logon Password.

Establish Parental Controls.

Check the Action Center.

Prevent Others from Using Your Computer.

7 Working with 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.

8 Using Multimedia.

How Digital Cameras Work.

How Webcams Work.

How Digital Audio Players Work.

Understanding Digital Images.

Understanding Digital Video.

Understanding Digital Audio.

Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer.

Play Music Using Your Computer.

Create a Music CD.

Discover Gaming.

Windows 7 Games.

9 Working with Portable Computers and Devices.

Understand the Advantages of a Portable Computer.

Discover Portable Devices.

Synchronize Using a BlackBerry Smartphone.

Synchronize Using an iPod.

10 Surfing the World Wide Web.

Introduction to the Internet.

Explore Internet Connections.

Manually Establish an Internet Connection.

Guard Against Internet Intruders.

World Wide Web Basics.

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.

Protect Yourself on the Web.

Protect Your Children on the Web.

Protect Your Browsing Privacy.

11 Communicating Online.

Introduction to E-Mail.

Discover E-Mail Addresses.

Compose an E-Mail Message.

Learn About E-Mail Etiquette.

Receive an E-Mail Message.

Reduce E-Mail Spam.

Guard Against E-Mail Viruses.

12 Wireless Computing.

Discover Wireless Computing.

Wireless Computing Devices.

Connect to a Wireless Network.

Wireless Network Security.

Stream Media Throughout Your Home.

13 Performing Computer Maintenance.

Update Your Operating System.

Determine Hard Drive Free Space.

Check Your Hard Drive for Errors.

Defragment Your Hard Drive.

Clean Up Your Hard Drive.

Back Up Your Files.

Restore a Backup.

What is included with this book?

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PCs Simplified

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