Absolute beginner's guide to computer basics - Michael Miller

Who knew how simple computers could be?

What can you do with your new PC? The sky's the limit! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics will show you how to set up and configure your PC, including how to connect to the Internet. Then you'll learn how to fix your digital photos, create digital scrapbooks, download digital music to your iPod, burn your own custom CDs, watch DVD movies, write letters and memos, balance your checkbook, and create show-stopping presentations. And if you need more computing horsepower, you'll even learn how to upgrade your PC and add new peripherals. It's all easy, thanks to Michael Miller's step-by-step instructions and helpful advice!

Now updated for both Windows VistaT and Windows XP, Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics will have you using your new PC in no time! Here's a preview of

what you'll find inside:

• Learn how to set up and configure your new computer, and install new computer hardware and software
• Get the scoop on how to work with Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista, and how to personalize it just for you
• Learn how to use the most popular computer programs-including Microsoft
  Word, Microsoft
  Works, Microsoft
  Money, and Quicken
• Connect to the Internet for web surfing, email, instant messaging, blogging, and podcasts-and create your own MySpace page
• Become a digital media pro-learn to work with digital cameras and photos, download and listen to digital music, and burn your own CDs and DVDs
• Find out how to protect your PC from spam, viruses, spyware, and computer attacks
• Learn how to set up a wireless home network and share your Internet connection with multiple PCs

Introduction

I
Getting Started
1 Understanding Desktop PCs

2 Understanding Notebook PCs
3 Setting Up Your New Computer System

II Using Windows

4 Getting to Know Windows Vista

7 Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
III Upgrading and Maintaining Your System

9 Setting Up a Home Network

11 Dealing with Common Problems

12 Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online

IV Using Computer Software

13 Installing New Software

14 The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft
15 Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word

16 Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel

17 Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint

18 Banking and Beyond: Working with Microsoft Money and Quicken

19 Connecting to the Internet-At Home and on the Road
V Using the Internet

20 Sending and Receiving Email

21 Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer

22 Searching the Web

23 Shopping Online

24 Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions

25 Exploring Blogs and Podcasts

26 Social Networking with MySpace

27 Creating Your Own Web Page

28 Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites

29 Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
VI Exploring the Digital Lifestyle

30 Using Your PC with a Digital Camera

31 Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos

32 Sharing Your Digital Photos Online

33 Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs

34 Downloading and Playing Digital Music

35 Using Your PC with an iPod or MP3 Player

36 Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC

37 Downloading and Playing Videos from the Web

38 Making Your Own Digital Home Movies
Index

Michael Miller is the best-selling author of more than 75 how-to books, covering topics such as Windows XP and eBay online auctions. Michael has helped more than a million readers be productive with their PCs and has earned a reputation for practical advice, technical accuracy, and making difficult topics easy to understand.

Category: Computers & Internet

Covers:
General Computing

User Level:
Beginning

$21.99 USA / $26.99 CAN / 15.99 Net UK

www.quepublishing.com