Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Fourth Edition

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Fourth Edition

by Michael Miller
Released February 2007
Publisher(s): Que
ISBN: 078973673X

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Book description

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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 Vista™ 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

    5 Using Windows XP on Older Computers
    6 Personalizing Windows

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

    8 Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System

    9 Setting Up a Home Network

    10 Performing Routine Maintenance

    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

    Table of contents

    1. Copyright
      1. Dedication
    2. About the Author
    3. Acknowledgments
    4. We Want to Hear from You!
    5. Introduction
      1. How This Book Is Organized
      2. Which Version of Windows?
      3. Conventions Used in This Book
        1. Menu Commands
        2. Shortcut Key Combinations
        3. Web Page Addresses
        4. Special Elements
      4. Let Me Know What You Think
    6. I. Getting Started
      1. 1. Understanding Desktop PCs
        1. What Your Computer Can—and Can’t—Do
          1. Good for Work
          2. Good for Play
          3. Good for Managing Your Finances
          4. Good for Keeping in Touch
          5. Good for Getting Online
        2. Getting to Know Your Personal Computer System
          1. Pieces and Parts—Computer Hardware
          2. The Right Tools for the Right Tasks—Computer Software
          3. Making Everything Work—with Windows
          4. Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much
        3. Computer Hardware Basics
          1. Your PC’s System Unit—The Mother Ship
          2. Microprocessors: The Main Engine
          3. Computer Memory: Temporary Storage
          4. Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage
          5. CD-ROM Drives: Storage on a Disc
          6. DVD Drives: Even More Storage on a Disc
          7. Keyboards: Fingertip Input
          8. Mice: Point-and-Click Input Devices
          9. Modems: Getting Connected
          10. Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise
          11. Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture
          12. Printers: Making Hard Copies
      2. 2. Understanding Note Book Pcs
        1. Notebook PCs: Pros and Cons
          1. Why Notebooks Are Great
          2. Why Notebooks Aren’t So Great
        2. Key Elements of a Notebook PC
        3. Different Types of Notebook PCs
        4. Special Considerations for Using a Notebook PC
          1. Conserving Battery Life
          2. Connecting to WiFi Hotspots
          3. Securing Your Notebook
      3. 3. Setting Up Your New Computer System
        1. Before You Get Started
        2. Connecting the Cables
          1. Connect in Order
          2. Connect by Color
          3. Connecting a Notebook PC
        3. Turning It On and Setting It Up
          1. Powering On for the First Time
          2. Powering On Normally
    7. II. Using Windows
      1. 4. Getting to Know Windows Vista
        1. Introducing Windows Vista
          1. What’s New in Windows Vista
          2. Different Versions of Windows Vista
        2. Working Your Way Around the Desktop
        3. Important Windows Operations
          1. Pointing and Clicking
          2. Double-Clicking
          3. Right-Clicking
          4. Dragging and Dropping
          5. Hovering
          6. Moving and Resizing Windows
          7. Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows
          8. Scrolling Through a Window
          9. Using Menus
          10. Using Toolbars and Ribbons
          11. Using Dialog Boxes, Tabs, and Buttons
        4. Using the Start Menu—And Switching Programs
          1. Launching a Program
          2. Switching Between Programs
        5. Using Windows Explorers
          1. Browsing for Files with the Documents Explorer
          2. Managing PC Resources with the Computer Explorer
          3. Managing Windows with the Control Panel
        6. All the Other Things in Windows
        7. Getting Help in Windows
        8. Shutting Down Windows—And Your Computer
          1. Powering Down
          2. Putting Windows to Sleep
      2. 5. Using Windows XP on Older Computers
        1. Before Vista: Previous Versions of Windows
        2. Getting to Know Windows XP
          1. Basic Operations
          2. The Start Menu
          3. Switching Between Programs
          4. Shutting Down Windows XP
          5. Working with the My Documents Folder
          6. Other Folders
          7. Windows XP Applications
        3. Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista
      3. 6. Personalizing Windows
        1. Getting to Know the Windows Control Panel
        2. Changing the Look of Your Desktop in Windows Vista
          1. Personalizing the Desktop Background
          2. Changing the Color Scheme
          3. Changing the Desktop Size
          4. Choosing a Screensaver
          5. Customizing the Windows Sidebar
        3. Changing the Look of Your Desktop in Windows XP
          1. Personalizing the Desktop Background
          2. Changing the Desktop Size
          3. Choosing a Screensaver
        4. Organizing Desktop Icons
          1. Creating New Shortcuts on the Desktop
          2. Changing the Name of a Shortcut
          3. Arranging Icons on the Desktop
        5. Changing the Way the Start Menu Works
          1. Displaying More—or Fewer—Programs on the Start Menu
          2. Adding a Program to the Start Menu—Permanently
        6. Resetting the Time and Date
        7. Setting Up Additional Users
          1. Creating a New Account
          2. Changing an Account
          3. Setting Up Parental Controls in Windows Vista
      4. 7. Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
        1. Understanding Files and Folders
        2. Viewing Folders and Files
          1. Changing the Way Files Are Displayed
          2. Sorting Files and Folders
          3. Grouping Files and Folders
        3. Navigating Folders
        4. Searching for Files
        5. Creating New Folders
        6. Renaming Files and Folders
        7. Copying Files
          1. The Easy Way to Copy
          2. Other Ways to Copy
        8. Moving Files
          1. The Easy Way to Move
          2. Other Ways to Move a File
        9. Deleting Files
          1. The Easy Way to Delete
          2. Other Ways to Delete a File
          3. Restoring Deleted Files
          4. Managing the Recycle Bin
        10. Working with Compressed Folders
          1. Compressing a File
          2. Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder
        11. Copying Files to Another Computer
          1. Copying Files Over a Network
          2. Copying Files with a Portable Drive
          3. Copying Files Via Email
        12. Backing Up Your Important Files
    8. III. Upgrading and Maintaining Your System
      1. 8. Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System
        1. Most Popular Peripherals
        2. Understanding Ports
        3. Adding New External Hardware
          1. Connecting Via a USB or FireWire Port
          2. Connecting Via a Parallel or Serial Port
        4. Adding New Internal Hardware
        5. Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC
      2. 9. Setting Up a Home Network
        1. How Networks Work
          1. Wired Networks
          2. Wireless Networks
          3. Connecting and Configuring
        2. Setting Up a Wired or Wireless Network
          1. How It Works
          2. What You Need
          3. Making the Connections
        3. Configuring Windows for Your New Network
          1. Configuring Windows Vista
          2. Configuring Windows XP
        4. Setting Up Wireless Security
          1. Wireless Security in Windows Vista
          2. Wireless Security in Windows XP
        5. Sharing Files and Folders Across the Network
          1. File Sharing in Windows Vista
          2. File Sharing in Windows XP
        6. Sharing a Printer Across Your Network
          1. Printer Sharing in Windows Vista
          2. Printer Sharing in Windows XP
          3. Installing a Shared Printer
        7. Sharing an Internet Connection
      3. 10. Performing Routine Maintenance
        1. Free Up Disk Space by Deleting Unnecessary Files
        2. Make Your Hard Disk Run Better by Defragmenting
        3. Perform a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk
        4. Keep Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition
          1. System Unit
          2. Keyboard
          3. Mouse
          4. Monitor
          5. Printer
        5. Backing Up Your Important Data with Windows Backup
          1. Choosing a Backup Device
          2. Automatic Backup in Windows Vista
          3. CompletePC Backup
      4. 11. Dealing with Common Problems
        1. How to Troubleshoot Computer Problems
          1. Using Windows Troubleshooters
          2. Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
        2. What to Do When Windows Freezes
          1. What Causes Windows to Freeze?
          2. Dealing with Frozen Windows
          3. Dealing with a Frozen Program
        3. Dealing with a Major Crash
        4. Undoing the Damage with System Restore
          1. Setting System Restore Points
          2. Restoring Your System
      5. 12. Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online Nuisances
        1. Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses
          1. Signs of Infection
          2. How to Catch a Virus
          3. Practicing Safe Computing
          4. Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software
        2. Fighting Email Spam
          1. Protecting Your Email Address
          2. Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs
          3. Using Anti-Spam Software
        3. Resisting Phishing Scams
        4. Hunting Down Spyware
        5. Defending Against Computer Attacks
          1. Using the Windows Firewall
          2. Using Third-Party Firewall Software
        6. Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content
          1. Using Content-Filtering Software
          2. Kids-Safe Searching
          3. Encouraging Safe Computing
    9. IV. Using Computer Software
      1. 13. Installing New Software
        1. Automatic Installation
        2. Manual Installation
        3. Installing Software from the Internet
        4. Removing Old Programs
      2. 14. The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office
        1. Different Versions of Works
          1. Basic Works
          2. Works with Word
          3. Works Suite
        2. Working with Works
          1. Launching a Program
          2. Creating a New Document
          3. Opening an Existing Document
          4. Managing a Big Project
        3. Introducing Microsoft Office
          1. Office Editions
          2. The New Office 2007 Interface
      3. 15. Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word
        1. Exploring the Word Interface
          1. What’s Where in Word 2007
          2. What’s Where in Word 2003
          3. Viewing a Word Document—in Different Ways
          4. Zooming to View
        2. Working with Documents
          1. Creating a New Document
          2. Opening an Existing Document
          3. Saving the Document
        3. Working with Text
          1. Entering Text
          2. Editing Text
          3. Formatting Text
          4. Checking Spelling and Grammar
        4. Printing a Document
          1. Previewing Before You Print
          2. Basic Printing
          3. Changing Print Options
        5. Formatting Your Document
          1. Formatting Paragraphs
          2. Using Word Styles
        6. Working with an Outline
        7. Working with Pictures
          1. Inserting a Picture from the Clip Art Gallery
          2. Inserting Other Types of Picture Files
          3. Formatting the Picture
      4. 16. Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel
        1. Understanding Spreadsheets
        2. Entering Data
        3. Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns
          1. Insert a Row or Column
          2. Delete a Row or Column
          3. Adjusting Column Width
        4. Using Formulas and Functions
          1. Creating a Formula
          2. Basic Operators
          3. Including Other Cells in a Formula
          4. Quick Addition with AutoSum
          5. Other AutoSum Operations
          6. Using Functions
        5. Sorting a Range of Cells
        6. Formatting Your Spreadsheet
          1. Applying Number Formats
          2. Formatting Cell Contents
        7. Creating a Chart
      5. 17. Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint
        1. Understanding Microsoft PowerPoint
          1. The PowerPoint Workspace
          2. Changing Views
        2. Creating a New Presentation
          1. Applying a Theme
          2. Inserting New Slides
          3. Working from an Outline
          4. Adding Text
        3. Formatting Your Slides
          1. Formatting Text
          2. Changing Backgrounds
            1. Adding Graphics
              1. Inserting Pictures
              2. Creating Charts
            2. Applying Slide Animations
          3. Start the Show!
      6. 18. Banking and Beyond: Working with Microsoft Money and Quicken
        1. Managing Your Money with Microsoft Money
          1. Setting Up Your Accounts
          2. Navigating Money
          3. Managing Your Bank Account
        2. Quick and Easy Banking with Quicken
          1. Setting Up Your Accounts
          2. Navigating Quicken
          3. Managing Your Bank Account
        3. Doing Online Banking
    10. V. Using the Internet
      1. 19. Connecting to the Internet—At Home and on the Road
        1. Different Types of Connections
          1. Traditional Dial-Up
          2. Broadband DSL
          3. Broadband Cable
          4. Broadband Satellite
        2. Before You Connect
        3. Setting Up a New Connection
          1. Connecting in Windows Vista
          2. Connecting in Windows XP
        4. Sharing an Internet Connection
        5. Connecting to a Public WiFi Hotspot
      2. 20. Sending and Receiving Email
        1. Setting Up Your Email Account
        2. Understanding the Windows Mail Window
        3. Managing Your Email
          1. Composing a Message
          2. Reading New Messages
          3. Replying to a Message
        4. Sending Files Via Email
          1. Attaching a File to an Email Message
          2. Opening an Email Attachment
        5. Protecting Against Spam, Phishing Scams, and Viruses
          1. Spam Blocking
          2. Phishing Filter
          3. Virus Protection
        6. Using Address Book to Manage Your Contacts
      3. 21. Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer
        1. Understanding the Web
        2. Using Internet Explorer 7
        3. Basic Web Surfing
        4. Using Tabbed Browsing
        5. Advanced Operations
          1. Searching from the Browser
          2. Saving Your Favorite Pages
          3. Revisiting History
          4. Printing
          5. Viewing RSS News Feeds
        6. Internet Security with IE7
          1. Protecting Against Phishing Scams
          2. Protecting Against Malicious Websites
          3. Blocking Pop-up Ads
      4. 22. Searching the Web
        1. How to Search the Web
          1. Constructing a Query
          2. Using Wildcards
          3. Searching for an Exact Phrase
        2. Where to Search
          1. Google—The Most Popular Search Site on the Web
          2. Other Search Sites
        3. Searching for People and Businesses
      5. 23. Shopping Online
        1. How to Shop Online
          1. Step 1: Find a Product
          2. Step 2: Examine the Product
          3. Step 3: Order the Product
          4. Step 4: Check Out
          5. Step 5: Confirm the Order
        2. How to Find the Best Prices Online
          1. Price Comparison Sites
          2. Comparing Prices at Shopping.com
        3. How to Shop Safely
        4. How to Book Travel Reservations Online
      6. 24. Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions
        1. Who Sells on eBay?
        2. How Does an eBay Auction Work?
        3. Ebay Bidding, Step-by-Step
        4. Buy It Quick with Buy It Now
        5. More Than Auctions: eBay Express, eBay Stores, and Half.com
          1. eBay Stores
          2. eBay Express
          3. Half.com
        6. Protecting Yourself Against Fraudulent Sellers
          1. Checking Feedback
          2. Getting Help After a Bad Transaction
        7. eBay Selling, Step-by-Step
      7. 25. Exploring Blogs and Podcasts
        1. Welcome to the Blogosphere
        2. Reading—And Commenting On—Blogs
        3. Searching for Blogs
        4. Tracking Your Blogs with Feed Reader Software
        5. Creating Your Own Blog
        6. Blogs on the Radio: Listening to Podcasts
          1. How Podcasts Work
          2. Finding Podcasts
          3. Podcasts on the iPod
          4. Creating Your Own Podcasts
      8. 26. Social Networking with MySpace
        1. What Is MySpace?
          1. Welcome to Social Networking
          2. MySpace’s History
          3. Who’s on MySpace?
          4. What Do People Do on MySpace?
          5. Friending on MySpace
        2. Browsing MySpace Profiles
          1. Browsing the Profiles
          2. Searching for Users
          3. Viewing a Profile
        3. Creating Your Own MySpace Profile
        4. MySpace for Parents
      9. 27. Creating Your Own Web Page
        1. Building a Web Page at a Home Page Community
          1. Visiting the Communities
          2. Creating a Home Page with Google Page Creator
        2. Using Page-Building Software
        3. Uploading Your Pages to a Web Host
      10. 28. Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites
        1. News, Sports, and Weather
          1. News Sites
          2. Sports Sites
          3. Weather Sites
        2. Financial Information
        3. Medical Information
        4. Photos, Clip Art, and Other Images
        5. Maps and Travel Guides
        6. Classifieds and Local Shopping
        7. Job Hunting
        8. Religion
        9. Entertainment
        10. Education and Reference
        11. Games
        12. Sites for Kids
        13. Sites for Seniors
      11. 29. Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
        1. Understanding Instant Messaging
        2. Using AOL Instant Messenger
          1. Downloading the AIM Software
          2. Launching AIM and Signing In
          3. Adding New Buddies
          4. Sending a Message
          5. Receiving a Message
    11. VI. Exploring the Digital Lifestyle
      1. 30. Using Your Pc With A Digital Camera
        1. Transferring Pictures Via USB
        2. Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card
        3. Scanning a Picture
        4. Storing Your Photos in Windows
      2. 31. Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos
        1. Choosing a Photo Editing Program
        2. Editing Your Photos with Windows Photo Gallery
          1. Organizing Your Photos
          2. Editing a Photo
          3. Emailing a Resized Photo
        3. Printing Your Photos
          1. Choosing the Right Printer and Paper
          2. Making the Print
          3. Printing Photos Professionally
      3. 32. Sharing Your Digital Photos Online
        1. Emailing Digital Photos
        2. Sharing Photos at a Photo Sharing Site
        3. Printing Photos Online
      4. 33. Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs
        1. Choosing a Music Player Program
        2. Using Windows Media Player
          1. Playing a CD
          2. Viewing CD Info
          3. Ripping Songs from CD to Your PC
          4. Burning Your Own CDs
        3. Using Apple iTunes
          1. Playing a CD
          2. Ripping Songs from CD to Your PC
          3. Burning Your Own CDs
      5. 34. Downloading and Playing Digital Music
        1. Understanding Digital Audio Formats
        2. Downloading from Online Music Stores
          1. Itunes Store
          2. URGE
          3. Other Online Music Stores
        3. Playing Digital Music on Your PC
          1. Using Windows Media Player
            1. Playing Digital Audio Files
            2. Creating a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
          2. Using the iTunes Player
            1. Playing Digital Audio Files
            2. Creating a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
        4. Listening to Internet Radio
      6. 35. Using Your PC with an iPod or MP3 Player
        1. Working with the Apple iPod
          1. Connecting an iPod to Your PC
          2. Managing Your Music with iTunes
          3. Downloading Songs from the iTunes Music Store
        2. Using Windows Media Player with Other MP3 Players
      7. 36. Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC
        1. Using Windows Media Player to Play DVDs
          1. Playing DVD Movies
          2. Playing Movies Full-Screen
          3. Navigating DVD Menus
          4. Changing DVD Audio Options
          5. Displaying Subtitles and Closed Captions
          6. Playing in Slow Motion—Or Fast Motion
        2. Playing Video Files with Windows Media Player
        3. Playing Recorded TV Programs with Windows Media Player
      8. 37. Downloading and Playing Videos from the Web
        1. Looking for Videos on the Web
          1. Videos on Regular Websites
          2. Video-Only Websites
        2. Viewing Videos on YouTube
          1. Searching for Videos
          2. Viewing Videos
        3. Viewing and Downloading Videos from Google Video
          1. Searching for Videos
          2. Viewing Videos
        4. Downloading Videos from the iTunes Store
          1. Purchasing Videos
          2. Transferring Videos to Your iPod
      9. 38. Making Your Own Digital Home Movies
        1. Configuring Your System for Video Editing
        2. Choosing a Video Editing Program
        3. Working with Windows Movie Maker
          1. Capturing Digital Video
          2. Editing Your Video
          3. Titles, Transitions, and Other Options
          4. Saving—And Watching—Your Movie
        4. Burning Your Movie to DVD
          1. Choosing a DVD Creation Program
          2. Burning a DVD with Windows DVD Maker

    Product information

    • Title: Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Fourth Edition
    • Author(s): Michael Miller
    • Release date: February 2007
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: 078973673X