Computers For Seniors For Dummies, 6th Edition

Computers For Seniors For Dummies, 6th Edition

by Faithe Wempen
Released December 2021
Publisher(s): For Dummies
ISBN: 9781119849605

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Book description

A simple guide to computers that'll show you what all the fuss is about

Most people new to computers find them a little intimidating at first. But with the right guidance, even a total novice can be sending email and banking online in no time at all. Computers For Seniors For Dummies is your must-have computing companion, full of crystal clear, step-by-step instructions for accessing websites, opening and using programs, and keeping yourself safe from viruses and hackers. And unlike the confusing "tips" from your son-in-law, you can rely on the For Dummies brand to deliver advice that actually works!

Whether you've set up your computer and are ready to start using it or it's still sitting in the box, this book walks you through each and every step you need to take to connect with your family or share your photos with your friends on Facebook. It'll also show you how to:

  • Research topics you're interested in on the web while steering clear of malicious websites and emails that can harm your computer
  • Shop online in a way that keeps your credit card info secure
  • Find recipes, diet tips, the latest news, or your favorite TV show

Computers For Seniors For Dummies is your one-stop resource for taking control of your computer, transforming it from an expensive paperweight into the most useful gadget in your home. Filled with easy-on-the-eyes type and tons of explanatory images, this is the book that will finally get you up to speed on personal computing.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Introduction
    1. About This Book
    2. Foolish Assumptions
    3. Icons Used in This Book
    4. Beyond the Book
    5. Where to Go from Here
  5. Part 1: Get Going!
    1. Chapter 1: Buying a Computer
      1. What Can You Can Do with a Computer?
      2. Get Up to Speed on Hardware
      3. Input Devices: Putting Stuff In
      4. Output Devices: Getting Stuff Out
      5. What Is Software?
      6. Decide on a Type of Computer
      7. Choose a Display Type
      8. Evaluate Your Storage Options
      9. Consider How You Will Get Online
      10. Where to Shop for Your New PC
    2. Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Computer
      1. Out of the Box: Set Up Your New PC
      2. Set Up Windows
      3. Take a First Look at Windows
      4. Use a Mouse, Trackball, or Touchscreen
      5. Get Familiar with the Start Menu
      6. Sign Out and In
      7. Switch Accounts
      8. Lock Windows while You’re Away
      9. Restart Windows
      10. Place the Computer in Sleep Mode
      11. Shut Down Your Computer
      12. Create Additional User Accounts
      13. Change an Account’s Type
      14. Manage Family Settings
    3. Chapter 3: Buying and Setting Up a Printer
      1. Do You Need a Printer?
      2. Choose the Right Printer
      3. Unpack and Install a New Printer
      4. Set Up a Printer to Work with Windows
      5. Set a Default Printer
      6. Set Printer Preferences
      7. Manage a Print Queue
      8. Remove a Printer
  6. Part 2: Getting Up to Speed with Windows
    1. Chapter 4: Working with Apps in Windows
      1. Learn the Names of Things
      2. Start an App
      3. Exit an App
      4. Find Your Way Around in a Desktop App
      5. Find Your Way Around in a Microsoft Store App
      6. Work with a Window
      7. Switch among Running Apps
      8. Move and Copy Data between Apps
      9. Install New Apps
      10. Remove Apps
    2. Chapter 5: Six Great Apps that Come with Windows
      1. Do the Math with the Calculator App
      2. Write Brilliant Documents with WordPad
      3. Jot Quick Notes with Notepad
      4. Set Alarms and Timers
      5. Keep Up on the Weather
      6. Save Time with Cortana
      7. Explore Other Windows Apps
    3. Chapter 6: Managing Your Personal Files
      1. Understand How Windows Organizes Data
      2. Explore the File Explorer Interface
      3. Move between Different Locations
      4. Locate Files and Folders
      5. View File Listings in Different Ways
      6. Select Multiple Items at Once
      7. Move or Copy an Item
      8. Delete or Undelete an Item
      9. Rename an Item
      10. Create a Shortcut to an Item
      11. Create a Compressed File
      12. Customize the Quick Access List
      13. Back Up Files to an External Drive
    4. Chapter 7: Making Windows Your Own
      1. Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu
      2. Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar
      3. Customize the Windows 10 Start Menu
      4. Customize the Windows 10 Taskbar
      5. Customize the Screen Resolution and Scale
      6. Apply a Desktop Theme
      7. Change Desktop Background Image
      8. Change the Accent Color
      9. Manage Desktop Icons
      10. Add Widgets to the Desktop
      11. Make Windows More Accessible
  7. Part 3: Going Online
    1. Chapter 8: Getting Connected to the Internet
      1. What Is the Internet?
      2. Explore Different Types of Internet Connections
      3. Identify the Hardware Required
      4. Set Up a Wi-Fi Internet Connection
      5. Assess Your Software Situation
    2. Chapter 9: Browsing the Web
      1. Meet the Edge Browser
      2. Search the Web
      3. Find Content on a Web Page
      4. Pin a Tab
      5. Create and Manage a Favorites List
      6. Use Favorites
      7. View Your Browsing History
      8. Print a Web Page
      9. Create Collections
      10. Customize the New Tab Page and the Home Page
      11. Adjust Microsoft Edge Settings
    3. Chapter 10: Staying Safe While Online
      1. Understand Technology Risks on the Internet
      2. Download Files Safely
      3. Use InPrivate Browsing
      4. Use SmartScreen Filter and Block Unwanted Apps
      5. Change Edge Privacy Settings
      6. Understand Information Exposure
      7. Keep Your Information Private
      8. Spot Phishing Scams and Other Email Fraud
      9. Create Strong Passwords
    4. Chapter 11: Keeping in Touch with Mail
      1. Sign Up for an Email Account
      2. Set Up Accounts in the Mail App
      3. Get to Know the Mail Interface
      4. Receive Messages
      5. Reply to or Forward a Message
      6. Create and Send Email
      7. Manage Addresses
      8. Send an Attachment
      9. Change Mail Account Settings
    5. Chapter 12: Working in the Cloud
      1. Understand Cloud-Based Applications
      2. Use Office Online
      3. Access Your OneDrive Storage
      4. Add Files to OneDrive
      5. Share a Folder or File Using OneDrive
      6. Create a New OneDrive Folder
      7. Use the Personal Vault
      8. Adjust OneDrive Settings
      9. Configure Online Synchronization
    6. Chapter 13: Connecting with People Online
      1. Use Discussion Boards and Blogs
      2. Participate in a Chat
      3. Understand Instant Messages
      4. Explore Microsoft Teams
      5. Explore Skype
      6. Use a Webcam
      7. Get an Overview of Collaborative and Social Networking Sites
      8. Sign Up for a Social Networking Service
      9. Understand How Online Dating Works
  8. Part 4: Having Fun
    1. Chapter 14: Let’s Play a Game!
      1. Learn the Types of Game Delivery
      2. Explore the Various Gaming Genres
      3. Understand How Game Makers Get Paid
      4. A Few of My Favorites
    2. Chapter 15: Creating and Viewing Digital Photos and Videos
      1. Capture Pictures and Video with the Camera App
      2. Make Audio Recordings with Voice Recorder
      3. Find and Play Videos Using the Movies & TV App
      4. Transfer Photos and Videos from a Camera or Phone
      5. View and Edit Photos in the Photos App
      6. Create a Video with the Video Editor
    3. Chapter 16: Listening to Music on Your PC
      1. Preparing to Listen to Digital Music
      2. Introducing Windows Media Player
      3. Make Your Stored Music Available in Windows Media Player
      4. Play Music
      5. Create a Playlist
      6. Rip a Music CD
      7. Burn a Music CD
      8. Acquire New Music
  9. Part 5: Windows Toolkit
    1. Chapter 17: Working with Networks
      1. Plan and Set Up a Home Network
      2. Enabling Wireless Router Security
      3. Set Up File Sharing on Your PC
      4. Choose What Folders to Share
      5. Share a Local Printer
      6. Connect Bluetooth Devices to Your PC
      7. Use Your Cell Phone as a Hotspot
    2. Chapter 18: Protecting Windows
      1. Choose Security Software
      2. Update Windows
      3. Check Windows Security Settings
      4. Change Your Microsoft Account Password
      5. Change How You Sign Into Windows
    3. Chapter 19: Maintaining Windows
      1. Shut Down an Unresponsive Application
      2. Troubleshoot Application Problems
      3. Repair or Remove an App
      4. Set an App to Run in Compatibility Mode
      5. Restore Your System Files
      6. Use Windows Troubleshooter Utilities
      7. Reset Your PC: The Last Resort
      8. Free Up Disk Space
  10. Index
  11. About the Author
  12. Connect with Dummies
  13. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Computers For Seniors For Dummies, 6th Edition
  • Author(s): Faithe Wempen
  • Release date: December 2021
  • Publisher(s): For Dummies
  • ISBN: 9781119849605