Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers

Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers

by Faithe Wempen
Released January 2015
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9781119039716

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Book description

The absolute beginner's guide to learning basic computer skills

Computing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers gets you up to speed on basic computing skills, showing you everything you need to know to conquer entry-level computing courses. Written by a Microsoft Office Master Instructor, this useful guide walks you step-by-step through the most important concepts and skills you need to be proficient on the computer, using nontechnical, easy-to-understand language. You'll start at the very beginning, getting acquainted with the actual, physical machine, then progress through the most common software at your own pace. You'll learn how to navigate Windows 8.1, how to access and get around on the Internet, and how to stay connected with email. Clear instruction guides you through Microsoft Office 2013, helping you create documents in Word, spreadsheets in Excel, and presentations in PowerPoint. You'll even learn how to keep your information secure with special guidance on security and privacy.

Maybe you're preparing for a compulsory computing course, brushing up for a new job, or just curious about how a computer can make your life easier. If you're an absolute beginner, this is your complete guide to learning the essential skills you need:

  • Understand the basics of how your computer works

  • Learn your way around Windows 8.1

  • Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations

  • Send email, surf the Web, and keep your data secure

    • With clear explanations and step-by-step instruction, Computing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers will have you up and running in no time.

    Table of contents

    1. Cover Page
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright
    4. Dedication
    5. About the Author
    6. About the Contributors
    7. Credits
    8. Acknowledgments
    9. Contents at a Glance
    10. Contents
    11. Introduction
      1. What You Will Learn
      2. Chapter Features
      3. End-of-Chapter Features
      4. Online Features
    12. Part I: Computer Basics and Hardware
      1. Chapter 1: Computer Basics
        1. Understanding Information Systems
        2. Identifying Computer Types
        3. Understanding Software Types
        4. Computer System Components
        5. How Computers Communicate
        6. Summary
        7. Key Terms
        8. Test Yourself
      2. Chapter 2: The System Unit
        1. Understanding CPUs
        2. Understanding Memory
        3. Understanding Motherboards
        4. Understanding Power Supplies
        5. Troubleshooting Common System Unit Problems
        6. Summary
        7. Key Terms
        8. Test Yourself
      3. Chapter 3: Input, Output, and Storage
        1. Selecting and Using Input Devices
        2. Selecting and Using Output Devices
        3. Choosing Appropriate Storage Devices
        4. Troubleshooting Common Input, Output, and Storage Problems
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
    13. Part II: Software
      1. Chapter 4: Operating System Basics
        1. Understanding System Software
        2. Comparing the Major Operating Systems
        3. Understanding Device Drivers
        4. Understanding Digital Storage
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
      2. Chapter 5: Introduction to Windows 8.1
        1. A Tour of Windows 8.1
        2. Starting Up and Shutting Down
        3. Running Applications
        4. Managing Files
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
      3. Chapter 6: Windows 8.1 Administration and Maintenance
        1. Managing User Accounts
        2. Using System Utilities
        3. Troubleshooting Common Windows Problems
        4. Summary
        5. Key Terms
        6. Test Yourself
      4. Chapter 7: Understanding Application Software
        1. Business Productivity Software
        2. Graphics Software
        3. Other Types of Software
        4. Managing Your Applications
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
        8. Explore More
    14. Part III: Microsoft Office
      1. Chapter 8: Understanding Microsoft Office 2013
        1. Understanding the Office 2013 Interface
        2. Using Basic Features of Office Applications
        3. Saving, Opening, and Creating Files
        4. Printing and Sharing Files
        5. Setting Application Options
        6. Summary
        7. Key Terms
        8. Test Yourself
      2. Chapter 9: Word Processing with Microsoft Word
        1. Editing and Formatting Text
        2. Formatting Paragraphs
        3. Formatting Documents and Sections
        4. Working with Pictures
        5. Working with Tables
        6. Correcting and Collaborating
        7. Summary
        8. Key Terms
        9. Test Yourself
      3. Chapter 10: Creating Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel
        1. Understanding the Excel Interface
        2. Moving Around in a Worksheet
        3. Changing the Structure of a Worksheet
        4. Formatting Cells
        5. Entering Formulas and Functions
        6. Creating Charts
        7. Working with Data Tables
        8. Summary
        9. Key Terms
        10. Test Yourself
      4. Chapter 11: Managing Databases with Access
        1. Understanding Access Databases
        2. Creating Databases and Tables
        3. Creating Queries
        4. Creating Forms and Reports
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
      5. Chapter 12: Creating Presentation Graphics with PowerPoint
        1. Building a Basic Presentation
        2. Formatting a Presentation
        3. Creating and Inserting Content
        4. Applying Transitions and Animations
        5. Presenting a Slide Show
        6. Summary
        7. Key Terms
        8. Test Yourself
    15. Part IV: Connectivity and Communication
      1. Chapter 13: Networking and Internet Basics
        1. Our Connected World: Communication Systems
        2. Ways of Classifying Networks
        3. Network Hardware
        4. Understanding and Connecting to the Internet
        5. Troubleshooting Network and Internet Connections
        6. Summary
        7. Key Terms
        8. Test Yourself
      2. Chapter 14: Online Communication
        1. Internet Communication Types
        2. Communicating Appropriately
        3. Using and Managing Email
        4. Summary
        5. Key Terms
        6. Test Yourself
      3. Chapter 15: Web Basics
        1. How the Web Works
        2. Accessing the Web with a Browser
        3. Using Web Search Tools
        4. Summary
        5. Key Terms
        6. Test Yourself
      4. Chapter 16: Network and Internet Privacy and Security
        1. Network and Internet Security Concerns
        2. Network and Internet Privacy Concerns
        3. Strategies for Improving Security
        4. Summary
        5. Key Terms
        6. Test Yourself
      5. Chapter 17: Legal, Ethical, Health, and Environmental Issues in Computing
        1. Legal Issues in Computing
        2. Ethical Issues in Computing
        3. Health Issues in Computing
        4. Environmental Issues in Computer Disposal
        5. Summary
        6. Key Terms
        7. Test Yourself
    16. Appendix A: Customizing Windows 8.1
      1. Customizing the Interface
      2. Changing Location-Based Settings
      3. Summary
      4. Key Terms
      5. Test Yourself
    17. Answers to Chapter Questions
      1. Chapter 1
      2. Chapter 2
      3. Chapter 3
      4. Chapter 4
      5. Chapter 5
      6. Chapter 6
      7. Chapter 7
      8. Chapter 8
      9. Chapter 9
      10. Chapter 10
      11. Chapter 11
      12. Chapter 12
      13. Chapter 13
      14. Chapter 14
      15. Chapter 15
      16. Chapter 16
      17. Chapter 17
      18. Appendix A
    18. Glossary
    19. Index
      1. NUMERICS

    Product information

    • Title: Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers
    • Author(s): Faithe Wempen
    • Release date: January 2015
    • Publisher(s): Sybex
    • ISBN: 9781119039716