Wonderful computer geniuses out there create absolutely amazing things. Many however unfortunately do not always communicate plainly enough with the rest of us by simply and clearly explaining just how these new fangled computers and software really work. This book supplies answers not found elsewhere for many questions asked routinely day after day, week after week. Every attempt has been made to show or describe step-by-step guides to basic computer related questions. Please note this book is specifically about desktop and laptop computers and not handheld computers known as personal digital assistants (PDAs), even though some information here may be helpful if using a PDA.
This book assumes you are using a PC. Information here may be useful to folks using Macintosh equipment, but is written from a PC Windows operating system standpoint. We also assume you are using the left click as your dominant click and that your folders are setup so that a double left click will open a file or folder, and a single left click will select a file or folder.
All computers and/or systems are unique; all users are different with varying levels of expertise. The majority of diagrams here XP oriented, so if you are using a Windows 98 operating system, the figures and/or steps may not work exactly as stated but the concepts are essentially the same. To improve your computer experience getting the concept is the point; not necessarily the steps. Memorizing steps without embracing the concept can only work part of the time. Understanding the concept allows the steps to flow naturally. Please remember that you must learn your computer(s) and develop a relationship with these machines. What works perfectly one day may not work so perfectly the next. Its kind of like when all of a sudden your automobile has a flat tire and you remark But it wasnt flat this morning so it is with computers.
Chapter 1 is all about hardware equipment you can physically touch and move around to different locations. This includes and is not limited to the computer itself; power strip, surge protector, and uninterrupted power supply (UPS); shutting the computer off optimally; networking or connecting computers; the central processing unit (CPU); random access memory (RAM); hard disk drive(s); floppy diskettes and drives; CD discs and drives read only memory (ROM), recordable (R), re-writeable (RW); DVD discs and drives read only memory (ROM), recordable (R), re-writeable (RAM, RW, +RW); keyboards; mice; speakers; monitors including size, technology, refresh rate, resolution and contrast; printers; scanners; digital cameras; connection ports and cables.
Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 4 are all about software. Software is the intangible stuff that you cant hold in your hand software tells the computer and hardware what to do.
Chapter 2 specifically deals with PC operating system software its functions, how to keep it running smoothly and current, with periodic updates from Microsoft. Topics include and are not limited to mouse pointers; cursors; games that help you practice clicking, holding the click, and dragging rules for Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, FreeCell, and Minesweeper; the monitor display themes, wallpaper and background; power options; the taskbar; print screen key; system restore; control panel; Windows Explorer; the windows key, searching your computer, Internet Explorer; Safe Mode; the Registry; PC maintenance including spyware removal, Disk Cleanup, ScanDisk/Error Check, Disk Defragmenter; virus protection; manually checking for Windows updates; and MSCONFIG.
Chapter 3 discusses program application software; Save versus Save As installing and removing; file format and extensions; PDF, image, audio, word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, virus and firewall protection software.
Chapter 4 explains software directly related to the Internet and being on-line. This includes and is not limited to connections dial-up and non dial-up (also known as broadband); choosing an ISP, electronic mail; instant messaging; browsers; the World Wide Web (WWW); search engines; movies; banking; payment services; auctions; chat rooms; Usenet; Acronyms; and Emoticons; and passwords.
Chapter 5 discusses various aspects for purchasing computer related hardware and software, rebates, and mail ordering of computers.
We recommend you read this book initially from cover to cover allowing you to get a full glimpse of the big picture of how computers work; please make annotations of places you wish to return to at another time for additional practice.
When learning new things go SLOWLY and learn to be a conscious clicker; never click that mouse without a reason.
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