Computers Simplified®, 7th Edition

Book description

Here’s the easiest guide ever to computers — a book that skips the long-winded explanations and shows you how things work. Full-color screen shots walk you through each step, and self-contained, two-page lessons make learning a snap. You’ll learn to use different types of computers and software, create documents and use different programs, get online, start using e-mail, and manage your music and digital photos. A friendly character called Chip introduces each task, and sidebars offer real-world advice.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Praise for Visual Books
  3. Credits
  4. About the Author
  5. Author's Acknowledgments
  6. 1. Getting Familiar with Computer Basics
    1. 1.1. Discover the Computer
    2. 1.2. Benefits of Using a Computer
    3. 1.3. What You Can Do with a Computer
    4. 1.4. Types of Computers
    5. 1.5. Tour the Personal Computer
      1. 1.5.1. Personal Computer Accessories
      2. 1.5.2. Front of a Personal Computer Case
      3. 1.5.3. Personal Computer Ports
    6. 1.6. Learn About Computer Hardware
    7. 1.7. Explore Computer Software
  7. 2. Discovering How Your Computer Works
    1. 2.1. Get to Know Data Input Devices
    2. 2.2. Get Acquainted with Data Output Devices
    3. 2.3. Learn About the Operating System
    4. 2.4. Tour the Central Processing Unit
    5. 2.5. Understanding Memory
    6. 2.6. Learn About Data Storage
      1. 2.6.1. CD Drives
      2. 2.6.2. DVD Drives
      3. 2.6.3. Secondary Types of Data Storage
  8. 3. Purchasing a Computer
    1. 3.1. Choose a Computer Type
    2. 3.2. Select a CPU
    3. 3.3. Determine How Much RAM You Need
    4. 3.4. Select Data Storage Options
    5. 3.5. Choose a Monitor and Video Card
    6. 3.6. Choose a Printer
    7. 3.7. Add Other Peripherals
    8. 3.8. Purchase Additional Software
    9. 3.9. Tips on Purchase Considerations
  9. 4. Getting Started with Your Computer
    1. 4.1. Set Up Your Work Area
    2. 4.2. Connect the Computer Components
    3. 4.3. Turn On the Computer for the First Time
    4. 4.4. Use a Keyboard
      1. 4.4.1. Keyboard Types
      2. 4.4.2. Keyboard Tips
    5. 4.5. Use a Mouse
      1. 4.5.1. Mouse Techniques
      2. 4.5.2. Explore Mouse Types
      3. 4.5.3. Mouse Tips
    6. 4.6. Use a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive
      1. 4.6.1. Use a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive
    7. 4.7. Use a Memory Card Reader
      1. 4.7.1. Use a Memory Card Reader
    8. 4.8. Restart the Computer
      1. 4.8.1. Restart Your Computer
    9. 4.9. Turn Off the Computer
      1. 4.9.1. Turn Off Your Computer
  10. 5. Learning Windows Vista Basics
    1. 5.1. Explore the Windows Vista Screen
    2. 5.2. Start a Program
      1. 5.2.1. Start a Program
    3. 5.3. Switch Between Programs
      1. 5.3.1. Switch Between Programs
    4. 5.4. Tour a Program Window
    5. 5.5. Access a Command from a Drop-Down Menu
      1. 5.5.1. Access a Command from a Drop-Down Menu
    6. 5.6. Select a Command Using a Toolbar
      1. 5.6.1. Select a Command Using a Toolbar
    7. 5.7. Use Dialog Box Controls
      1. 5.7.1. Use Dialog Box Controls
    8. 5.8. Save a Document
      1. 5.8.1. Save a Document
    9. 5.9. Open a Document
      1. 5.9.1. Open a Document
    10. 5.10. Print a Document
      1. 5.10.1. Print a Document
    11. 5.11. Edit Document Text
      1. 5.11.1. Edit Document Text
    12. 5.12. Copy a File
      1. 5.12.1. Copy a File
    13. 5.13. Move a File
      1. 5.13.1. Move a File
    14. 5.14. Rename a File
      1. 5.14.1. Rename a File
    15. 5.15. Delete a File
      1. 5.15.1. Delete a File
  11. 6. Using Software
    1. 6.1. Create Documents with a Word Processor
      1. 6.1.1. Format a Document
      2. 6.1.2. Format a Document
      3. 6.1.3. Enhance a Document
      4. 6.1.4. Perfect a Document
    2. 6.2. Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet
      1. 6.2.1. Spreadsheet Basics
      2. 6.2.2. Build a Spreadsheet
      3. 6.2.3. Work Faster
      4. 6.2.4. Enhance a Spreadsheet
    3. 6.3. Build Presentations with a Presentation Program
      1. 6.3.1. Presentation Basics
      2. 6.3.2. Build a Presentation
    4. 6.4. Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor
      1. 6.4.1. Obtain Images
      2. 6.4.2. Work with Images
    5. 6.5. Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program
      1. 6.5.1. Get Started
      2. 6.5.2. Add Content
      3. 6.5.3. Lay Out the Page
  12. 7. Using Multimedia
    1. 7.1. How a Digital Camera Works
    2. 7.2. How a Digital Video Camera Works
    3. 7.3. How a Webcam Works
    4. 7.4. How a Digital Audio Player Works
    5. 7.5. Discover Digital Images
    6. 7.6. Learn About Digital Video
    7. 7.7. Understanding Digital Audio
    8. 7.8. Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer
      1. 7.8.1. Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer
    9. 7.9. Discover Gaming Consoles
  13. 8. Working with Portable Computers
    1. 8.1. Understand the Advantages of a Portable Computer
    2. 8.2. Learn About the Portable Computer Battery
      1. 8.2.1. Battery Types
      2. 8.2.2. Battery Tips
      3. 8.2.3. Monitor Battery Life
    3. 8.3. Maximize Battery Power
      1. 8.3.1. General Tips
    4. 8.4. Discover the Portable Computer Screen
      1. 8.4.1. LCD Screen Types
    5. 8.5. Upgrade with PC Cards
    6. 8.6. Learn About Portable Computer Accessories
  14. 9. Connecting to the Internet
    1. 9.1. Introduction to the Internet
      1. 9.1.1. Internet Services
    2. 9.2. Explore Internet Connections
    3. 9.3. Start the Connect to the Internet Wizard
      1. 9.3.1. START THE CONNECT TO THE INTERNET WIZARD
    4. 9.4. Set Up a Dial-Up Internet Connection
      1. 9.4.1. SET UP A DIAL-UP INTERNET CONNECTION
    5. 9.5. Set Up a Broadband Internet Connection
      1. 9.5.1. SET UP A BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION
    6. 9.6. Set Up a Wireless Internet Connection
      1. 9.6.1. SET UP A WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION
    7. 9.7. Connect to the Internet
      1. 9.7.1. CONNECT TO THE INTERNET
    8. 9.8. Disconnect from the Internet
      1. 9.8.1. Disconnect from the Internet
  15. 10. Surfing the World Wide Web
    1. 10.1. Introduction to the World Wide Web
    2. 10.2. Learn About Web Browsers
      1. 10.2.1. Popular Web Browsers
      2. 10.2.2. Web Browser Features
    3. 10.3. Search the Web
    4. 10.4. Read News on the Web
    5. 10.5. Research Using the Web
    6. 10.6. Buy and Sell on the Web
      1. 10.6.1. Buying on THE Web
      2. 10.6.2. Selling on the Web
    7. 10.7. Socialize on the Web
  16. 11. Communicating Online
    1. 11.1. Introduction to E-Mail
      1. 11.1.1. E-Mail Program
    2. 11.2. Discover E-Mail Addresses
      1. 11.2.1. Parts of an E-Mail Address
    3. 11.3. Compose an E-Mail Message
      1. 11.3.1. E-Mail Style
    4. 11.4. Receive an E-Mail Message
      1. 11.4.1. Work with Received Messages
    5. 11.5. Learn About E-Mail Etiquette
  17. 12. Wireless Computing
    1. 12.1. Discover Wireless Computing
    2. 12.2. Wireless Computing Devices
      1. 12.2.1. Wireless Network Adapters
    3. 12.3. Connect to a Wireless Network
    4. 12.4. Stream Media Throughout Your Home
  18. 13. Performing Computer Maintenance
    1. 13.1. Update Your Operating System
      1. 13.1.1. Update Types
      2. 13.1.2. Updating Windows Vista
      3. 13.1.3. Updating Mac OS X
    2. 13.2. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
      1. 13.2.1. Hard Drive Error Types
    3. 13.3. Defragment Your Hard Drive
      1. 13.3.1. Understanding Defragmentation
    4. 13.4. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
    5. 13.5. Back Up Your Files
  19. 14. Implementing Computer Security
    1. 14.1. Guard Against Internet Intruders
    2. 14.2. Protect Yourself on the Web
      1. 14.2.1. Unsecure Sites
    3. 14.3. Protect Your Children on the Web
      1. 14.3.1. Potential Dangers
      2. 14.3.2. Ways to Protect Children
    4. 14.4. Reduce E-Mail Spam
    5. 14.5. Guard Against E-Mail Viruses

Product information

  • Title: Computers Simplified®, 7th Edition
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: October 2007
  • Publisher(s): Visual
  • ISBN: 9780470168776