Synopses & Reviews
This year, millions of casual computer users will buy new Windows 8 mobile devices, notebooks, and desktop PCs. They'll want to know how to find their way around, get comfortable, and get the job done - without jargon, complexity, or hassle. There's a book for them: Michael Miller's Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, Windows 8 Edition. It's the one book that covers everything today's beginners and near-beginners need to know: not just about Windows, but also about software, hardware, and the Internet. Through 100+ books, author Michael Miller has established an unparalleled track record in explaining complicated concepts simply and clearly, and empowering beginners. Now, he's thoroughly updated his best-selling Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics to cover today's user experience - with Windows 8, Internet Explorer 8, and today's hottest online tools, from craigslist and Facebook to Twitter, Wikipedia, and Google Docs. The latest edition of Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics is updated with coverage of Windows 8, which introduces the totally new Metro user interface. Given Metro's genesis as a mobile interface, and Microsoft's push towards a new breed of touchscreen computing devices, this new edition will include more hardware coverage than previous editions. In addition, this book will cover Windows 8's new Metro interface in depth, as well as feature increased coverage of social networking and cloud computing applications.
Review
This textbook teaches basic computer usage updated for use with aWindows 8 operating system. It addresses basic issues such as setting up a printer or using iTunes. The text begins with a briefexplanation of how personal computers work in general and then goes on to give step-by-step instructions on how one would set up a homecomputer. The book is Windows 8 specific, and many of the directions apply to Windows only. The book also contains chapters explainingcurrent popular social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. There are a tutorials concerning photo sharing, watching shows and video online, and routine maintenance.Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
About the Author
Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical advice, technical accuracy, and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers.
Mr. Miller has written more than 100 best-selling books over the past two decades. His books for Que include Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics, Easy Facebook, Facebook for Grown-Ups, My Pinterest, and The Ultimate Digital Music Guide.
He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world advice-as well as his ability to explain a variety of complex topics to an everyday audience.
Table of Contents
Part I: Getting Started
1. How Personal Computers Work
2. Getting to Know Desktop Computers
3. Getting to Know Notebook and Netbook Computers
4. Getting to Know Tablet Computers
Part II. Keeping Your System Up and Running
5. Working with Printers
6. Setting Up a Home Network
7. Adding Storage and Backup
8. Connecting Your PC to Your TV
9. Performing Routine Maintenance
10. Dealing with Common Problems
11. Protecting Against Computer Attacks, Malware, and Spam
Part III: Using Windows
12. Getting to Know Windows 8
13. Personalizing Windows
14. Working with Files, Folders, and Disks
Part IV: Using the Internet
15. Connecting to the Internet -- at Home and On the Road
16. Surfing the Web -- Safely and Securely
17. Researching Online
18. Buying and Selling Online
19. Banking and Paying Bills Online
20. Watching TV and Movies Online
Part V: Communicating Online
21. Sending and Receiving Email
22. Sending and Receiving Instant Messages
23. Social Networking with Facebook
24. More Social Networking with Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter
25. Exploring the Blogosphere
Part VI: Working with Apps and Software
26. Finding New Apps in the Windows App Store
27. Installing Traditional Computer Software
28. Finding Applications in the Cloud
29. Doing Office Work
30. Staying Organized
31. Playing CDs and DVDs
32. Playing and Storing Digital Music
33. Editing and Sharing Digital Photos
34. Making and Sharing Home Movies