Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics

I have been repairing computers, tutoring adults and assisting with teaching children in a K-6 environment computers. When anybody asks me for help learning, I point this book out and start them off with it. It has all the basics you need to know. You can use it for quick reference and to learn how to get around on your computer. The book is WELL worth the money you spend on it. Now there is the 5th edition it is even better yet! The 5th edition has Windows 7 for persons buying new computers. There are 38 chapters and every chapter is fully understandable not packed with a bunch of "geek" terminology but simple easy to use format. We have purchased over 15 books to learn the basics.

I remember how intimidating it was when I got my first computer. At the time, my husband regularly used a computer at work and thought that I should learn. Of course, I didn't even know how to turn on the thing let alone make it do something worthwhile. Looking back, I wish I would have had a resource like Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics. The book starts right from the start. Right off, the book tells the reader that they aren't likely to damage the computer by pressing the wrong button. It also explains all the components of a computer and then takes the reader step by step through what the computer can do. Since the book is based on Windows 7 technology, the new computer owner can simply unpack the parts and begin setting up. By the end of the book, the reader will pretty much be caught up on the basics. Absolute Beginner's Guide to Computer Basics is good for those new to computing. It provides the basics and does so in an easy to understand way. However, additional resources may need to be consulted if troubleshooting information is required.

The nice thing about this book is that it is very clear that the author has 'been there, done that.' As he writes he talks about things like surfing the web and when he does he gives pointers about things like viruses and other malware. Although I've been involved with PC's for a lot of years, he has much more experience in many aspects than I do. For instance, I've just gotten tasks to do with digital cameras. He has several chapters on working in this area that told me a lot about what I needed to do. I was also impressed with his discussion of the new Vista operating system. I haven't moved to Vista just yet, but it seems that sooner or later it will be required. Reading what he had to say gave me the heads up on the system. All in all, quite a useful book.

This book, unlike the dummies books, does not assume you have a basic knowledge of computer controls. The picture graphics from XP screens tie in to step by step intstructions that give you confidence to sit down and know you'll get a desired result. I strongly recommend this for someone like me who got their first computer at age fifty-five. Four months and five books later was still stymied with some facets. If you want to do it by yourself, or have to, this is the book to start with.

This is a wonderful straight forward book for beginners and intermediate PC users. I have used PCs for years and just wanted to make sure that I did not have any gaps in my knowledge and I found out alot of stuff that I didn`t even know!!! 1st it has a whole bunch of really cool websites that you didn`t know about. Perfectly clear directions. Stuff on digital camera, PC maintenence, Personal Finance Applications this is a wonderful book and I would be throwing it away because it describes how to connect and use stuff that I haven`t even bought yet. Chapters are short. One thing though it is for Windows XP!!!! Lots of Pictures and it is so clear. BEGINNERS START HERE!!!!