Internet Basics Without Fear!: Quick-Start Guide for Becoming Internet-Friendly in Just a Few Easy Steps

I highly recommend Internet Basics without fear! to any non-technical beginner. Unlike my colleague from Idaho, I found Internet Basics to be exactly what I was looking for. I am a teacher, educator and user of the Internet both at home and at school. I am not, however, a dummy. That is why I so welcomed the format and content of Internet Basics without fear! It eased me into the subject -- without patronizing or exasperating me with too much tekkie talk too soon. I found that the author's introductory discussion on the "fear of technology", including his personal anecdotes about his own early experiences on the Internet, both comforting and reassuring - and a darn good read to boot. I could certainly identify with his feelings (eg. hitting the wrong key and demolishing the innards of my computer) and I imagine that most non-technical beginners would, too.Like the author, I found that tekkies (even friends) tended to talk down to me when I was first learning my way around computers and the Internet. They may not have realized they were doing it -- but the more they did it, the stupider I felt. In contrast, I found this little book talks simply and directly to me and my needs. Without, I repeat, patronizing or exasperating me.In total contrast to what the librarian from Idaho stated in his review, I personally find the "Dummies" books daunting, with their almost 400 pages, and way too much technical jargon for a rank beginner! I just flip through one of these tomes and my eyes glaze over. After all, the only thing I wanted at the beginning was a little book that could tell me as simply as possible about the absolute basics on how to surf the Web and send and receive e-mails. This is what this little book claims to do in a manageable 130 pages, and that's what I found it has done for me.One of the many user-friendly features I liked about this book was the separate chapter defining "Common Internet Terms" -- the ones that we see everyday in the newspaper or hear mentioned on the subway or on the TV. Terms such as "portal" and "url address" are defined in this chapter in simple straightforward language that I had no trouble grasping. I also appreciated the chapters on "Nice to Know Information" and "Frequently Asked Questions". These parts opened my eyes to some of the things one can do on the Net these days, and they also dispelled a number of misconceptions that I had.In conclusion, I believe The Revised Edition of Internet Basics without fear! is an ideal little starter book to help any non-technical person get launched into cyber space. Quickly, easily, painlessly.

Internet Basics without fear! By Shaun Fawcett, M.B.A., Final Draft Publications, 1999, softcover, indexed, illustrated, 106 pages. The title says it all. Technophobes and Internet beginners need look no further for the ideal tool to help them get online. Jargon-free and nurturing, this well-indexed book cuts to the chase in clear non-technical language, offers step-by-step instructions on mastering the Internet, suggests interesting sites, and devotes several pages to overcoming computer fears. Review by Judy Wayland, good times Magazine.

Internet Basics without fear - Quick-Start Guide for Becoming Internet-Friendly in Just a Few Easy Steps; A Non-Technical Book for Non-Technical People by Shaun Fawcett, M.B.A. Final Draft, Montreal, Quebec Canada. 1999. 106 pp. $11.95 trade paper ($16.95 CAN); illustrations; charts. Readers will be thankful for Fawcett1s handbook simplifying how to participate in the Internet. "The whole point of this guide is to provide the reader with the basics that one needs to know to become a functioning Internet user, capable of performing the main tasks that most people are interested in performing on the Net," the author tells the reader. In addition to covering the basics of connection to and navigation of the Internet, Fawcett gives directions for popular Internet features such as email, chat rooms, and downloads of text or visuals. He also outlines how to do a search for specific kinds of Web sites or information. Although Fawcett1s handbook can be used strictly for its direct, plainly-put technical guidance, the author does throughout, overtly in early chapter, address readers confounded by 3technophobia.2 He helps technophobes overcome feeling intimidated by clearing up certain myths about computer technology and the Internet--e. g., "Your privacy cannot be invaded via the Internet unless you allow it to be"; "You do not have to be a technical genius to use the Internet." Whether dealing with psychological issues relating to computer technology or technical matters, the author1s style is unfailingly knowledgeable, relevant, straightforward, and simple as possible. This book could be written only by an author who is very experienced with the Internet and very skilled in communication. If you want to get started with the Internet as quickly and easily as possible, get Fawcett1s notable handbook for how to do so.review by Henry Berry Book Reviewer Editor/Publisher, The Small Press Book Review