Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours

For several years I volunteered at a couple of senior citizen centers teaching/coaching "seniors" how to use a personal computer. There was no standard text, curriculum, etc. because of the varied interests of the participants. For example, some wanted to learn the internet; others email, or word processing, or spreadsheet basics. Most brand new students came to the class not knowing what a computer actually was or what it did. I eventually settled on this book as my recommendation for a good, all-around introduction to the computer, its functions and uses. It covers all the essential basics of computer use, from an introduction to the machine itself, to the basics of Windows, email, word processing, spread sheets, etc. The supporting graphics are excellent, with lots of screen shots to illustrate each lesson. I got nothing but expressions of satisfaction from the students that bought the book. It's the manual that should come with the computer for the first time or casual user, who wants a good introduction to the computer and a good overview of many of the things it can do.