Computer Basics in easy steps

Computer Basics in easy steps explores the elements that make up your computer and identifies the tasks you can perform. It will help you communicate with your friends and family across the world, write reports, and prepare book reviews. You'll want to take advantage of the Internet, to explore websites relating to your hobbies, for example digital photography, drawing or geneology. Maybe it's film or music you're interested in. Whatever you want to do, your computer can unlock new ways to extend your knowledge and experience. It can also help you take full advantage of other devices such as iPods, PDAs and pocket PCs, digital cameras, printers and scanners, or mobile cell phones.

Computer hardware and software functions are covered, but the real emphasis is on the tasks you want to perform and how you can utilize your computer to increase your productivity and enhance your level of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Whether you're just beginning or you're ready to extend your knowledge, this book will take you step by step through the features and functions of your computer, and ensure you're making full and effective use of its power and flexibility.

Michael Price is an accomplished author, IT journalist and systems consultant with a wide experience of computing systems ranging from mainframes to personal computers.

1. Choose a Computer
   • What is a Computer?
   • Operating Systems
   • PC Versus Mac
   • Choosing a Laptop
   • Desktop Computers
   • All-in-One
   • Help with Selecting
2. Explore Your Computer
   • The Example Computer
   • Computer Configuration
   • Activating Vista
   • Operating System Features
   • Programs Included
   • Microsoft Works
   • Microsoft Office
   • Adobe Reader
   • AVG Antivirus
   • IrfanView
3. Windows Basics
   • Windows Display
   • Background
   • Screen Resolution
   • Appearance
   • Mouse Settings
   • Starting Windows
   • Start Menu
   • Open a Window
   • Window Structures
   • Move and Resize Windows
   • Select a Window (Basic)
   • Select a Window (Aero)
   • Close a Window
   • New User Account
4. Word Processing
   • Word Processors
   • Create a Document
   • Layout Your Page
   • Navigate the Document
   • Save the Document
   • Save Options
   • Revise the Text
   • Check Spelling
   • Move and Copy Text
   • Add Format and Style
   • Add a Picture
   • Use Clip Art
   • Print the Document
   • Advanced Documents
5. Communication
   • Email
   • Create an Account
   • Receive Email
   • Send Email
   • Reply and Forward
   • Email Options
   • Attachments
   • Contacts
   • Contact Group
   • Manage Your Email
   • Junk Email
   • Email Hints and Tips
   • Newsgroups
   • Other Newsgroup Servers
   • Instant Messaging
6. Surfing the Internet
   • What's Needed
   • Web Addresses
   • Search for Web Pages
   • Change Search Provider
   • Page Back and Forward
   • Open New Window
   • Use Tabbed Browsing
   • Quick Tabs
   • View Details
   • Web Address Reminder
   • Favorites Center
   • Home Pages
   • Save Web Page
   • Print Web Page
   • Shopping on the Internet
   • Place Your Order
   • Money Management
7. Personal Internet
   • Create a Website
   • Choose Website Type
   • Add an Image
   • Add a Page
   • Site Management
   • Website Addresses
   • Blogging
   • Add a Blog Entry
   • View Blog
   • Blogging Service
   • Social Networking
   • RSS Web Feeds
   • Settings for Feeds
   • Genealogy on the Internet
8. Spreadsheets
   • Spreadsheets
   • Input Data
   • Fill and Copy
   • Insert, Delete and Move
   • Format the Data
   • Autosum
   • Calculation
   • Functions
   • Auditing Tools
   • Manage Your View
   • Sort Data
   • Filter Data
   • Print the Worksheet
   • Charts
   • Templates
9. Music and Speech
   • Soundcard and Speakers
   • Play Audio CDs
   • Media Player Library
   • Add Tracks from CD
   • Download Music
   • Internet Radio
   • Windows Media Center
   • Speech Recognition
   • Talking to Your Computer
   • Text to Speech
10. Photography
    • Digital Photography
    • Install the Software
    • Transfer the Photos
    • Detach the Camera
    • Windows Photo Gallery
    • Descriptive Tags
    • Edit Your Photos
    • Print Your Photos
    • Integrated Facilities
    • Video Clips
    • Movie Maker
    • Make Your Own Movie
    • Publish Your Movie
    • Share Photos on the Internet
11. Gadgets and Gizmos
    • Extra Storage
    • Reading a Memory Card
    • Flash Drive
    • External Disk Drive
    • Device Removal
    • TomTom GPS
    • Connect the GPS
    • Back Up Your GPS
    • Media Players
    • Personal Data Assistant
    • Set Up and Sync Your PDA
    • Home Network
    • Share a Drive or Folder
    • Wireless Network
12. Manage Your Computer
    • Windows Update
    • Ultimate Extras
    • Microsoft Update
    • Security Center
    • Manage Devices
    • Maintain Your System
    • Defragment Your Drive
    • System Restore
    • Restart in Safe Mode
    • Backup and Restore
13. Glossary