Computers Simplified

1 Getting Familiar with Computer Basics.

Discover the Computer.

Benefits of Using a Computer.

What You Can Do with a Computer.

Types of Computers.

Tour the Personal Computer.

Learn About Computer Hardware.

Explore Computer Software.

2 Discovering How Your Computer Works.

Get to Know Data Input Devices.

Get Acquainted with Data Output Devices.

Learn About the Operating System.

Tour the Central Processing Unit.

Understanding Memory.

Learn About Data Storage.

3 Purchasing a Computer

Choose a Computer Type.

Select a CPU.

Determine How Much RAM You Need.

Select Data Storage Options.

Choose a Monitor and Video Card.

Choose a Printer.

Add Other Peripherals.

Purchase Additional Software.

Tips on Purchase Considerations.

4 Getting Started with Your Computer.

Set Up Your Work Area.

Connect the Computer Components.

Turn On the Computer for the First Time.

Use a Keyboard.

Use a Mouse.

Use a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive.

Use a Memory Card Reader.

Restart the Computer.

Turn Off the Computer.

5 Learning Windows Vista Basics.

Explore the Windows Vista Screen.

Start a Program.

Switch Between Programs.

Tour a Program Window.

Access a Command from a Drop-Down Menu.

Select a Command Using a Toolbar.

Use Dialog Box Controls.

Save a Document.

Open a Document.

Print a Document.

Edit Document Text.

Copy a File.

Move a File.

Rename a File.

Delete a File.

6 Using Software.

Create Documents with a Word Processor.

Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet.

Build Presentations with a Presentation Program.

Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor.

Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program.

7 Using Multimedia.

How a Digital Camera Works.

How a Digital Video Camera Works.

How a Webcam Works.

How a Digital Audio Player Works.

Discover Digital Images.

Learn About Digital Video.

Understanding Digital

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited, a technical writing company. Paul has worked with many different types of computers since 1975 and has been a full-time technical writer since 1991. He has written over 50 books that have sold more than three million copies worldwide. These books include the Wiley titles Teach Yourself VISUALLY Windows Vista, Windows Vista Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks, and The Unofficial Guide to Microsoft Office 2007. Paul is also the proprietor of Word Spy (www.wordspy.com), a website that tracks new words and phrases as they enter the language.