PCs made easy for visual learners Beginning computer users who want to see visually how things are done will learn quickly and easily with this full-color, step-by-step guide. Screen shots show clearly what you will see at each step, and numbered instructions guide you through dozens of common PC tasks.

Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with Computer Basics. Discover the Computer. What You Can Do with a Computer. Types of Computers. Tour the Personal Computer. Learn About Computer Hardware and Software. Chapter 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. Chapter 3 Purchasing a Computer. Choose a Computer Type. Select a CPU. Choose an Edition of Windows. Determine How Much RAM You Need. Select Data Storage Options. Choose a Monitor and Video Card. Choose a Printer. Add Other Hardware and Software. Tips on Purchase Considerations. Chapter 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. Explore Mouse Types. Use an Optical Drive. Use a USB Storage Device. Restart the Computer. Turn Off the Computer. Chapter 5 Learning Windows 7 Basics. Explore the Windows 7 Screen. Understanding the Start Menu. Start a Program. Tour a Program Window. Select a Command Using the Ribbon. Select a Command Using a Menu or Toolbar. Understanding Dialog Box Options. Use Dialog Box Controls. Save a Document. Open a Document. Use Jump Lists. Switch Between Open Programs. Print a Document. Edit Document Text. Chapter 6 Personalizing Windows 7. Start Frequently Used Programs. Display Windows Gadgets. Show More Date and Time Information on the Taskbar. Display Additional Time Zones on the Taskbar. Customize the Start Menu. Customize the Taskbar. Set the Size for Text and Other Items. Select a Desktop Theme and Screen Saver. Set Up a Desktop Slide Show. Change the Color Scheme. Create a New User Account. Switch User Accounts. Change an Account Picture. Chapter 7 Managing Files and Folders. Understanding How Windows Organizes Data. Become Familiar with the Windows Explorer Screen. View Files. Select Files. Create a New Folder. Change the Windows Explorer Layout. Rename a File. Copy a File. Move a File. Create a Data CD or DVD Disc. Delete a File. Restore a Deleted File. Empty the Recycle Bin. Change Folder Settings. Search for a File. Work with Compressed Files or Folders. Chapter 8 Securing Windows 7. Secure Your Computer. Change the Logon Password. Establish Parental Controls. Check the Action Center. Prevent Others from Using Your Computer. Chapter 9 Working with Software. Install a Program. Uninstall a Program. Create Documents with a Word Processor. Crunch Numbers with a Spreadsheet. Build Presentations with a Presentation Program. Store Information with a Database. Manipulate Pictures with an Image Editor. Create Publications with a Desktop-Publishing Program. Chapter 10 Networking Computers. Understanding Networking. Survey Networking Hardware. Discover Network Configurations. Examine Network Security. Learn About Network Collaboration. Join a Homegroup. Chapter 11 Wireless Computing. Discover Wireless Computing. Wireless Computing Devices. Connect to a Wireless Network. Wireless Network Security. Stream Media Throughout Your Home. Chapter 12 Using Multimedia. How Digital Cameras Work. How Webcams Work. How Digital Audio Players Work. Understanding Digital Images. Understanding Digital Video. Understanding Digital Audio. Copy Music CD Tracks to Your Computer. Play Music Using Your Computer. Create a Music CD. Create a Slide Show DVD. Television and Your Computer. Watch TV Using Windows Media Center. Transfer VHS Tapes to DVDs. Discover Gaming. Windows 7 Games. Chapter 13 Working with Portable Computers and Devices. Understand the Advantages of a Portable Computer. Discover Portable Devices. Synchronize Using a BlackBerry Smartphone. Synchronize Using an iPod. Chapter 14 Connecting to the Internet. Introduction to the Internet. Explore Internet Connections. Manually Establish an Internet Connection. Guard Against Internet Intruders. Check the Windows 7 Firewall. World Wide Web Basics. Learn About Web Browsers. Search the Web. Read News on the Web. Research Using the Web. Buy and Sell on the Web. Socialize on the Web. Protect Yourself on the Web. Protect Your Children on the Web. Protect Your Browsing Privacy. Chapter 15 Communicating Online. Introduction to E-Mail. Discover E-Mail Addresses. Create a Strong Password. Compose an E-Mail Message. Learn About E-Mail Etiquette. Receive an E-Mail Message. Reduce E-Mail Spam. Guard Against E-Mail Viruses. Enhance E-Mail Privacy. Subscribe to a Mailing List. Learn About Mailing List Etiquette. Communicate by Instant Messaging. Carry On a Conversation. Chapter 16 Performing Computer Maintenance. Update Your Operating System. Determine Hard Drive Free Space. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors. Defragment Your Hard Drive. Clean Up Your Hard Drive. Back Up Your Files. Restore a Backup. Chapter 16 Performing Computer Maintenance. Index.