Pcs for Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))

This isn't the book for you if you're looking through a computer catalog and wondering what all the jargon means (Buying a Computer for Dummies covers that). Rather, this book will help you when you've gotten the machine into your home and you need to know what to do next. Starting with the process of unpacking the box and plugging in all the cables, this book shows you what to do with your new machine.

After assembly is out of the way, Gookin shows you how to get around in Windows 98 (and Windows 95, which is almost identical). He explains concepts like files, directories, and applications, and frequently explains the exact procedures involved in common tasks like adjusting screen resolution. Once you've heard all about the basics, Gookin goes on to explain modem configuration, printer problems, productivity software, and a fair amount about Internet use. --David Wall

Book Description
Throw out those dense, mind-numbing, jargon-filled computer manuals and grab yourself a copy of PCs For Dummies, 6th Edition, your all-in-one guide that is packed with all the tried-and-true advice and special tricks that you can expect from all-time best-selling author Dan Gookin. In his familiar, fun, and easy-to-follow fashion, Gookin guides you through the wonderful world of PCs with a minimum of technobabble and a maximum of hardware smarts and software savvy. Find out what lurks inside a PC and sort your way through chips, cards, cables, and connections The Dummies Way™. You don't have to be a geek to get the most bang for your computing buck; PCs For Dummies, 6th Edition, is the ideal reference for first-time PC users. From putting your PC together to finding quick answers and sage advice on installing new hardware and software, surfing the Internet and sending e-mail, or troubleshooting your PC problems, you can feel confident -- and get your work done -- in no time at all.

Download Description
Join the PC generation the fun and easy way! Hook up your PC, connect peripherals, get online, and get to work - or play Don't start a relationship with that PC until you read this book! It's full of the stuff you need - and just the stuff you need - without the technobabble. From bringing your baby home and setting up the parts to getting extra storage, installing a modem, managing information, and even playing online games, it's all explained in plain English. Discover how to: Connect all the parts of your computer Understand and use toolbars, menus, and shortcuts Set up your modem and get online Create a wired or wireless networ Make your own CDs

The format of Gookin's book is unique. It is well written, humorous, and very informative. Best of all, PCs for Dummies actually makes reading about computers "nerdless." The book is broken down into 34 chapters and covers everything from turning the computer on (power-up) to the Internet. Each chapter covers a specific piece of hardware, software, and/or computer function. Individual chapters are further subdivided into sections. For example, Chapter Eight is titled, "Just Your Basic Computer Guts." Subsections include, The Mother of All Boards, The Microprocessor, Connectors for Things Various and Sundry, Expansion Slots, Tick Tock Goes the Clock, and The Bios. I would love to tell you how it ends, but I am forbidden to do so by Amazon.com guidelines.

The best attributes of PCs for Dummies are that the book can not only be used as a reference source, but can also be used in place of a phone book to interrogate surly computer gurus. You don't have to read the entire book before using your newfound knowledge. Just turn to that particular section for which you need help, read, and press "Enter."

PCs for Dummies teachs how to use computers based on the learning philosophy of "Constructivism." Whoa! Basically, Constructivism is a philosophy in which learners acquire knowledge through active participation in their own learning; and by connecting the new knowledge to knowledge that they already possess. In other words, once you have learned basic computer tasks, you can "construct" or build upon that knowledge to learn more advanced computer operations. I subscribe to this learning philosophy and employ it into my teaching with excellent results.

All good things must pass and so must this review, but not before some constructive criticism. I would have liked Mr. Gookin in PCs for Dummies go into a little more detail about specific topics, as many topics are just touched upon. Well maybe not many, just the ones in which I needed help. Overall, Mr. Gookin has written an excellent book and I highly recommend it to all.