The Complete Idiot's Guide to PCs

Providing readers with the information they need from purchasing and setting up their system to creating impressive documents and spreadsheets, and from installing modems to using the Internet, this book's friendly approach combines solid instructions with a style full of wit and humor that takes the fear out of learning. (IBM)

This book is proof that it's possible to buy an Idiot's Guide and not feel like one. This book takes the novice by the hand for a very ambitious tour of the world of possibilities available to the PC user. After a section of basic training for those who've flipped the "On" switch for the first time, the book surveys the world of software and hardware opportunities. Chapters cover everything from gaming software to file management to educational software, business uses for the computer, and a hefty introduction to modems, online services, and the Internet. Descriptions are task oriented, reasonably well detailed, and useful for the beginner. Also included is a lengthy computer terms glossary, as well as a large chunk of site listings from Lycos in an appendix. The book also includes a CD-ROM packed with Web software, editors, e-mail programs, and all kinds of utilities. For the new user of a PC, these will be useful additions. The book does a good job covering a very wide subject matter. It's an effective and useful guide for those who have a new computer and are looking to get more out of it.