Computer Simplified

An introduction to computers teaches absolute beginners the fundamentals of computers, using friendly graphics and screen-by-screen explanations.

IDG and maranGraphics have come very close to the ideal "superdummy" format with Computers Simplified, Fourth Edition. This book explains personal computing technology to the complete neophyte, but unlike many books for nervous newbies, this one manages to provide a complete picture without drowning the reader in details.

This book does not cover the actual use of a personal computer--you won't find any explanations of how to manipulate a mouse or what the Windows 98 Start button does. Rather, Computers Simplified gives an overview of personal computing technology, from the components that make up an IBM-standard PC to the Internet and Web. After reading this heavily illustrated book, readers will know which aspects of computing interest them, and what they should look into next.

The great thing about Computers Simplified is that it explains pretty much everything a new user will wonder about. For example, even though digital cameras are a relatively new phenomenon, novices will have heard about them and want to know what they can do. This is also true for Zip drives, palm-size computers, scanners, fax software, Windows NT, and dozens of other aspects of personal computers that elementary books traditionally have neglected. Computers Simplified is like a child's science book in that it mentions lots of advanced stuff, but explains it in basic terms. --David Wall