Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours

In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, you will be up and running with the computer basics you need. Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds upon the previous one, allowing you to learn the essentials of the Internet, Home Essentials, Works, and Windows from the ground up. Tips point out shortcuts and solutions . Notes clarify concepts and procedures in a straightforward manner. Cautions help you avoid common pitfalls.

• Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours is the affordable introductory solution to help the new user get up and running quickly on their computer
• Designed to be an "all-in-one" book, with coverage of general PC's, Windows 95/98, the Internet, Home Essential 98, which includes Works 4.5, Word 97, Money 98, and Internet Explorer 4.0
• Eliminates the need for first-time computer buyers to have purchase separate books on the key must know areas of computing

If you want to learn how to use a Windows-based personal computer (as opposed to a Macintosh), you'll be confronted with a learning curve. Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours teaches you Windows 98 conventions so you're able to use and enjoy your computer.

Unlike many other books for new users, this book is text-heavy, foregoing comic-book-like sequences in favor of numbered steps. The author begins by identifying the parts of a personal computer and helping you find the floppy disk drive, the mouse, and the other major components. She then steps back a bit, explaining how to assemble a typical PC right out of its box and start it up. Then, she details the critical conventions of Windows, explaining what a file is, how to use nested folders, and how to adjust screen resolution. She walks the reader through the Internet Setup Wizard (which the reader will use to get online) and touches on using Windows 98's Internet applications. She also explains a little bit about Microsoft Word, Microsoft FrontPage Express, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Money 98.

Sometimes the author assumes that the settings on a reader's machine are a certain way, when there is more than one possibility for the settings--this could confuse a nervous new user. Aside from this flaw, Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours is a competent introductory computer guide. --David Wall