Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics Fourth Edition Michael Miller 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics, Fourth Edition Associate Publisher Copyright © 2007 by Que Publishing Greg Wiegand All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without Acquisitions Editor written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the Michelle Newcomb information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability Development assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Editor ISBN-10: 0-7897-3673-x / ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-3673-4 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Kevin Howard Miller, Michael, 1958- Managing Editor Absolute beginner's guide to computer basics / Michael Miller. -- 4th ed. Patrick Kanouse p. cm. Includes index. Project Editor ISBN 0-7897-3673-X (pbk.) 1. Computers. I. Title. Seth Kerney QA76.5.M531412 2007 004--dc22 Copy Editor 2006103336 Geneil Breeze Printed in the United States of America First Printing: February 2007 Indexer 10090807 4321 WorldWise Publishing Trademarks Services, LLC All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Que Publishing cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of Proofreader a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service Kathy Bidwell mark. 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Contents at a Glance Introduction . .1 Part I Getting Started . .7 1 Understanding Desktop PCs . .9 2 Understanding Notebook PCs . .27 3 Setting Up Your New Computer System . .35 Part II Using Windows . .45 4 Getting to Know Windows Vista . .47 5 Using Windows XP on Older Computers . .67 6 Personalizing Windows . .75 7 Working with Files, Folders, and Disks . .91 Part III Upgrading and Maintaining Your System . .105 8 Adding New Hardware and Devices to Your System . .107 9 Setting Up a Home Network . .117 10 Performing Routine Maintenance . .129 11 Dealing with Common Problems . .139 12 Protecting Your PC from Viruses, Spam, and Other Online Nuisances . .147 Part IV Using Computer Software . .161 13 Installing New Software . .163 14 The Suite Spot: Working with Microsoft Works and Microsoft Office . .167 15 Letters, Memos, and More: Working with Microsoft Word . .179 16 Crunching Numbers: Working with Microsoft Excel . .193 17 Presenting Yourself: Working with Microsoft PowerPoint . .203 18 Banking and Beyond: Working with Microsoft Money and Quicken . .213 Part V Using the Internet . .221 19 Connecting to the Internet—At Home and on the Road . .223 20 Sending and Receiving Email . .231 21 Surfing the Web with Internet Explorer . .241 22 Searching the Web . .253 23 Shopping Online . .261 24 Buying and Selling in eBay Online Auctions . .271 25 Exploring Blogs and Podcats . .285 26 Social Networking with MySpace . .295 27 Creating Your Own Web Page . .305 28 Exploring Other Cool and Useful Websites . .313 29 Sending and Receiving Instant Messages . .323 Part VI Exploring the Digital Lifestyle . .329 30 Using Your PC with a Digital Camera . .331 31 Organizing and Editing Your Digital Photos . .337 32 Sharing Your Digital Photos Online . .347 33 Playing, Ripping, and Burning CDs . .353 34 Downloading and Playing Digital Music . .367 35 Using Your PC with an iPod or MP3 Player . .381 36 Playing DVDs and Videos on Your PC . .387 37 Downloading and Playing Videos from the Web . .393 38 Making Your Own Digital Home Movies . .403 Index . .411 Table of Contents Introduction. 1 How This Book Is Organized . 2 Which Version of Windows? . 3 Conventions Used in This Book . 3 Menu Commands . 4 Shortcut Key Combinations. 4 Web Page Addresses. 4 Special Elements . 4 Let Me Know What You Think. 6 I Getting Started . .7 1 Understanding Desktop PCs . 9 What Your Computer Can—and Can’t—Do . 10 Good for Work . 10 Good for Play . 10 Good for Managing Your Finances . 10 Good for Keeping in Touch. 11 Good for Getting Online . 11 Getting to Know Your Personal Computer System . 11 Pieces and Parts—Computer Hardware . 11 The Right Tools for the Right Tasks—Computer Software . 12 Making Everything Work—with Windows. 13 Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much . 14 Computer Hardware Basics . 14 Your PC’s System Unit—The Mother Ship . 15 Microprocessors: The Main Engine . 17 Computer Memory: Temporary Storage . 18 Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage. 18 CD-ROM Drives: Storage on a Disc . 19 DVD Drives: Even More Storage on a Disc. 20 Keyboards: Fingertip Input . 21 Mice: Point-and-Click Input Devices . 21 Modems: Getting Connected . 22 Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise . 23 Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture . 23 Printers: Making Hard Copies . 25 vi ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO COMPUTER BASICS 2 Understanding Notebook PCs . 27 Notebook PCs: Pros and Cons . 28 Why Notebooks Are Great . 28 Why Notebooks Aren’t So Great . ..