Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 11 Edition

Description

Introduction
Part I Understanding Computers
Chapter 1 How Personal Computers Work
What Your Computer Can Do
    Good for Getting Online
    Good for Social Networking
    Good for Communicating
    Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies
    Good for Entertainment
    Good for Keeping Informed
    Good for Work
    Good for Play
Inside a Personal Computer
    The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything
    Microprocessors: The Main Engine
    Computer Memory: Temporary Storage
    Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage
    Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage
    Keyboards: Fingertip Input
    Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices
    Network Connections: Getting Connected
    Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise
    Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture
Other Parts of Your Computer System
    Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals
    Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps
    Making Everything Work…with Windows
Different Types of Computers
    Traditional Desktop PCs
    All-in-One Desktops
    Laptop PCs
    Tablet PCs
    2-in-1 PCs
    Which Type of PC Should You Choose?
Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up…Much
Chapter 2 Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers
Before You Get Started
Setting Up a Laptop or 2-in1 PC
    Understanding the Elements of a Laptop PC
    Getting Connected
Setting Up an All-in-One Desktop PC
    Understanding the Parts of an All-in-One System
    Getting Connected
Setting Up a Traditional Desktop PC
    Understanding the Components of a Desktop System
    Getting Connected
Turning It On–for the First Time
    Getting the Right Order
    Powering On
Part II Using Windows
Chapter 3 Getting to Know Windows 11
Say Hello to Windows 11
    Starting and Logging In to Windows
    Exploring the Windows Desktop
Learning Basic Operations
    Pointing and Clicking
    Double-Clicking
    Right-Clicking
    Dragging and Dropping
    Mouse Over
    Moving and Resizing Windows
    Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows
    Snapping Windows into Position
    Scrolling Through a Window
    Peeking at the Desktop
Using the Start Menu
    Navigating the Start Menu
    Launching a Program
Using the Taskbar
    Deciphering Taskbar Icons
    Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows
    Using Jump Lists
    Managing Taskbar Buttons
    Switching Between Programs
    Adjusting Quick Settings
    Viewing Notifications
Learning Important Windows Shortcuts
Using Windows with a Touchscreen Display
Shutting Down Windows–and Your Computer
Chapter 4 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage
Understanding Files and Folders
Using File Explorer
    Launching File Explorer
    Exploring the File Explorer Window
    Displaying File Contents and Details
Navigating the Folders on Your PC
Viewing Files and Folders
    Changing the Way Files Display
    Sorting Files and Folders
    Grouping Files and Folders
    Searching for Files
Performing Basic File and Folder Operations
    Creating New Folders
    Renaming Files and Folders
    Copying Files
    Moving (Cutting and Pasting) Files
    Deleting Files
Working with the Recycle Bin
    Restoring Deleted Files
    Emptying the Recycle Bin
Working with Compressed Folders
    Compressing a File
    Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder
Copying Files to Another Computer
    Copying Files over a Network
    Copying Files with a Portable Drive
    Copying Files via Email
Working with Cloud-Based Storage
    Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer
    Using Microsoft OneDrive
    Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive
Chapter 5 Personalizing Windows
Personalizing the Windows Desktop
    Changing the Desktop Background
    Changing to Light or Dark Mode
    Changing the Accent Color
    Choosing a Windows Theme
    Customizing the Start Menu
    Pinning Apps to the Taskbar
    Customizing the Taskbar
Personalizing Widgets
    Customizing the Widgets Panel
    Adding a New Widget to the Widgets Panel
    Customizing Your News Feed
Personalizing the Lock Screen
    Changing the Lock Screen Background
    Displaying a Slideshow on the Lock Screen
Changing Your Account Picture
Setting Up Additional User Accounts
    Creating a New User Account
    Switching Users
    Signing Out
    Signing In with Multiple Users
Configuring Other Windows Settings
Part III Setting Up the Rest of Your System
Chapter 6 Connecting Printers and Other Devices to Your PC
Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals
Adding New Hardware to Your System
    Understanding USB
    Connecting via USB
Connecting and Using a Printer
    Understanding Different Types of Printers
    Connecting a Printer via USB
    Connecting a Wireless Printer to Your Computer
    Sharing a Network Printer
    Printing to Your System’s Printer
Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC
Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV
    Connecting via HDMI
    Wirelessly Mirroring Your Computer Screen
Chapter 7 Using Your PC with Your Mobile Phone
Linking Your Phone to Your Windows 11 PC
Texting and Calling from Your PC
    Receiving Text Messages
    Sending Text Messages
    Making a Phone Call
Doing More with Your Phone and Your Windows PC
    Sharing a Web Page from Your Phone to Your PC
    Sharing a Web Page from Your PC to Your Phone
    Viewing Photos from Your Phone on Your PC
    Running Android Apps on Your PC
Chapter 8 Adding Storage and Backup
Understanding External Storage
Connecting an External Drive
Backing Up Your Important Files
    Backing Up to an External Drive
    Backing Up Online
Chapter 9 Setting Up a Home Network
How Networks Work
    Wired Networks
    Wireless Networks
Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home
    How It Works
    What You Need
    Making the Connections
Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network
    Connecting via Ethernet
    Connecting Wirelessly
Accessing Computers on Your Network
Part IV Using the Internet
Chapter 10 Connecting to the Internet–at Home and Away
Different Types of Home Internet
    Understanding Internet Hardware
Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot
Chapter 11 Browsing and Searching the Web
Understanding the Web
Using Microsoft Edge
    Browsing the Web with Edge
    Revisiting History
    Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs
    Saving Your Favorite Pages
    Returning to a Favorite Page
    Displaying the Favorites Bar
    Displaying a Page with Immersive Reader
    Browsing in Private
    Setting a Different Start Page
Using Google Chrome
Searching the Web with Google
    Using Google Search
    Constructing a Query
    Fine-Tuning Your Search Results
Chapter 12 Buying and Selling Online
How to Shop Online
    Step 1: Find an Online Store
    Step 2: Find a Product
    Step 3: Examine the Product (Virtually)
    Step 4: Order the Product
    Step 5: Check Out
    Step 6: Confirm the Order
How to Shop Safely
Ordering Meal and Grocery Delivery Online
    Ordering Meals Online
    Ordering Groceries Online
Buying and Selling on Online Marketplaces
    Craigslist
    eBay
    Etsy
    Facebook Marketplace
    Reverb
Part V Communicating Online
Chapter 13 Sending and Receiving Email
How Email Works
    POP/IMAP Email
    Web-Based Email
Using the Windows Mail App
    Navigating the Mail App
    Adding Another Email Account
    Reading and Replying to Messages
    Viewing Attachments
    Sending a New Message
    Attaching a File
Using Web-Based Email
    Using Outlook Online
    Using Gmail
Chapter 14 Video Chatting with Friends and Family
Video Chatting with Zoom
    Getting to Know Zoom
    Accepting a Meeting Invitation
    Joining a Meeting Manually
    Switching Views
    Applying a Virtual Background
    Leaving a Meeting
    Starting a New Instant Meeting
    Scheduling a Meeting in Advance
    Starting and Ending a Meeting
Video Chatting with Microsoft Teams
    Accepting a Meeting Invitation
    Blurring Your Background
    Launching a New Teams Meeting
Chapter 15 Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media
Using Facebook
    Signing Up with and Signing In to Facebook
    Getting to Know Facebook
    Searching for Friends
    Viewing a Friend’s Profile Page
    Posting Status Updates
    Determine Who Can–or Can’t–See a Status Update
    Viewing Friends’ Updates in Your Feed
    Managing Your Privacy on Facebook
Using Twitter
    Joining Twitter
    Navigating Twitter
    Tweeting with Twitter
    Following Other Users
    Customizing Your Profile
Using Pinterest
    What Pinterest Is and What It Does
    Navigating the Pinterest Site
    Viewing Boards and Pins
    Following Other Users
    Repinning Existing Items
    Pinning Items from the Web
    Creating New Boards
Using LinkedIn
    Personalizing Your Profile
    Finding New Connections
    Contacting Other LinkedIn Members
Using Social Networks–Smartly and Safely
    Protecting Your Children
    Protecting Yourself
Part VI Getting Productive
Chapter 16 Installing and Using Desktop Applications
Finding and Installing New Apps
    Downloading Apps from the Microsoft Store
    Purchasing Apps from Your Local Retailer
    Finding and Installing Apps Online
    Understanding Web-Based Apps
Managing Your Apps
    Finding Your Installed Apps
    Pinning Apps to the Start Menu
    Pinning Apps to the Taskbar
    Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop
Working with Applications
    Using Toolbars and Ribbons
    Using Menus
    Closing an Open App
Chapter 17 Doing Office Work
Getting to Know Microsoft Office
    Using Office on the Desktop
    Using Office on the Web
    Which Version of Office Should You Use?
Word Processing with Microsoft Word
    Exploring the Word Workspace
    Working with Documents
    Entering Text
    Editing Text
    Formatting Text
    Checking Spelling and Grammar
    Printing Your Document
Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel
    Exploring the Excel Workspace
    Entering Data
    Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns
    Adjusting Column Width
    Calculating with Formulas
    Including Other Cells in a Formula
    Quick Addition with AutoSum
    Using Functions
    Formatting Your Spreadsheet
    Creating a Chart
Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint
    Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace
    Applying a Theme
    Inserting New Slides
    Adding and Formatting Text
    Start the Show!
Exploring Google Docs
    Using Google Docs Word Processor
    Using Google Sheets Spreadsheet
    Using Google Slides Presentations
Using the Windows Calendar App
    Displaying Different Views
    Creating a New Event
Chapter 18 Working with Digital Photos
Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
    Downloading from the Internet
    Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet via USB
    Transferring Pictures from a Digital Camera via USB
    Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card
    Scanning a Picture
Viewing Your Photos with the Windows Photos App
Editing Your Photos with the Photos App
    Opening Editing Mode
    Cropping or Rotating a Photo
    Applying Filters
    Adjusting Brightness
    Adjusting Color
Printing and Sharing Your Photos
    Choosing the Right Printer and Paper
    Making the Print
    Printing Photos Professionally
    Sharing Your Photos
Part VII Exploring Online Entertainment
Chapter 19 Watching Movies and TV Shows Online
Watching Streaming Video Services
    Watching Amazon Prime Video
    Watching Apple TV+
    Watching Discovery+
    Watching Disney+
    Watching HBO Max
    Watching Hulu
    Watching Netflix
    Watching Paramount+
    Watching Peacock
    Watching Other Streaming Video Services
Watching Live TV Online
Buying and Renting Movies Online
Watching Videos on YouTube
Chapter 20 Listening to Music and Podcasts Online
Listening to Streaming Music Online
    Listening to Pandora
    Listening to Spotify
    Listening to Other Streaming Music Services
    Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online
Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music
    Examining Online Music Stores
    Playing Downloaded Music on Your PC
Listening to Podcasts Online
Part VIII Keeping Your System Up and Running
Chapter 21 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, Spam, and More
Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses
    Watching for Signs of Infection
    Catching a Virus
    Practicing Safe Computing
    Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software
Hunting Down Spyware
Fighting Email Spam
    Protecting Your Email Address
    Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs
Resisting Phishing Scams
Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content
    Using Content-Filtering Software
    Encouraging Safe Computing
Chapter 22 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems
Maintaining Your Computer
    Cleaning Up Unused Files
    Removing Unused Programs
    Optimizing Your Disk Storage
    Updating Windows
Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition
    System Unit
    Keyboard
    Display
    Printer
Maintaining a Laptop PC
    Using the Windows Mobility Center
    Conserving Battery Life
    Securing Your Laptop
Troubleshooting Computer Problems
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes
    What Causes Windows to Freeze?
    Dealing with Frozen Windows
    Dealing with a Frozen Program
    Dealing with a Major Crash
Refreshing or Resetting Your System
    Refreshing System Files
    Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition

9780137885770    TOC     5/23/2022

Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical advice, technical accuracy, and an  unerring empathy for the needs of his readers.

Learn more about Mr. Miller at his website, www.millerwriter.com. Follow him on Twitter @molehillgroup.

* Set up your computer and personalize the Windows 11 Start menu and desktop
* Connect to the Internet and browse the Web with Microsoft Edge
* Get started with social networking on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
* Video chat with Zoom and Microsoft Teams
* Use Windows 11’s built-in apps–and find great new apps in the Microsoft Store
* Connect printers and external storage
* Connect to a home wireless network or public Wi-Fi hotspot
* Go online to shop and sell–including ordering food and groceries online
* Get work done quickly with Microsoft Office
* Organize, view, and share photos
* Listen to streaming music with Pandora and Spotify
* Watch streaming movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and more
* Protect yourself against viruses, spyware, and spam

A beginner’s guide to using your computer or tablet with the new Windows 11 operating system with simple, practical instructions for doing everything you really want to do!

• Concepts explained and presented in an easy-to-digest manner f or the average computer user
• The only computer basics book with equal coverage of PC hardware, software, and the Internet
• Strong coverage of PC maintenance and troubleshooting

Updated for the latest version of Windows.

Additional information