A Beginner's Guide To Windows Computing

Introduction

The "book" you are reading was originally a two-page essay called "Files and Folders" explaining the basics of computer operation. "Files and Folders" gave me the idea that I could pass along my computer skills and knowledge to those who have never used a computer, due to money problems or other reasons. Now that the price has come down considerably (some old ones can be purchased at garage sales or on the Internet for as little as $50), many would like to start, but feel that they couldn't figure it out enough to be productive and have fun. However, the Windows, Linux, and Macintosh type computers are set up to be more user-friendly and intuitive with each new version.

A Beginner's Guide to Windows Computing was first designed to be a regular paper-and-ink type book. However, when I discovered the web page-generating feature of my computer, the book shifted towards an endeavor in online-display. Numerous advantages are shown, especially in Section 1-3, where you get to try out buttons and boxes that do nothing (so you get the hang of them).

Since Word files can get quite large, and not everybody can afford Word, I decided to change the file over to a Web page-style book. This was a bit clunky, so I shifted my attention over to Adobe Acrobat and PDF files. But Acrobat stopped working (yes, it happens to the nerds, too), so it was back to the Web page format, which works better now that I learned the way Web page code works. Plus, now it's actually on the Internet for public viewing!

Obviously, if you can read this, you've got a computer and have managed find this book. Now that you're reading, you'll find that using a computer isn't really all that hard after all. By the end of the book, you'll be all caught up into the twenty-first century!

Work on BG2WC began in earnest on 2 September 2003. It was first converted to a web page on 15 March 2004 (according to the computer at least - but I've learned to trust it. I mean, I don't know the exact date, do I?). Writing this book has actually let me learn more about the computer. ("What's that button do? I've never used it before...Better click it, see what it does - Cool! I've been wanting to do that since 1995!")

Now's the part where I go nuts acknowledging everyone under the sun:

• Rosemary Stewart, my grandmother, whose eagerness to learn prompted me to write this book,
• Scott Capps, Senior Executive Assistant to the Evil Overlord, who assisted me with many aspects of this project,
• Heidi Nazelrod, a.k.a. Mom, who encouraged me to continue the project,
• Eric Nazelrod (read "Dad"), who introduced me to his first computer in when I was 2 years old,
• Yvonne Manning, my Computer Tech teacher that helped me grasp Spreadsheet,
• Various VB6, C, and Anim8or enthusiasts,
• Computer programmers that create good stuff for me to use (too many to list), and
• A host of others who did various stuff.

You've spent way too long here! Now off, into the world of computers!
- Scott Nazelrod
14 May 2004

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Basic Computing Skills

1. How to Use this Book
2. Hardware and Software
3. Windows Basics
4. The Windows File System
5. Common Commands and Hotkeys
6. Emergency Procedures

Chapter Two: Microsoft Word

1. Basic Word
2. Jazz Up Your Documents

Chapter Eight: Using the Internet

1. About the Internet
2. Internet Services

Appendices

2. Using Archives
3. The Command Prompt

The unwritten part of the table of contents is hidden from view. Italicized entries have been posted, but may be incomplete or fragmented.