Computer Basics Absolute Beginner's Guide, Windows 10 Edition (includes Content Update Program)
8th Edition
Published on 10. September 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
432 pages
978-0-7897-5451-6 (ISBN)
Description
Make the most of your new Windows (R) 10 notebook or desktop computer-without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to get comfortable, get productive, get online, get started with social networking, make more connections, and have more fun! Even if you've never used a Windows computer before, this book shows you how to do what you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Computer basics have never, ever been this simple!
Who knew how simple using computers could be?
This is today's best beginner's guide to using your computer or tablet with the new Windows 10 operating system...simple, practical instructions for doing everything you really want to do!
Here's a small sample of what you'll learn:
Set up your new computer and use the Windows 10 Start menu and desktop
Connect to the Internet and browse the Web with Microsoft Edge
Get started with social networking on Facebook (R), Twitter (TM), Pinterest (TM), and LinkedIn (R)
Use Windows 10's built-in apps-and find great new apps in the Windows Store
Connect printers and external storage, and set up automatic file backup
Create a home network in just minutes
Go online to shop and sell-and smart search with Microsoft Cortana (R)
Get your office work done fast
Organize, view, and share photos
Play music using Spotify (R), Pandora (R), iTunes (R), and more
Watch TV shows and movies online with Netflix (R) and Hulu (TM)
Protect yourself against viruses, spyware, and spam
Keep your system running reliably at top speed
This book is part of Que's Content Update Program. As Microsoft (R) updates features of Windows, sections of this book will be updated or new sections will be added to match the updates to the software. See inside for details
Who knew how simple using computers could be?
This is today's best beginner's guide to using your computer or tablet with the new Windows 10 operating system...simple, practical instructions for doing everything you really want to do!
Here's a small sample of what you'll learn:
Set up your new computer and use the Windows 10 Start menu and desktop
Connect to the Internet and browse the Web with Microsoft Edge
Get started with social networking on Facebook (R), Twitter (TM), Pinterest (TM), and LinkedIn (R)
Use Windows 10's built-in apps-and find great new apps in the Windows Store
Connect printers and external storage, and set up automatic file backup
Create a home network in just minutes
Go online to shop and sell-and smart search with Microsoft Cortana (R)
Get your office work done fast
Organize, view, and share photos
Play music using Spotify (R), Pandora (R), iTunes (R), and more
Watch TV shows and movies online with Netflix (R) and Hulu (TM)
Protect yourself against viruses, spyware, and spam
Keep your system running reliably at top speed
This book is part of Que's Content Update Program. As Microsoft (R) updates features of Windows, sections of this book will be updated or new sections will be added to match the updates to the software. See inside for details
More details
Other editions
New editions
Book
02/2020
9th Edition
Addison Wesley
€23.51
Shipment within 15-20 days
Previous edition
Book
01/2014
7th Edition
Que Corporation,U.S.
€44.75
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Person
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.
Mr. Miller has written more than 150 best-selling books over the past 25 years. His books for Que include Easy Computer Basics, My Windows 10 Computer for Seniors, My Facebook for Seniors, My Pinterest, and My Social Media for Seniors.
He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world advice-as well as his ability to explain a variety of complex topics to an everyday audience.
Learn more about Mr. Miller at his website, www.millerwriter.com. Follow him on Twitter @molehillgroup.
Mr. Miller has written more than 150 best-selling books over the past 25 years. His books for Que include Easy Computer Basics, My Windows 10 Computer for Seniors, My Facebook for Seniors, My Pinterest, and My Social Media for Seniors.
He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world advice-as well as his ability to explain a variety of complex topics to an everyday audience.
Learn more about Mr. Miller at his website, www.millerwriter.com. Follow him on Twitter @molehillgroup.
Content
Introduction 1
How This Book Is Organized 3
Which Version of Windows? 4
Conventions Used in This Book 4
Menu Commands 4
Shortcut Key Combinations 5
Web Page Addresses 5
Special Elements 5
There's More Online 6
Chapter 1 How Personal Computers Work 7
What Your Computer Can Do 8
Good for Getting Online 8
Good for Social Networking 8
Good for Communicating 9
Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies 9
Good for Keeping in Touch 9
Good for Entertainment 9
Good for Keeping Informed 10
Good for Work 10
Good for Play 10
Inside a Personal Computer 11
The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything 11
Microprocessors: The Main Engine 12
Computer Memory: Temporary Storage 13
Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage 14
Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage 14
CD/DVD Drives: Storage on a Disc 15
Keyboards: Fingertip Input 16
Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices 18
Network Connections: Getting Connected 19
Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise 19
Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture 20
Other Parts of Your Computer System 21
Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals 21
Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps 22
Making Everything Work-with Windows 22
Different Types of Computers 23
Desktop PCs 24
Notebook PCs 25
Tablet PCs 27
Hybrid PCs 28
Which Type of PC Should You Choose? 29
Don't Worry, You Can't Screw It Up-Much 30
Chapter 2 Setting Up and Using a Notebook Computer 33
Understanding Notebook PCs 34
Connecting Peripherals and Powering On 36
Getting Connected 36
Powering On for the First Time 37
Chapter 3 Setting Up and Using a Desktop Computer 39
Understanding the Components of a Desktop Computer System 40
Before You Get Started 42
Connecting a Traditional Desktop PC 43
Connect in Order 43
Connect by Color 44
Connecting an All-in-One Desktop 45
Turning It On and Setting It Up 46
Getting the Right Order 46
Powering On for the First Time 46
Chapter 4 Getting to Know Windows 10-for New Computer Users 49
Introducing Microsoft Windows 50
Starting and Logging In to Windows 50
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop 52
Learning Basic Operations 53
Pointing and Clicking 53
Double-Clicking 53
Right-Clicking 54
Dragging and Dropping 54
Mouse Over 54
Moving and Resizing Windows 54
Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows 55
Scrolling Through a Window 56
Peeking at the Desktop 57
Using Dialog Boxes, Tabs, and Buttons 57
Using the Start Menu 59
Navigating the Start Menu 59
Launching a Program 60
Reopening Recent Documents 60
Using the Taskbar 60
Deciphering Taskbar Icons 60
Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows 61
Using Jump Lists 61
Managing Taskbar Buttons 63
Switching Between Programs 63
Learning Important Windows Shortcuts 63
Shutting Down Windows-and Your Computer 65
Chapter 5 Getting to Know Windows 10-If You've Used Windows Before 67
A Short History of Windows 68
Early Windows 68
Windows Goes Mainstream 69
Starting It Up with Windows 95 69
Windows XP, Vista, and 7 70
Then Came Windows 8 70
Introducing Windows 10 71
Windows 10 for Windows 8/8.1 Users 72
Windows 10 for Windows 7 Users 73
Windows 10 for Windows XP Users 74
The Most Important New Features of
Windows 10 75
Back to the Desktop (Goodbye, Start Screen) 75
The Start Menu Returns-Better Than Ever 77
Modern Apps in Desktop Windows 79
More New Stuff 80
Chapter 6 Using Windows 10 on a Touchscreen Device 83
Understanding Windows 10's Tablet Mode 84
Using Tablet Mode 84
Scrolling Through the Tiles 86
Opening a Tile 86
Finding Additional Apps in the All Apps List 86
Using Windows 10 with a Touchscreen Display 87
Tapping 87
Pressing and Holding 87
Swiping 87
Panning 87
Zooming 87
Rotating 88
Other Important Touch Operations 88
Chapter 7 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage 89
Understanding Files and Folders 90
Using File Explorer 90
Launching File Explorer 91
Exploring the File Explorer Window 91
Working with Ribbons and Tabs 92
Navigating the Folders on Your PC 93
Viewing Files and Folders 93
Changing the Way Files Display 93
Sorting Files and Folders 94
Grouping Files and Folders 94
Searching for Files 95
Performing Basic File and Folder Operations 95
Creating New Folders 96
Renaming Files and Folders 96
Copying Files 97
Moving Files 97
Deleting Files 98
Working with the Recycle Bin 98
Restoring Deleted Files 98
Managing the Recycle Bin 99
Working with Compressed Folders 100
Compressing a File 100
Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder 100
Copying Files to Another Computer 101
Copying Files over a Network 101
Copying Files with a Portable Drive 101
Copying Files via Email 102
Working with Cloud-Based Storage 102
Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer 102
Using Microsoft OneDrive 103
Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive 104
Evaluating Other Online Storage Services 105
Chapter 8 Personalizing Windows 107
Personalizing the Windows Desktop 108
Changing the Desktop Background 108
Changing the Accent Color 109
Choosing a Windows Theme 110
Customizing the Taskbar 111
Customizing the Start Menu 112
Personalizing the Lock Screen 112
Changing the Lock Screen Background 112
Displaying a Slide Show on the Lock Screen 113
Adding Apps to the Lock Screen 114
Changing Your Account Picture 114
Setting Up Additional User Accounts 115
Setting Up a New Family Member 116
Setting Up Other Users 118
Switching Users 119
Logging Out 119
Logging In with Multiple Users 120
Configuring Other Windows Settings 120
Configuring Settings with the Settings Tool 120
Configuring Settings from the Traditional Control Panel 123
Chapter 9 Connecting Other Devices to Your PC-and Your PC to Other Devices 125
Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals 126
Adding New Hardware to Your System 127
Connecting and Using a Printer 129
Understanding Different Types of Printers 129
Connecting a Printer to Your Computer 132
Connecting a Printer to Your Network 133
Printing to Your System's Printer 133
Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC 134
Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV 135
Chapter 10 Adding Storage and Backup 139
Understanding External Storage 140
Connecting an External Hard Drive 141
Backing Up Your Important Files 141
Backing Up to an External Hard Drive 141
Using Windows' File History Utility 142
Backing Up Online 143
Chapter 11 Setting Up a Home Network 145
How Networks Work 146
Wired Networks 146
Wireless Networks 146
Connecting and Configuring 147
Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home 148
How It Works 148
What You Need 149
Making the Connections 150
Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network 150
Connecting via Ethernet 151
Connecting Wirelessly 151
Connecting Computers in a Homegroup 152
Creating a New Homegroup 152
Connect to an Existing Homegroup 153
Accessing Computers on Your Network 154
Accessing Homegroup Computers 154
Accessing Other Computers on Your Network 155
Chapter 12 Connecting to the Internet-at Home and Away 157
Different Types of Connections in the Home 158
Broadband DSL 158
Broadband Cable 159
Fiber Broadband 159
Broadband Satellite 159
Sharing an Internet Connection 160
Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot 160
Chapter 13 Browsing and Searching the Web 163
Understanding the Web 164
Using Microsoft Edge 164
Browsing the Web with Edge 165
Revisiting History 166
Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs 167
Saving Your Favorite Pages 167
Returning to a Favorite Page 168
Displaying the Favorites Bar 169
Displaying a Page in Reading View 170
Browsing in Private 170
Setting a Different Start Page 171
Using Google Chrome 171
Searching the Web with Google 173
Understanding Web Search 173
Using Google Search 173
Constructing a Query 174
Performing an Advanced Search 175
Searching for Images 175
Using Wikipedia for Research 176
Understanding Wikipedia 176
Searching Wikipedia 177
Reading Wikipedia Articles 178
Searching-and More-with Cortana 178
Search Cortana from the Taskbar 179
Search Cortana from Microsoft Edge 180
Search Cortana by Voice 180
View News and Other Information 181
Set a Reminder 182
Chapter 14 Shopping and Selling Online 185
How to Shop Online 186
Step 1: Find an Online Store 186
Step 2: Find a Product 187
Step 3: Examine the Product 188
Step 4: Order the Product 188
Step 5: Check Out 189
Step 6: Confirm the Order 190
How to Shop Safely 190
Buying and Selling on eBay 191
How Does an eBay Auction Work? 191
Buying Fixed-Price Items 194
Protecting Yourself Against Fraudulent Sellers 194
eBay Selling, Step-by-Step 195
Buying and Selling on Craigslist 197
Understanding Online Classifieds 197
Browsing the Listings 197
Buying on Craigslist 198
Listing an Item for Sale 199
Making the Sale 201
Chapter 15 Sending and Receiving Email 203
How Email Works 204
POP/IMAP Email Versus Web Mail 204
POP/IMAP Email 205
Web Mail 205
Using Gmail 206
Navigating Gmail 206
Reading Messages 207
Viewing Conversations 208
Replying to a Message 208
Composing a New Message 208
Sending and Receiving Photos and Other Files 209
Using the Windows 10 Mail App 211
Checking Your Inbox 211
Sending New Messages 212
Adding Another Email Account 213
Chapter 16 Social Networking with Facebook and Other Social Media 215
Using Facebook 216
Signing Up and Signing In with the Facebook App 216
Getting to Know Facebook 216
Finding Friends 217
Searching for Friends 219
Viewing a Friend's Timeline Page 219
Posting Status Updates 220
Determine Who Can-or Can't-See a Status Update 222
Viewing Friends' Updates in Your News Feed 222
Uploading Photos to Facebook 224
Viewing Photos 226
Managing Your Privacy on Facebook 227
Using Pinterest 229
What Pinterest Is and What It Does 229
Navigating the Pinterest Site 230
Viewing Boards and Pins 230
Following Other Users 231
Pinning Items 232
Repinning Existing Items 233
Creating New Board 234
Using LinkedIn 235
Personalizing Your Profile 236
Finding New Connections 236
Contacting Other LinkedIn Members 237
Using Twitter 237
Joining Twitter 237
Navigating Twitter 238
Tweeting with Twitter 239
Following Other Users 239
Customizing Your Profile 240
Using Social Networks-Smartly and Safely 240
Protecting Your Children 240
Protecting Yourself 241
Chapter 17 Video Chatting with Friends and Family 243
Video Chatting with Skype 244
Adding Contacts 244
Making a Video Call 245
Video Chatting in Facebook 246
Video Chatting in Google Hangouts 248
Chapter 18 Using Applications on the Desktop 251
Managing Applications in Windows 10 252
Finding Installed Apps 252
Pinning Apps to the Start Menu 254
Pinning Apps to the Taskbar 254
Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop 254
Working with Applications 255
Using Menus 255
Using Toolbars and Ribbons 256
Closing an Open App 257
Working with Universal Apps 257
Exploring Windows 10's Built-In Apps and Utilities 258
Exploring Windows 10's Universal Apps 261
Weather 261
Maps 262
News 264
Sports 265
Money 265
Alarms & Clock 266
Chapter 19 Finding and Installing New Apps 269
Finding and Installing Apps from the Windows Store 270
Opening the Windows Store 270
Browsing the Windows Store 271
Searching the Windows Store 272
Downloading an App 272
Finding and Installing Apps from Your Local Retailer 273
Finding and Installing Apps Online 274
Understanding Cloud Computing Apps 275
Chapter 20 Doing Office Work 277
Getting to Know Microsoft Office 278
Using Office on the Desktop 278
Using Office Online 280
Which Version of Office Should You Use? 281
Word Processing with Microsoft Word Online 282
Exploring the Word Workspace 282
Working with Documents 283
Entering Text 283
Editing Text 284
Formatting Text 284
Checking Spelling and Grammar 285
Printing Your Document 285
Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel 285
Exploring the Excel Workspace 285
Entering Data 286
Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns 287
Adjusting Column Width 287
Calculating with Formulas 288
Including Other Cells in a Formula 288
Quick Addition with AutoSum 289
Using Functions 290
Formatting Your Spreadsheet 290
Creating a Chart 291
Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint 292
Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace 292
Applying a Theme 293
Inserting New Slides 294
Adding and Formatting Text 294
Start the Show! 294
Exploring Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides 294
Using Google Docs 295
Using Google Sheets 296
Using Google Slides 297
Chapter 21 Staying Organized 299
Using the Windows Calendar App 300
Displaying Different Views 300
Creating a New Appointment 301
Using Web-Based Calendars 302
Using Web-Based To-Do Lists 303
Chapter 22 Viewing and Sharing Digital Photos 305
Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet 306
Connecting via USB 306
Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card 306
Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet 307
Scanning a Picture 307
Viewing Your Photos with the Windows 10 Photos App 308
Editing Your Photos with the Photos App 309
Automatically Enhancing a Photo 310
Rotating a Photo 310
Cropping a Photo 310
Removing Red-Eye 311
Retouching a Photo 312
Applying Filters 312
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast 313
Adjusting Color and Tint 313
Applying Special Effects 314
Using Other Photo-Editing Programs 315
Printing Your Photos 316
Choosing the Right Printer and Paper 316
Making the Print 316
Printing Photos Professionally 317
Sharing Photos at an Online Photo Site 318
Emailing Digital Photos 319
Chapter 23 Watching Movies, TV Shows, and Other Videos 321
Watching Streaming Video Online 322
Viewing Movies and TV Shows on Netflix 322
Viewing TV Shows on Hulu 325
Viewing Videos on Network Websites 327
Downloading Videos from the iTunes Store 328
Viewing Videos on YouTube 330
Searching for Videos 330
Viewing Videos 331
Sharing Videos 331
Uploading Your Own Videos to YouTube 332
Making Your Own Home Movies 332
Playing DVD Movies on Your PC 333
Watching Online Videos on Your Living Room TV 333
Chapter 24 Playing Music 335
Listening to Streaming Music Online 336
Listening to Spotify and Other On-Demand Streaming Services 336
Listening to Pandora and Other Personalized Playlist Services 338
Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online 340
Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music 341
Purchasing Music from the iTunes Store 341
Purchasing Music from the Amazon Digital Music Store 343
Purchasing Music from Google Play Music 344
Playing Digital Music on Your PC 344
Playing Music with the iTunes App 345
Playing Music with the Groove Music App 346
Playing Music with Windows Media Player 347
Listening to CDs on Your PC 348
Playing a CD 348
Ripping a CD to Your PC 349
Burning Your Own CDs 349
Chapter 25 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, and Spam 351
Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses 352
Watching for Signs of Infection 352
Catching a Virus 352
Practicing Safe Computing 353
Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software 354
Hunting Down Spyware 356
Defending Against Computer Attacks 356
Using the Windows Firewall 357
Using Third-Party Firewall Software 357
Fighting Email Spam 357
Protecting Your Email Address 358
Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs 359
Resisting Phishing Scams 359
Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content 360
Using Content-Filtering Software 360
Encouraging Safe Computing 360
Chapter 26 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems 363
Maintaining Your Computer 364
Cleaning Up Unused Files 364
Removing Unused Programs 365
Performing a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk 366
Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition 367
System Unit 367
Keyboard 368
Display 368
Printer 369
Maintaining a Notebook PC 369
Using the Windows Mobility Center 369
Conserving Battery Life 370
Securing Your Notebook 371
Troubleshooting Computer Problems 371
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode 372
Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes 373
What Causes Windows to Freeze? 373
Dealing with Frozen Windows 374
Dealing with a Frozen Program 374
Dealing with a Major Crash 375
Restoring, Resetting, or Refreshing Your System 376
Restoring Your System to a Previous State 376
Refreshing System Files 377
Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition 378
Index 381
How This Book Is Organized 3
Which Version of Windows? 4
Conventions Used in This Book 4
Menu Commands 4
Shortcut Key Combinations 5
Web Page Addresses 5
Special Elements 5
There's More Online 6
Chapter 1 How Personal Computers Work 7
What Your Computer Can Do 8
Good for Getting Online 8
Good for Social Networking 8
Good for Communicating 9
Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies 9
Good for Keeping in Touch 9
Good for Entertainment 9
Good for Keeping Informed 10
Good for Work 10
Good for Play 10
Inside a Personal Computer 11
The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything 11
Microprocessors: The Main Engine 12
Computer Memory: Temporary Storage 13
Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage 14
Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage 14
CD/DVD Drives: Storage on a Disc 15
Keyboards: Fingertip Input 16
Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices 18
Network Connections: Getting Connected 19
Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise 19
Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture 20
Other Parts of Your Computer System 21
Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals 21
Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps 22
Making Everything Work-with Windows 22
Different Types of Computers 23
Desktop PCs 24
Notebook PCs 25
Tablet PCs 27
Hybrid PCs 28
Which Type of PC Should You Choose? 29
Don't Worry, You Can't Screw It Up-Much 30
Chapter 2 Setting Up and Using a Notebook Computer 33
Understanding Notebook PCs 34
Connecting Peripherals and Powering On 36
Getting Connected 36
Powering On for the First Time 37
Chapter 3 Setting Up and Using a Desktop Computer 39
Understanding the Components of a Desktop Computer System 40
Before You Get Started 42
Connecting a Traditional Desktop PC 43
Connect in Order 43
Connect by Color 44
Connecting an All-in-One Desktop 45
Turning It On and Setting It Up 46
Getting the Right Order 46
Powering On for the First Time 46
Chapter 4 Getting to Know Windows 10-for New Computer Users 49
Introducing Microsoft Windows 50
Starting and Logging In to Windows 50
Getting to Know the Windows Desktop 52
Learning Basic Operations 53
Pointing and Clicking 53
Double-Clicking 53
Right-Clicking 54
Dragging and Dropping 54
Mouse Over 54
Moving and Resizing Windows 54
Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows 55
Scrolling Through a Window 56
Peeking at the Desktop 57
Using Dialog Boxes, Tabs, and Buttons 57
Using the Start Menu 59
Navigating the Start Menu 59
Launching a Program 60
Reopening Recent Documents 60
Using the Taskbar 60
Deciphering Taskbar Icons 60
Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows 61
Using Jump Lists 61
Managing Taskbar Buttons 63
Switching Between Programs 63
Learning Important Windows Shortcuts 63
Shutting Down Windows-and Your Computer 65
Chapter 5 Getting to Know Windows 10-If You've Used Windows Before 67
A Short History of Windows 68
Early Windows 68
Windows Goes Mainstream 69
Starting It Up with Windows 95 69
Windows XP, Vista, and 7 70
Then Came Windows 8 70
Introducing Windows 10 71
Windows 10 for Windows 8/8.1 Users 72
Windows 10 for Windows 7 Users 73
Windows 10 for Windows XP Users 74
The Most Important New Features of
Windows 10 75
Back to the Desktop (Goodbye, Start Screen) 75
The Start Menu Returns-Better Than Ever 77
Modern Apps in Desktop Windows 79
More New Stuff 80
Chapter 6 Using Windows 10 on a Touchscreen Device 83
Understanding Windows 10's Tablet Mode 84
Using Tablet Mode 84
Scrolling Through the Tiles 86
Opening a Tile 86
Finding Additional Apps in the All Apps List 86
Using Windows 10 with a Touchscreen Display 87
Tapping 87
Pressing and Holding 87
Swiping 87
Panning 87
Zooming 87
Rotating 88
Other Important Touch Operations 88
Chapter 7 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage 89
Understanding Files and Folders 90
Using File Explorer 90
Launching File Explorer 91
Exploring the File Explorer Window 91
Working with Ribbons and Tabs 92
Navigating the Folders on Your PC 93
Viewing Files and Folders 93
Changing the Way Files Display 93
Sorting Files and Folders 94
Grouping Files and Folders 94
Searching for Files 95
Performing Basic File and Folder Operations 95
Creating New Folders 96
Renaming Files and Folders 96
Copying Files 97
Moving Files 97
Deleting Files 98
Working with the Recycle Bin 98
Restoring Deleted Files 98
Managing the Recycle Bin 99
Working with Compressed Folders 100
Compressing a File 100
Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder 100
Copying Files to Another Computer 101
Copying Files over a Network 101
Copying Files with a Portable Drive 101
Copying Files via Email 102
Working with Cloud-Based Storage 102
Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer 102
Using Microsoft OneDrive 103
Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive 104
Evaluating Other Online Storage Services 105
Chapter 8 Personalizing Windows 107
Personalizing the Windows Desktop 108
Changing the Desktop Background 108
Changing the Accent Color 109
Choosing a Windows Theme 110
Customizing the Taskbar 111
Customizing the Start Menu 112
Personalizing the Lock Screen 112
Changing the Lock Screen Background 112
Displaying a Slide Show on the Lock Screen 113
Adding Apps to the Lock Screen 114
Changing Your Account Picture 114
Setting Up Additional User Accounts 115
Setting Up a New Family Member 116
Setting Up Other Users 118
Switching Users 119
Logging Out 119
Logging In with Multiple Users 120
Configuring Other Windows Settings 120
Configuring Settings with the Settings Tool 120
Configuring Settings from the Traditional Control Panel 123
Chapter 9 Connecting Other Devices to Your PC-and Your PC to Other Devices 125
Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals 126
Adding New Hardware to Your System 127
Connecting and Using a Printer 129
Understanding Different Types of Printers 129
Connecting a Printer to Your Computer 132
Connecting a Printer to Your Network 133
Printing to Your System's Printer 133
Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC 134
Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV 135
Chapter 10 Adding Storage and Backup 139
Understanding External Storage 140
Connecting an External Hard Drive 141
Backing Up Your Important Files 141
Backing Up to an External Hard Drive 141
Using Windows' File History Utility 142
Backing Up Online 143
Chapter 11 Setting Up a Home Network 145
How Networks Work 146
Wired Networks 146
Wireless Networks 146
Connecting and Configuring 147
Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home 148
How It Works 148
What You Need 149
Making the Connections 150
Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network 150
Connecting via Ethernet 151
Connecting Wirelessly 151
Connecting Computers in a Homegroup 152
Creating a New Homegroup 152
Connect to an Existing Homegroup 153
Accessing Computers on Your Network 154
Accessing Homegroup Computers 154
Accessing Other Computers on Your Network 155
Chapter 12 Connecting to the Internet-at Home and Away 157
Different Types of Connections in the Home 158
Broadband DSL 158
Broadband Cable 159
Fiber Broadband 159
Broadband Satellite 159
Sharing an Internet Connection 160
Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot 160
Chapter 13 Browsing and Searching the Web 163
Understanding the Web 164
Using Microsoft Edge 164
Browsing the Web with Edge 165
Revisiting History 166
Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs 167
Saving Your Favorite Pages 167
Returning to a Favorite Page 168
Displaying the Favorites Bar 169
Displaying a Page in Reading View 170
Browsing in Private 170
Setting a Different Start Page 171
Using Google Chrome 171
Searching the Web with Google 173
Understanding Web Search 173
Using Google Search 173
Constructing a Query 174
Performing an Advanced Search 175
Searching for Images 175
Using Wikipedia for Research 176
Understanding Wikipedia 176
Searching Wikipedia 177
Reading Wikipedia Articles 178
Searching-and More-with Cortana 178
Search Cortana from the Taskbar 179
Search Cortana from Microsoft Edge 180
Search Cortana by Voice 180
View News and Other Information 181
Set a Reminder 182
Chapter 14 Shopping and Selling Online 185
How to Shop Online 186
Step 1: Find an Online Store 186
Step 2: Find a Product 187
Step 3: Examine the Product 188
Step 4: Order the Product 188
Step 5: Check Out 189
Step 6: Confirm the Order 190
How to Shop Safely 190
Buying and Selling on eBay 191
How Does an eBay Auction Work? 191
Buying Fixed-Price Items 194
Protecting Yourself Against Fraudulent Sellers 194
eBay Selling, Step-by-Step 195
Buying and Selling on Craigslist 197
Understanding Online Classifieds 197
Browsing the Listings 197
Buying on Craigslist 198
Listing an Item for Sale 199
Making the Sale 201
Chapter 15 Sending and Receiving Email 203
How Email Works 204
POP/IMAP Email Versus Web Mail 204
POP/IMAP Email 205
Web Mail 205
Using Gmail 206
Navigating Gmail 206
Reading Messages 207
Viewing Conversations 208
Replying to a Message 208
Composing a New Message 208
Sending and Receiving Photos and Other Files 209
Using the Windows 10 Mail App 211
Checking Your Inbox 211
Sending New Messages 212
Adding Another Email Account 213
Chapter 16 Social Networking with Facebook and Other Social Media 215
Using Facebook 216
Signing Up and Signing In with the Facebook App 216
Getting to Know Facebook 216
Finding Friends 217
Searching for Friends 219
Viewing a Friend's Timeline Page 219
Posting Status Updates 220
Determine Who Can-or Can't-See a Status Update 222
Viewing Friends' Updates in Your News Feed 222
Uploading Photos to Facebook 224
Viewing Photos 226
Managing Your Privacy on Facebook 227
Using Pinterest 229
What Pinterest Is and What It Does 229
Navigating the Pinterest Site 230
Viewing Boards and Pins 230
Following Other Users 231
Pinning Items 232
Repinning Existing Items 233
Creating New Board 234
Using LinkedIn 235
Personalizing Your Profile 236
Finding New Connections 236
Contacting Other LinkedIn Members 237
Using Twitter 237
Joining Twitter 237
Navigating Twitter 238
Tweeting with Twitter 239
Following Other Users 239
Customizing Your Profile 240
Using Social Networks-Smartly and Safely 240
Protecting Your Children 240
Protecting Yourself 241
Chapter 17 Video Chatting with Friends and Family 243
Video Chatting with Skype 244
Adding Contacts 244
Making a Video Call 245
Video Chatting in Facebook 246
Video Chatting in Google Hangouts 248
Chapter 18 Using Applications on the Desktop 251
Managing Applications in Windows 10 252
Finding Installed Apps 252
Pinning Apps to the Start Menu 254
Pinning Apps to the Taskbar 254
Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop 254
Working with Applications 255
Using Menus 255
Using Toolbars and Ribbons 256
Closing an Open App 257
Working with Universal Apps 257
Exploring Windows 10's Built-In Apps and Utilities 258
Exploring Windows 10's Universal Apps 261
Weather 261
Maps 262
News 264
Sports 265
Money 265
Alarms & Clock 266
Chapter 19 Finding and Installing New Apps 269
Finding and Installing Apps from the Windows Store 270
Opening the Windows Store 270
Browsing the Windows Store 271
Searching the Windows Store 272
Downloading an App 272
Finding and Installing Apps from Your Local Retailer 273
Finding and Installing Apps Online 274
Understanding Cloud Computing Apps 275
Chapter 20 Doing Office Work 277
Getting to Know Microsoft Office 278
Using Office on the Desktop 278
Using Office Online 280
Which Version of Office Should You Use? 281
Word Processing with Microsoft Word Online 282
Exploring the Word Workspace 282
Working with Documents 283
Entering Text 283
Editing Text 284
Formatting Text 284
Checking Spelling and Grammar 285
Printing Your Document 285
Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel 285
Exploring the Excel Workspace 285
Entering Data 286
Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns 287
Adjusting Column Width 287
Calculating with Formulas 288
Including Other Cells in a Formula 288
Quick Addition with AutoSum 289
Using Functions 290
Formatting Your Spreadsheet 290
Creating a Chart 291
Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint 292
Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace 292
Applying a Theme 293
Inserting New Slides 294
Adding and Formatting Text 294
Start the Show! 294
Exploring Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides 294
Using Google Docs 295
Using Google Sheets 296
Using Google Slides 297
Chapter 21 Staying Organized 299
Using the Windows Calendar App 300
Displaying Different Views 300
Creating a New Appointment 301
Using Web-Based Calendars 302
Using Web-Based To-Do Lists 303
Chapter 22 Viewing and Sharing Digital Photos 305
Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet 306
Connecting via USB 306
Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card 306
Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet 307
Scanning a Picture 307
Viewing Your Photos with the Windows 10 Photos App 308
Editing Your Photos with the Photos App 309
Automatically Enhancing a Photo 310
Rotating a Photo 310
Cropping a Photo 310
Removing Red-Eye 311
Retouching a Photo 312
Applying Filters 312
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast 313
Adjusting Color and Tint 313
Applying Special Effects 314
Using Other Photo-Editing Programs 315
Printing Your Photos 316
Choosing the Right Printer and Paper 316
Making the Print 316
Printing Photos Professionally 317
Sharing Photos at an Online Photo Site 318
Emailing Digital Photos 319
Chapter 23 Watching Movies, TV Shows, and Other Videos 321
Watching Streaming Video Online 322
Viewing Movies and TV Shows on Netflix 322
Viewing TV Shows on Hulu 325
Viewing Videos on Network Websites 327
Downloading Videos from the iTunes Store 328
Viewing Videos on YouTube 330
Searching for Videos 330
Viewing Videos 331
Sharing Videos 331
Uploading Your Own Videos to YouTube 332
Making Your Own Home Movies 332
Playing DVD Movies on Your PC 333
Watching Online Videos on Your Living Room TV 333
Chapter 24 Playing Music 335
Listening to Streaming Music Online 336
Listening to Spotify and Other On-Demand Streaming Services 336
Listening to Pandora and Other Personalized Playlist Services 338
Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online 340
Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music 341
Purchasing Music from the iTunes Store 341
Purchasing Music from the Amazon Digital Music Store 343
Purchasing Music from Google Play Music 344
Playing Digital Music on Your PC 344
Playing Music with the iTunes App 345
Playing Music with the Groove Music App 346
Playing Music with Windows Media Player 347
Listening to CDs on Your PC 348
Playing a CD 348
Ripping a CD to Your PC 349
Burning Your Own CDs 349
Chapter 25 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, and Spam 351
Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses 352
Watching for Signs of Infection 352
Catching a Virus 352
Practicing Safe Computing 353
Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software 354
Hunting Down Spyware 356
Defending Against Computer Attacks 356
Using the Windows Firewall 357
Using Third-Party Firewall Software 357
Fighting Email Spam 357
Protecting Your Email Address 358
Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs 359
Resisting Phishing Scams 359
Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content 360
Using Content-Filtering Software 360
Encouraging Safe Computing 360
Chapter 26 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems 363
Maintaining Your Computer 364
Cleaning Up Unused Files 364
Removing Unused Programs 365
Performing a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk 366
Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition 367
System Unit 367
Keyboard 368
Display 368
Printer 369
Maintaining a Notebook PC 369
Using the Windows Mobility Center 369
Conserving Battery Life 370
Securing Your Notebook 371
Troubleshooting Computer Problems 371
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode 372
Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes 373
What Causes Windows to Freeze? 373
Dealing with Frozen Windows 374
Dealing with a Frozen Program 374
Dealing with a Major Crash 375
Restoring, Resetting, or Refreshing Your System 376
Restoring Your System to a Previous State 376
Refreshing System Files 377
Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition 378
Index 381