Computer Basics Absolute Beginner's Guide, Windows 10 Edition

Introduction 1
How This Book Is Organized 3
Which Version of Windows? 4
Conventions Used in This Book 4
Web Page Addresses 5
Special Elements 5
There's More Online 6
PART I: UNDERSTANDING COMPUTERS
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 8
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 15
Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices 16
Network Connections: Getting Connected 17
Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise 18
Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture 18
Other Parts of Your Computer System 19
Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals 19
Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps 20
Making Everything Work-with Windows 21
Different Types of Computers 22
Traditional Desktop PCs 22
All-in-One Desktops 23
Laptop PCs 24
Tablet PCs 25
2-in-1 PCs 26
Which Type of PC Should You Choose? 27
Don't Worry, You Can't Screw It Up-Much 28
Chapter 2 Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers 31
Before You Get Started 32
Setting Up a Notebook or Hybrid PC 32
Understanding the Elements of a Notebook PC 33
Getting Connected 35
Setting Up an All-in-One Desktop PC 36
Understanding the Parts of an All-in-One System 36
Getting Connected 37
Setting Up a Traditional Desktop Computer System 37
Understanding the Components of a Desktop System 37
Getting Connected 40
Turning it On-for the First Time 41
Getting the Right Order 41
Powering On 42

PART II: USING WINDOWS
Chapter 3 Getting to Know Windows 10 45
Say Hello to Windows 46
Starting and Logging In to Windows 46
Exploring the Windows Desktop 47
Learning Basic Operations 49
Pointing and Clicking 49
Double-Clicking 49
Right-Clicking 49
Dragging and Dropping 50
Mouse Over 50
Moving and Resizing Windows 50
Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows 51
Scrolling Through a Window 51
Peeking at the Desktop 53
Using the Start Menu 53
Navigating the Start Menu 53
Launching a Program 55
Using the Taskbar 55
Deciphering Taskbar Icons 55
Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows 56
Using Jump Lists 56
Managing Taskbar Buttons 57
Switching Between Programs 57
Using the Action Center 58
Learning Important Windows Shortcuts 59
Using Windows with a Touchscreen Display 60
Using Tablet Mode 60
Finding Additional Apps in the All Apps List 61
Important Touchscreen Operations 62
Shutting Down Windows-and Your Computer 62
Chapter 4 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage 65
Understanding Files and Folders 66
Using File Explorer 66
Launching File Explorer 66
Exploring the File Explorer Window 67
Working with Ribbons and Tabs 68
Navigating the Folders on Your PC 68
Viewing Files and Folders 69
Changing the Way Files Display 69
Sorting Files and Folders 70
Grouping Files and Folders 70
Searching for Files 70
Performing Basic File and Folder Operations 71
Creating New Folders 71
Renaming Files and Folders 72
Copying Files 72
Moving Files 73
Deleting Files 73
Working with the Recycle Bin 74
Restoring Deleted Files 74
Managing the Recycle Bin 75
Working with Compressed Folders 75
Compressing a File 75
Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder 76
Copying Files to Another Computer 76
Copying Files over a Network 76
Copying Files with a Portable Drive 76
Copying Files via Email 77
Working with Cloud-Based Storage 77
Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer 78
Using Microsoft OneDrive 79
Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive 80
Chapter 5 Personalizing Windows 83
Personalizing the Windows Desktop 84
Changing the Desktop Background 84
Changing to Light or Dark Mode 85
Changing the Accent Color 85
Choosing a Windows Theme 86
Customizing the Taskbar 87
Customizing the Start Menu 88
Personalizing the Lock Screen 88
Changing the Lock Screen Background 89
Displaying a Slideshow on the Lock Screen 90
Adding Apps to the Lock Screen 90
Changing Your Account Picture 91
Setting Up Additional User Accounts 92
Create a New User Account 92
Switching Users 93
Signing Out 94
Signing In with Multiple Users 94
Configuring Other Windows Settings 94
Opening the Settings Window 94
Discovering Windows Settings 95

PART III: SETTING UP THE REST OF YOUR SYSTEM
Chapter 6 Connecting Other Devices to Your PC-and Your PC to Other Devices 101
Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals 102
Adding New Hardware to Your System 103
Connecting and Using a Printer 105
Understanding Different Types of Printers 106
Connecting a Printer to Your Computer 108
Sharing a Network Printer 108
Printing to Your System's Printer 109
Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC 110
Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV 111
Chapter 7 Adding Storage and Backup 115
Understanding External Storage 116
Connecting an External Hard Drive 116
Backing Up Your Important Files 117
Backing Up to an External Hard Drive 117
Using Windows' File History Utility 117
Restoring Backed Up Files 118
Backing Up Online 119
Chapter 8 Setting Up a Home Network 121
How Networks Work 122
Wired Networks 122
Wireless Networks 122
Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home 123
How It Works 123
What You Need 124
Making the Connections 125
Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network 125
Connecting via Ethernet 126
Connecting Wirelessly 126
Accessing Computers on Your Network 127

PART IV: USING THE INTERNET
Chapter 9 Connecting to the Internet-at Home and Away 129
Different Types of Home Internet 130
The Need for Speed 130
Understanding Internet Hardware 131
Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot 132
Chapter 10 Browsing and Searching the Web 135
Understanding the Web 136
Using Microsoft Edge 136
Browsing the Web with Edge 137
Revisiting History 137
Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs 139
Saving Your Favorite Pages 139
Returning to a Favorite Page 140
Displaying the Favorites Bar 141
Displaying a Page in Reading View 142
Browsing in Private 142
Setting a Different Start Page 143
Using Google Chrome 143
Searching the Web with Google 145
Using Google Search 145
Constructing a Query 146
Fine-Tuning Your Search Results 147
Searching-and More-with Cortana 147
Search Cortana from the Taskbar 147
Search Cortana by Voice 148
Set a Reminder 148
Chapter 11 Shopping and Selling Online 151
How to Shop Online 152
Step 1: Find an Online Store 152
Step 2: Find a Product 152
Step 3: Examine the Product (Virtually) 153
Step 4: Order the Product 153
Step 5: Check Out 154
Step 6: Confirm the Order 155
How to Shop Safely 155
Buying and Selling on eBay 156
How Does an eBay Auction Work? 157
Buying Fixed-Price Items 158
Protecting Yourself Against Fraudulent Sellers 159
Selling on eBay 159
Buying and Selling on Craigslist 161
Understanding Online Classifieds 161
Browsing the Listings 161
Buying on Craigslist 162
Listing an Item for Sale 163
Making the Sale 165

PART V: USING THE INTERNET
Chapter 12 Sending and Receiving Email 167
How Email Works 168
POP/IMAP Email 168
Web-Based Email 169
Using the Windows 10 Mail App 169
Navigating the Mail App 170
Adding Another Email Account 171
Reading and Replying to Messages 171
Viewing Attachments 172
Sending a New Message 173
Attaching a File 174
Using Web-Based Email 174
Using Outlook Online 174
Using Gmail 175
Chapter 13 Texting and Video Calling with Friends and Family 179
Text Messaging with Your Phone 180
Configuring the Your Phone App 180
Sending and Receiving Texts 181
Creating a New Text Message 182
Video Calling with Skype 183
Adding Contacts 184
Making a Video Call 185
Chapter 14 Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media 189
Using Facebook 190
Signing Up with and Signing In to Facebook 190
Getting to Know Facebook 190
Finding Friends 191
Searching for Friends 193
Viewing a Friend's Profile Page 193
Posting Status Updates 194
Determine Who Can-or Can't-See a Status Update 195
Viewing Friends' Updates in Your News Feed 196
Managing Your Privacy on Facebook 197
Using Twitter 198
Joining Twitter 198
Navigating Twitter 199
Tweeting with Twitter 200
Following Other Users 200
Customizing Your Profile 201
Using Pinterest 201
What Pinterest Is and What It Does 201
Navigating the Pinterest Site 202
Viewing Boards and Pins 202
Following Other Users 203
Repinning Existing Items 203
Pinning Items from the Web 204
Creating New Boards 205
Using LinkedIn 206
Personalizing Your Profile 207
Finding New Connections 208
Contacting Other LinkedIn Members 208
Using Social Networks-Smartly and Safely 208
Protecting Your Children 209
Protecting Yourself 209

PART VI: GETTING PRODUCTIVE
Chapter 15 Installing and Using Desktop Applications 211
Finding and Installing New Apps 212
Downloading Apps from the Microsoft Store 212
Purchasing Apps from Your Local Retailer 215
Finding and Installing Apps Online 215
Understanding Web-Based Apps 216
Managing Your Apps 216
Finding Your Installed Apps 217
Pinning Apps to the Start Menu 218
Pinning Apps to the Taskbar 219
Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop 219
Working with Applications 219
Using Menus 219
Using Toolbars and Ribbons 220
Closing an Open App 221
Chapter 16 Doing Office Work 223
Getting to Know Microsoft Office 224
Using Office on the Desktop 224
Using Office Online 225
Which Version of Office Should You Use? 227
Word Processing with Microsoft Word Online 228
Exploring the Word Workspace 228
Working with Documents 229
Entering Text 229
Editing Text 230
Formatting Text 230
Checking Spelling and Grammar 231
Printing Your Document 231
Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel 231
Exploring the Excel Workspace 231
Entering Data 232
Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns 233
Adjusting Column Width 233
Calculating with Formulas 234
Including Other Cells in a Formula 234
Quick Addition with AutoSum 235
Using Functions 236
Formatting Your Spreadsheet 236
Creating a Chart 237
Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint 238
Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace 238
Applying a Theme 239
Inserting New Slides 239
Adding and Formatting Text 240
Start the Show! 240
Exploring Google Docs 240
Using Google Docs Word Processor 242
Using Google Sheets Spreadsheet 242
Using Google Slides Presentations 243
Using the Windows Calendar App 244
Displaying Different Views 244
Creating a New Event 245
Chapter 17 Viewing and Sharing Digital Photos 247
Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet 248
Downloading from the Internet 248
Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet via USB 248
Transferring Pictures from a Digital Camera via USB 249
Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card 249
Scanning a Picture 249
Viewing Your Photos with the Windows 10 Photos App 250
Editing Your Photos with the Photos App 252
Opening Editing Mode 252
Cropping or Rotating a Photo 252
Applying Filters 253
Adjusting Brightness 254
Adjusting Color 255
Removing Red-Eye 256
Retouching a Photo257
Applying Other Effects 257
Printing and Sharing Your Photos 258
Choosing the Right Printer and Paper 258
Making the Print 259
Printing Photos Professionally 260
Sharing Your Photos 260

PART VII: EXPLORING ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
Chapter 18 Watching Movies and TV Shows Online 263
Watching Streaming Video Services 264
Watching Amazon Prime Video 264
Watching Hulu 266
Watching Netflix 267
Watching Other Streaming Video Services 268
Watching Live TV Online 269
Buying and Renting Movies Online 270
Shopping at Amazon Prime Video 271
Shopping at FandangoNOW 272
Shopping at Google Play 272
Watching Videos on YouTube 273
Watching Online Videos on Your Living Room TV 274
Chapter 19 Listening to Music Online 277
Listening to Streaming Music Online 278
Listening to Pandora 278
Listening to Spotify 280
Listening to Other Streaming Music Services 280
Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online 281
Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music 282
Examining Online Music Stores 283
Playing Downloaded Music on Your PC 283

PART VIII: KEEPING YOUR SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING
Chapter 20 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, Spam, and More 287
Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses 288
Watching for Signs of Infection 288
Catching a Virus 288
Practicing Safe Computing 289
Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software 290
Hunting Down Spyware 292
Defending Against Computer Attacks with a Firewall 293
Fighting Email Spam 293
Protecting Your Email Address 294
Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs 294
Resisting Phishing Scams 295
Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content 296
Using Content-Filtering Software 296
Encouraging Safe Computing 296
Chapter 21 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems 299
Maintaining Your Computer 300
Cleaning Up Unused Files 300
Removing Unused Programs 301
Performing a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk 302
Updating Windows 303
Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition 304
System Unit 304
Keyboard 304
Display 305
Printer 305
Maintaining a Laptop PC 306
Using the Windows Mobility Center 306
Conserving Battery Life 307
Securing Your Laptop 307
Troubleshooting Computer Problems 308
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode 309
Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes 310
What Causes Windows to Freeze? 310
Dealing with Frozen Windows 310
Dealing with a Frozen Program 311
Dealing with a Major Crash 312
Refreshing or Resetting Your System 312
Refreshing System Files 312
Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition 313
Index 315