Make the most of your Windows 11 laptop 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!
Computer Basics: Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 11 Edition can help you figure out how to use your new computer system. You learn how computers work, how to connect all the pieces and parts (if your computer has pieces and parts, that is; not all do), and how to start using them. You learn about computer hardware and software, about the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system, and about the Internet. And when you’re comfortable with the basic concepts (which won’t take too long, trust me), you learn how to actually do stuff.
You learn how to do useful stuff, such as writing letters and editing photos; fun stuff, such as listening to music and watching movies and TV shows; online stuff, such as searching for information, sending and receiving email, keeping up with friends and family via Facebook and other social networks, and video chatting with Zoom and Microsoft Teams; and essential stuff, such as copying files, troubleshooting problems, and protecting against malware and computer attacks.
Who knew how simple using computers could be?
This is today's best beginner's guide to using your computer or tablet with the Windows 11 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 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
Author(s): Michael Miller
Publisher: Que Publishing/Pearson Education
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 368
Cover Page
About This eBook
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents at a Glance
Table of Contents
About the Author
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Pearson’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We Want to Hear from You!
Reader Services
Figure Credits
Introduction
How This Book Is Organized
Which Version of Windows?
Conventions Used in This Book
There’s More Online
Part I: Understanding Computers
1. How Personal Computers Work
What Your Computer Can Do
Inside a Personal Computer
Other Parts of Your Computer System
Different Types of Computers
Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much
2. Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers
Before You Get Started
Setting Up a Laptop or 2-in1 PC
Setting Up an All-in-One Desktop PC
Setting Up a Traditional Desktop PC
Turning It On—for the First Time
Part II: Using Windows
3. Getting to Know Windows 11
Say Hello to Windows 11
Learning Basic Operations
Using the Start Menu
Using the Taskbar
Learning Important Windows Shortcuts
Using Windows with a Touchscreen Display
Shutting Down Windows—and Your Computer
4. Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage
Understanding Files and Folders
Using File Explorer
Navigating the Folders on Your PC
Viewing Files and Folders
Performing Basic File and Folder Operations
Working with the Recycle Bin
Working with Compressed Folders
Copying Files to Another Computer
Working with Cloud-Based Storage
5. Personalizing Windows
Personalizing the Windows Desktop
Personalizing Widgets
Personalizing the Lock Screen
Changing Your Account Picture
Setting Up Additional User Accounts
Configuring Other Windows Settings
Part III: Setting Up the Rest of Your System
6. Connecting Printers and Other Devices to Your PC
Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals
Adding New Hardware to Your System
Connecting and Using a Printer
Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC
Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV
7. Using Your PC with Your Mobile Phone
Linking Your Phone to Your Windows 11 PC
Texting and Calling from Your PC
Doing More with Your Phone and Your Windows PC
8. Adding Storage and Backup
Understanding External Storage
Connecting an External Drive
Backing Up Your Important Files
9. Setting Up a Home Network
How Networks Work
Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home
Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network
Accessing Computers on Your Network
Part IV: Using the Internet
10. Connecting to the Internet—at Home and Away
Different Types of Home Internet
Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot
11. Browsing and Searching the Web
Understanding the Web
Using Microsoft Edge
Using Google Chrome
Searching the Web with Google
12. Buying and Selling Online
How to Shop Online
How to Shop Safely
Ordering Meal and Grocery Delivery Online
Buying and Selling on Online Marketplaces
Part V: Communicating Online
13. Sending and Receiving Email
How Email Works
Using the Windows Mail App
Using Web-Based Email
14. Video Chatting with Friends and Family
Video Chatting with Zoom
Video Chatting with Microsoft Teams
15. Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media
Using Facebook
Using Twitter
Using Pinterest
Using LinkedIn
Using Social Networks—Smartly and Safely
Part VI: Getting Productive
16. Installing and Using Desktop Applications
Finding and Installing New Apps
Managing Your Apps
Working with Applications
17. Doing Office Work
Getting to Know Microsoft Office
Word Processing with Microsoft Word
Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel
Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint
Exploring Google Docs
Using the Windows Calendar App
18. Working with Digital Photos
Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
Viewing Your Photos with the Windows Photos App
Editing Your Photos with the Photos App
Printing and Sharing Your Photos
Part VII: Exploring Online Entertainment
19. Watching Movies and TV Shows Online
Watching Streaming Video Services
Watching Live TV Online
Buying and Renting Movies Online
Watching Videos on YouTube
20. Listening to Music and Podcasts Online
Listening to Streaming Music Online
Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music
Listening to Podcasts Online
Part VIII: Keeping Your System Up and Running
21. Protecting Your PC From Computer Attacks, Malware, Spam, and More
Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses
Hunting Down Spyware
Fighting Email Spam
Resisting Phishing Scams
Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content
22. Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with Common Problems
Maintaining Your Computer
Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition
Maintaining a Laptop PC
Troubleshooting Computer Problems
Troubleshooting in Safe Mode
Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes
Refreshing or Resetting Your System
Index
