 |
 |
|
Teach Yourself Computing for the over 50s
Bob Reeves
RRP:
£7.99
ISBN:
9780340939529
|
|
|
|
 |
Summary:
The aim of this book is to provide instructions and advice on a wide range of computer uses for those who feel they have been left behind in the technological revolution, most especially the over 50s. Assuming no prior knowledge of using a computer, it is written in a practical, light-hearted and non-technical style to take the terror out of technology.
The author approaches the subject in a highly accessible way, focussing on the computer applications of most interest to middle and third agers, including correspondence, photography, shopping online, personal budgets and researching your family history. Starting from first basics it begins with how to switch on the computer and ends with an invaluable 'jargonbuster' glossary.
The book will be made up of a series of self-contained chapters, with the emphasis on what the computer is being used for, rather than the software needed. For example: rather than a chapter on ‘word-processing’, there will be a chapter on ‘letter writing’; rather than a chapter on ‘desktop publishing’ there will be chapters on ‘making a newsletter’ and ‘creating invitations’; rather than one on ‘digital photography’ there will be one on ‘ getting photographs on to the computer’ etc. There will be clear instructions supported with screenshots, tips and hints throughout.
This approach will distinguish it from other books on basic computer skills as it covers what the reader wants to do with their computer, breaking down any technical barriers and making the book totally relevant and accessible to the novice computer user.
|
- Written by an experienced author and expert on IT
- Written with humour in plain language to take the fear out of using a computer for the first time.
- Including a comprehensive jargonbuster glossary, it cuts through the 'technobabble'.
- It explains how to carry out the simple, everyday tasks that every reader needs.
|
Table of Contents:
 Choosing a computer.This chapter will give advice on choosing a computer. It will explain the key technical terms covering the main components of the computer. It will explain the purpose of each component and advise on what specification is needed depending on what the reader wants to use their computer for.
What other equipment you might need.This chapter will explain other common devices that the reader might want to attach to their computer. It will cover peripherals such as scanners, printers and digital cameras. Again, the focus is on explaining the terminology and advising on what specification is needed for the different tasks that they might be carrying out.
What programs (software) you might need.This will cover all of the mainstream software that is currently available and explain what each piece of software is for. It will explain software such as standard ‘office’ applications, email, web browsers, and the software that will come with the peripherals that they buy.
How to get equipment and programs on to your computer. This is the first of the ‘how-to’ chapters and will provide step-by-step instructions on how to add new programs and hardware.
Keeping in touch using email. This is the first chapter covering the actual applications that the reader might use. It will explain the various ways that they can access email including proprietary packages and web-based services. It will explain all the keys aspects including: sending and receiving mail, replying to an email, and adding contacts. It will include step-by-step instructions and screenshots of these activities.
Sending and receiving pictures and other attachments using email. This chapter will focus specifically on how to add attachments and receive email attachments. This will include guidance on file management in terms of folders and files and file names. The focus will be on sending and receiving photographs but it will also include other file types.
Other ways of keeping in touch. This chapter will cover other communication methods over the Internet. It will explain what each method is and what the particular features of the method are compared to each other. For example, chat rooms, instant messaging and VOIP will be explained. The chapter will include step-by-step instructions on how to access and use these services.
Special interest groups on the Internet. This chapter will explain special interest groups that are available via newsgroups. It will explain the concept of a newsgroup and a thread and list some of the topics that might be of interest. It will include step-by-step instructions on how to get access to them.
Finding what you need on the Internet. This chapter will explain search techniques in general terms using examples that may be of particular interest to the target audience. It will explain how to carry out advanced searches to reduce the number of hits, and how to evaluate the hits that they get. This will include advice on searching within specific countries and the use of sponsored links.
Buying products and services on the Internet. This chapter will explain the process of making an online purchase using examples relevant to the target audience. It will explain how to find the products and services they want, and how to enter the information needed. It will include general advice on buying online and how to compare prices between different companies.
Buying from an online auction. This chapter will explain how to use an online auction. It will include step-by-step instructions from a leading site. Common pitfalls and tips on getting the product you want will be included.
Booking a holiday on the Internet. This chapter will explain how to use an online auction. It will include step-by-step instructions from a leading site. Common pitfalls and tips on getting the holiday you want will be included.
Doing your banking on the Internet. This chapter will explain what banking services are available online and provide step-by-step instructions on all aspects of online banking.
Keeping your personal information safe online. This chapter will explain several aspects of personal security including the security of personal information, minimising risk with online transactions, advice on how to assess whether a site is trustworthy, keeping safe from hackers and viruses. It will include step-by-step instructions on how to set up protection against these threats.
Getting access to government information and services. This chapter will provide specific guidance on how to access online government resources that are of particular interest to the target audience. This will include access to information relating to work, pensions and benefits, health services, and local services.
Getting music/video on the Internet. This chapter will provide step-by-step instructions on how to find and download music and video from the Internet. This will include advice on legal and illegal downloads.
Putting music/video onto CD, DVD or MP3 player. This chapter will provide step-by-step instructions on how to transfer music and video from the computer onto other media including CD, DVD and MP3.
Getting information from a CD Rom. This chapter will explain how to access multimedia resources that are stored on a CD. Step-by-step instructions will be based on CD content that is relevant to the target audience.
Creating a back-up copy of your work. This chapter will provide advice on what, when and how to create back-ups of information. It will include step-by-step instructions on how to back up to various media including DVD, CD and memory stick.
How to get computers from your digital camera onto your computer. This chapter will provide step-by-step instructions on how to connect your digital camera to the computer and upload images. Advice on the resolution and size of images.
How to scan traditional photographs into your computer. This chapter will include step-by-step guide on how to use a scanner to get traditional photographs onto the computer.
Keeping track of your photographs. This chapter will provide advice on how to keep track of a library of photographs. This will include advice on creating folders to store photographs and using thumbnail views to select images.
Writing letters. This chapter will provide a step-by-step guide to writing and printing a letter. It will cover choice of fonts, formatting options, and standard letter templates.
Writing minutes and other types of documents. This chapter will cover other word-processing tasks such as writing minutes. It will include a step-by-step instructions for common document types to include the use of tables, borders, alignment tools and other common word-processing features.
Making an invitation. This chapter will explain how to use a desktop publishing package to create and print an invitation. It will include a step-by-step guide on how to select a template, how to work with frames and how to add text, images and word art.
Making a newsletter. This will explain how to use a desktop publishing package to create a newsletter including selection of templates, working with two and three column pages, text overflow, and the addition of text, images, shapes and word art.
Making cards for all occasions. This will explain how to use desktop publishing to create cards for all occasions using the card wizard. It will include the selection of a template and the addition of text and images.
Making a poster. This chapter will explain how to use a desktop publishing package to create and print an invitation. It will include a step-by-step guide on how to select a template, how to work with frames and how to add text, images and word art.
Keeping track of your personal finances. This will explain how to use a spreadsheet package to input text, numbers and formulae to keep track of a personal budget. It will provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up a budgeting spreadsheet from scratch and how to keep it up-to date.
Keeping track of your investments. This will explain how to use a spreadsheet package to input text, numbers and formulae to keep track of a personal budget. It will provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up a budgeting spreadsheet from scratch and how to keep it up-to date. It will also explain how to create graphs to show the return on investments in a graphical way.
Keeping lists of names and addresses. This will explain how to use a database to store lists of names and addresses for personal use, or for clubs and societies. The step-by-step instructions will explain how to set up database records, and how to type in and then access the information in various ways.
Creating a presentation for a group. This will explain how to use presentation software to put together a slideshow where the reader will be presenting to a group of people. The step-by-step instructions will include how to create slides, adding text and graphics, how to insert photographs, and how to set up transitions and animations to make the slide show come to life.
‘Jargon-buster’ glossary. A full glossary of all the computing terms used with clear non-technical explanations and cross-references to related topics.
|
About the Author(s):
Bob Reeves is an IT and Education Consultant, living in Lincolnshire, UK. He is a prolific author and has written several titles for Hodder & Stoughton, including books and CD-ROMs
|
Readership:
Any adult who has little experience of computers
|
Reviews:
|
"This book explains how to get the best out of a computer."
|
|
UNITE
|
|
"Explains everything in a lucid way.”
|
|
The Good book Guide
|
|
"An easy, friendly guide that assumes no previous knowledge of computers."
|
|
The Good Book Guide
|
|
A helping hand into the world of technology in an easy, friendly way.
|
|
Good Book Guide
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Your order basket is currently empty.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
