Product Description

Practice the IT Skills Essential for Your Success

• 70+ lab exercises challenge you to solve problems based on realistic case studies
• Step-by-step scenarios require you to think critically
• Lab analyses tests measure your understanding of lab results
• Key term quizzes help build your vocabulary

Practice working with:

• Operational procedures
• CPUs and RAM
• CMOS and BIOS settings
• The expansion bus
• Motherboards
• Power supplies
• Hard drives
• Removable media
• Input/output ports
• Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista
• Video cards
• Portable PCs, PDAs, and wireless technologies
• Printers
• Networks
• Security
• Troubleshooting techniques

Product Description
Designed for the beginner yet useful for the expert, COMPUTER NETWORKING FROM LANS TO WANS: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SECURITY covers all aspects of computer networking.Hardware details such as the operation of Ethernet, network media and devices, including hubs, switches, routers, and physical topology, are provided, with many design and troubleshooting examples.Software details such as the operation of the TCP/IP protocols, routing protocols, and network operating systems are examined. Applications, such as FTP, Telnet, and email are explained in detail, as are the requirements of writing client/server applications, with several working examples provided. Techniques for applying security to networking and computing activities are covered, including network management, secure communication methods such as SSH, TLS, and VPN, and the fundamentals of forensics.A strong pedagogical approach introduces each new topic with practical, real-world examples, and step-by-step Hands-On Projects.A companion CD includes videos and numerous files that allow the reader to perform important hands-on networking, security, and forensic activities. ... Read more

Product Description
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Mac! Whether you’ve just decided to switch from Windows or you’ve been using a Mac for awhile and want to take advantage of all its bells and whistles, Macs All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies is the perfect guidebook to Mac land.

You probably already know that Macs were made for media. There’s iPhoto for organizing, editing, and sharing your digital photos; iMovie to let you become a moviemaker; iDVD for preserving that movie and playing your favorites; and of course, iTunes for managing your music. But your Mac is just as happy creating documents, browsing the Internet, putting together cool presentations, or even crunching numbers. This guide shows you how to use all those applications and more. Seven minibooks cover Mac basics; working with photos, movies, and music; using the Internet; working with iLife and iWork applications; various other Mac programs; time-saving tips; and networking. You’ll discover how to

• Set up and customize a new Mac
• Get online, choose a browser, configure an e-mail account, and instant-message with iChat
• Handle Mac security and troubleshoot problems
• Create a Web site with iWeb and get it online
• Back up your files, sync your stuff, and manage your life with your Mac
• Network your Mac with other computers, even PCs, and share files, printers, and more

Even if you’re a seasoned Mac veteran, we bet you’ll find some things here you didn’t know! And you’ll refer to this book again and again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Macs for Dummies
I purchased this book to keep as a reference after I purchased my new Mac. I have very pleased with this book. I find that it is easy to read and explains in step by step directions many different procedures. Since receiving this book, I have gotten more out of my Mac & hope to discover more in the future.

Not Just for Dummies!
PRO: quick referencing at your fingertips, tangible, no electricity required! thorough table of contents and index.

CON: it's heavy, the title is embarrassing,

Despite the title of this book, the `Dummies' part, it is an extremely useful reference book for long-term users of Apple computers as well as the newbie and / or PC converts. This reverence book takes the reader through the Mac basics it a very friendly, readable way.I've been working with Macs for 20 years, since the early 80s when they were first made available and I thought I knew my Apple product.But we must remember that the geniuses as Apple continue to tinker with and improve upon the software of the product as well as the hardware.Therefore, there are always new things to learn, new short cuts, new tips, etc.The world of Apple computing is as organic as an organization and it's products can get.

Apple niche is the ease at which these computers handle the media world. So one big advantage this reference book has over others; ie, Using Mac OS X Leopard.doc, is that it also covers the use of the basic applications that come as standard with every Apple computer. The publishers actually claim that there are 7 mini-books within this one reference that cover Mac basics; working with photos, movies, and music; using the Internet; working with iLife and iWork applications; various other Mac programs; time-saving tips; and networking.

Oh my gosh, if you have the time and the inclination, the detail in which this book goes into telling the reader the pros and cons of one of these basic applications, just when, where and the how of using them as well is a breath of fresh air.I have learned more tidbits just thumbing through the pages.It's not only amazing, it's fun; it's refreshing; and it is addictive. Actually knowing the ins, outs and short cuts is what turns an interested buyer of an Apple computer into an enthusiastic fanatics.And believe me, Mac addicts are known for their devotion to the machine.It's the programmers who keep us hooked!

To be able to take advantage of all the bells and whistles for which Apple computers have become known, you need to know them.This reference book also works as a guide for these, offering useful "Tip" on just about every page. You will find this book is not only well written but also well illustrated.

The purpose of a reference book is to have it readily available when that one question arises for which a physical book is invaluable, especially if that question covers something to do with your inoperable computer!I know that I refer to this book fairly consistently and certainly over and over again and again.

macs for dummies
this book came in very very good condition - delivery was before expected very reliable vendor ... Read more

Product Description
Anybody who uses a computer knows how frustrating it is when things go wrong for no apparent reason or when an incomprehensible "error message" precedes a catastrophic crash. Encompassing hardware devices, Windows, the Internet and email, this manual shows you how to troubleshoot methodically and resolve all manner of common problems. It also tells you how to take preventative measures and recover from disaster. The manual, which is aimed at all levels of computer user, includes a comprehensive checklist of known bugs and issues. The book includes: a methodological approach to fault diagnosis; resolving common computer hardware problems; understanding system conflicts; decoding Windows error messages; dealing with difficulties on the Internet; taking preventative measures; disaster recovery; and an extensive glossary of known problems. ... Read more

Product Description
Building your own computer system lets you get exactly the computer system that you need. This book will take you through all of the steps to create a powerful computer system.

This book contains over 120 photographs to guide you through the process. Learn about all of the components that make up a computer system, such as hard drives, CD/DVD drives, motherboards, processors, memory, cases, power supplies and fans. But most importantly, learn what is compatible with what. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Product
Excellent read, can't wait to imply the task of building my own computer. Very user friendly.

Informative but generic
Information presented within is correct, but seems out of touch with current computer technology.The lack of decent color pictures seen in other computer building books is a minus for beginners.Overall disappointing. ... Read more

Product Description
Anyone who uses a computer knows how frustrating it is when things go wrong for no apparent reason or when an incomprehensible 'error message' precedes a catastrophic crash. This new, fully updated edition will show you how to troubleshoot methodically and resolve all manner of common problems with hardware devices, Windows (including XP and Vista), the internet and e-mail. It will also tell you how to take preventative measures and recover from disaster, and includes a new section on the advanced file recovery and back-up features in Vista. Aimed at all levels of computer user, this manual also includes a comprehensive checklist of known bugs and problems. ... Read more

Product Description
Has your PC ever let you down? Most of the time our PC's work perfectly, performing tasks for us just how we want them to, but occasionally things go wrong. A file goes missing, your PC keeps crashing or perhaps it fails to start up all together. Then what do you do? Where do you go for help? Whatever your problem, "The PC Problem Solver", newly updated for XP, has the answers. Packed with helpful advice, troubleshooting tips and quick fixes, it's like having your very own computer expert at your side. Learn how to tackle a whole range of problems from fixing hardware conflicts to using an emergency startup disk. Discover how to avoid problems by monitoring and improving performance and following general maintenance advice. Once the crisis is over, you'll learn how to get into good habits that will keep your PC working smoothly, and help prevent problems occurring in the future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Free Computer Tips and Help NOW
I'm offering free computer tips and "free" computer help by e-mail anytime, I think everyone should know how to operate and correct basic computer problems on their own.Check out my website and if you find it helpful, you can bookmark it for future reference.Go to [...] and let me know what you think.One thing to keep in mind when buying "do it yourself" computer books, are the computers are always changing and therefore books become obsolete very fast.My site is updated daily with the lasted "free" information, so please do yourself a favor and check it out today, [...].Regards,DJ. ... Read more

Product Description
Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, Sixth Edition introduces future educators to technology and digital media. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not An Exciting Read, But It Is Very Thorough
Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom is a huge book that contains an abundance of information. I did not read every word, but I did skim over every page in this 578 pager. Much of the information is very easy to understand so that is why I glanced over portions of the book. A lot of people who are scared of technology will not be scared of the information found in this sixth edition. There are a ton of colorful pictures and helpful lists found throughout the book.

There are only eight chapters in this volume, and each chapter ends with a list of key terms and a checkpoint. The key terms are in alphabetical order with each term having the page number where it is found next to it. This is extremely helpful when looking up the definitions of the words. The checkpoints have exercises to check your knowledge level of the chapter. The checkpoints are very simple and comprise of three sections. The first section is labeling, the second section is matching and the third section is short answer. There are also special features at the end of each chapter. Some of the topics in the special features include learning theories and educational research, the changing face of education and a buyer's guide to purchasing computers and mobile devices.

Furthermore, the book contains three appendices - A guide to professional educational organizations, a guide to state and federal government educational websites and references. This is not exciting reading, but it is a reference that is quite extensive. If you are interested in educational technology, I recommend this book.

Good
My product came within a reasonable amount of time but was damaged in the shipping process. It was shipped in an envelope which made it susceptible to getting damaged.

Ambiguous...
As a textbook for a graduate level class, this leaves much to be desired.The authors apparently assume that the reader has no prior experience with computers and the internet, at least in the early chapters.The Exercise and Features sections provide some food for thought, and I do like that Assistive Technology is addressed to assist teachers who work with students with learning difficulties. ... Read more

Product Description

See it done. Do it yourself. It’s that Easy! Easy Computer Basics, Windows Vista Edition teaches you the fundamentals to help you get the most from your computer hardware and software. Fully illustrated steps with simple instructions guide you through each task, building the skills you need to do what you want to do. No need to feel intimidated; we’ll hold your hand every step of the way.

Learn how to…

• Set up and configure your new computer system
• Upgrade your computer with new hardware and software
• Use Windows Vista--and personalize it just for you
• Connect to the Internet for web surfing, email, and instant messaging
• Manage and edit digital photos with Windows Photo Gallery
• Play, copy, and burn your own music CDs--and download music from the Internet to play on your iPod
• Protect your family and your computer from viruses, spam, and spyware
• Set up a wireless home network and share your Internet connection with multiple computers

Easy steps guide you through each task.

Items you select or click are shown in bold.

Each step is fully illustrated.

Category: Computers

Covers: General Computing

User Level:  Beginning

Introduction 1

Part 1: Understanding How Your Computer Works 2

Part 2: Setting Up and Using a Desktop PC 14

Part 3: Setting Up and Using a Notebook PC 28

Part 4: Using Microsoft Windows Vista 38

Part 5: Working with Files and Folders 62

Part 6: Using Microsoft Word 78

Part 7: Connecting to the Internet 96

Part 8: Setting Up a Wireless Home Network 132

Part 9: Playing Music and Movies 150

Part 10: Working with Digital Photos 168

Part 11: Adding New Devices to Your System 190

Part 12: Protecting Your Computer 200

Part 13: Taking Care of Your Computer 214

Glossary 228

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Basic Book On Computers
"Easy Computer Basics" is a good book for the person who needs to learn exactly what the title suggests.The colorful pictures and illustrations will keep the reader's attention and covers such areas as:

1.Setting up and using a desktop or laptop computer.
2.Basic uses of Windows Vista.
3.Using the internet and a wireless network.
4.Playing movies, cds, and using digital photos.
5.Protecting and taking care of your computer.

A good introduction to computers.Recommended.

THE computer book to buy
If you know nothing; this is your first computer and you can barely turn it on, this is your book.It looks like overhead projectors look; showing all phases of the work.Easy to follow, does not digress, good tips. Nothing here not to like. And it is in color, just like your computer.

Well written...
When it comes to computers I need all the help I can get.This book is well written and easy to understand.It has helped me a lot. ... Read more

Product Description
Explains hundreds of the most useful computer terms in a way that readers can understand, covering wording used in both the Macintosh and PC worlds, as well as terms used in typesetting. Original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very dated
While this book appears to be one that may have been useful some time ago, it has suffered from what all computer books suffer from... it is no longer relevant. Somebody wanting to try to understand their son or daughter would be best off looking elsewhere to try to learn something, or they run the risk of using outdated terminology and getting a dated understanding of an industry that has changed radically since the book's publication. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect coverage of essential computer concepts. Topics include hardware, software, communications, networks, the Internet, and covers information on how to purchase computers for personal use. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an ideal book for veteran computer users and those new to the field. Through practical examples and entertaining real-world stories, it shows how users can easily and successfully integrate computers and music.

• Teaches users how to create computer music with hands-on examples
• The author is an internationally known digital music expert
• Explains the principles of using computers for exploration, composition, and the production of music
• CD-ROM includes software for both the PC and Macintosh

Product Description
Introduction to Evolvable Hardware: A Practical Guide for Designing Self-Adaptive Systems provides a fundamental introduction for engineers, designers, and managers involved in the development of adaptive, high reliability systems. It also introduces the concepts of evolvable hardware (EHW) to new researchers in a structured way. With this practical book, you’ll be able to quickly apply the techniques presented to existing design problems. ... Read more

Product Description
The Laptop Repair Workbook includes twelve full page troubleshooting flowcharts for laptop hardware troubleshooting and explanatory text for every decision point. The book begins with an introduction to basic laptop terminology, troubleshooting procedures, and cost decisions. Supplementary illustrated tests and procedures are available on the publisher's website, www.fonerbooks.com. An ebook version is also available direct from the publisher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Simplicity at its best
This book is simply written. No pictures, no technical stuff. It is a good book for beginners, but even an experienced person like me finds merit in this book.

Most of my PC repairs are desktop units and this book is straightforward and covers the basics of what could be wrong with a laptop computer.

I particularly like the flow-chart approach and the sometimes comical responses of the author.

Excellent
The best resource/guide out there! I know how to fix notebooks and PCs but sometimes you could be lost or not on the right track and that's when a book like this one comes in handy. Also, the author links each troubleshooting step in the book to great pics posted on his website. The website also gives you some extra valuable tips. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Why? Because you don't know EVERYTHING and ANYBODY can make mistakes and need a little help or guidance. Great job!

Really useful
I love this book, can't remember to see any other book out there to be so helpful. Straight answers for almost any computer issue without a lot of bla, bla...

a very practical book it teaches you fondamentals and how to do rather than selling you papers and informations
i've just ended reading this book , it is so practicat it teaches you the how to do rather than other big books that copy and paste information from other resources ... and leaves you with lot of information and nothing to do if you could read the 500 - 1000 papers :) it is only 200 papers which makes it readable the bad thing in this book is that the writter is so talkative sometimes :) , he always tell you that it is better to buy an external device rather than repairing and talk a lot about the prices of the external devices and where to find it and the goods it do for you but we boght this book to repair everybody knows that he can use an external device and he talks about laptop prices and how take the decision between repairing and buying another time we must tell him that we know how to do our finance and it is not a book of accounting and finance :) we bought this book to repair laptops only .
another bad thing in this book is that he doesn't go in depth in replacing components soldered on the main board he just says that it is hard and sometimes give you some hints ( reflowing , fuse on the regulator , discolerring connectors of semi conducters and chips and tell you to do search without telling you some details or how to do it or giving you a photo on his website )
it is goodly organized but not very goodly or excelent , he repeats same information lot of times and he gives you hints and tell you that we'll discuss this later and this later never come :) (ex : fuse on the regulator)
overall it is a great book it gives you what you were looking for before buying it , it is the best in the market for its subject without any doubt .

Useful resource
I work in a computer repair/service shop and love using this book as a quick check guide.It's just what I expected and wanted. ... Read more

Product Description

Find all the answers to a Windows XP user¿s questions in one big, easy-to-use book.Sams Teach Yourself Windows XP Computer Basics All in One is designed to teach the new computer user how to get the most out of a desktop computer.It does not assume the reader wants to learn how to use just one product, but covers multiple products and technologies together in a logical fashion.Topics covered include: Computer Basics, Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Internet and Web, Upgrades and Repair, and Home Networking.If you are a beginning computer user who wants to buy one, single book to help you better use your computer or accomplish a broad range of computer activities Sams teach Yourself Windows XP Computer Basics All in One is the book for you!

Product Description
The Newnes Know It All Series takes the best of what our authors have written to create hard-working desk references that will be an engineer's first port of call for key information, design techniques and rules of thumb. Guaranteed not to gather dust on a shelf!

Circuit design using microcontrollers is both a science and an art. This book covers it all. It details all of the essential theory and facts to help an engineer design a robust embedded system. Processors, memory, and the hot topic of interconnects (I/O) are completely covered. Our authors bring a wealth of experience and ideas; this is a must-own book for any embedded designer.

CHAPTER 1: Embedded Hardware Basics
CHAPTER 2: Logic Circuits
CHAPTER 3: Embedded Processors
CHAPTER 4: Embedded Board Buses and I/O
CHAPTER 5: Memory Systems
CHAPTER 6: Timing Analysis in Embedded Systems
CHAPTER 7: Chooosing a Microcontroller and Other Design Decisions
CHAPTER 8:The Essence of Microcontroller Networking: RS-232
CHAPTER 9: Interfacing to Sensors and Actuators
CHAPTER 10: Other Useful Hardware Design Tips and Techniques
APPENDIX A: Schematic Symbols
APPENDIX B: Acronyms and Abbreviations
APPENDIX C: PC Board Design Issues

*A 360 degree view from best-selling authors including Jack Ganssle, Tammy Noergard, and Fred Eady
*Key facts, techniques, and applications fully detailed
*The ultimate hard-working desk reference: all the essential information, techniques, and tricks of the trade in one volume ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

If you are a real engineer "Dont"
Had I picked this book up from a shelf in a bookstore, I would have flipped through it and put it back. It is full of racked together bits and pieces of things easily found on the net.It isn't really put together in a useful way.I had mistakenly thought it might be a good technical and philosophical guide to embedded layout, organization and basic design ideas.Practical ideas - good ones and bad ones.Its far to basic and just lists stolen information from all over.In a nut shell don't waste your money.....

Great Book - Must have if you want to do something with PIC
This is a great Book. Worth the buy if you wanted to learn how to get working with PIC.

Great book for the professional, good book for hobbyist
I purchased Embedded Hardware because I'm a computer science student and hobbyist who wants to understand more of this stuff.

The first couple chapters which covered the basics were well written and was a refreshing review of the associated topics.

Most of the embedded hardware discussed was embedded processors, the busses in an embedded system, and the different memory types used.These topics take up about 1/3 of the book.The coverage is very complete.

Another huge part of the book talks very in depth about RS-232.It starts with a history lesson, then talks about the standards, and then proceeds to show you how to write your own UART code in Basic, C, and assembly.While this is one topic I'm very comfortable with, I found a lot of the discussion to be long, drawn out, and just plain overkill.The same section covers I2C and SPI and those were done properly.YMMV here.

The book has chapters on interfacing to sensors and goes through a fairly lengthy example of how to check noise related to ADC's.

Last but not least, it has a couple tips chapters which talk about common pitfalls and problems, and talks about PCB design issues...These chapters were well done.

The target audience of this book is definitely professionals that already work in the field.The book has a "business-side" feel to it which discusses things like part cost, IP licensing, relationship with vendors, and so on.The authors do mention hobbyists throughout, but it's usually a passing reference and a "hobbyists can ignore this."-type of message.

Besides the fact that there were like 11 different contributing authors, the book has a consistent writing style and appeared to be well-edited with few gaping mistakes.

The book is relatively new, as of April '08, and has an up to date feel to it.No passing references about a gig of memory being $500 or anything. :)

I found it a relatively easy read although I've got a decent background in computer architecture.I admit I skimmed some of the very detailed processor specifics and some of the memory section.Some of those chapters felt like they were written for reference rather than for a narrative.

Overall, I like the book and would recommend it.Hobbyists will have to filter out some of the unnecessary stuff --- and look elsewhere if they expect coverage of small 8-bit microcontrollers.

for EEs designing systems
For an electrical engineer, the book has scads of details about how to use various types of chips, when designing a system like a microprocessor on a motherboard. Typical information includes the differences between NAND and NOR chips. NAND has higher densities than NOR because of a more efficient cell layout method. But NAND tends to have higher bit error rates. And NAND flash chips need a file system, unlike NOR.

Timing analysis gets a good discussion in one chapter. Which also talks about the 3 most common logic families - TTL, NMOS and CMOS. A little surprising for me to see TTL (aka. bipolar) mentioned. These were the first type of transistors I dealt with, but I thought they got phased out years ago. But there are still TTL chips in use. And the TTL-derived logic voltage levels also persist in legacy designs. The comparative analysis provided of these logic families is succinct. ... Read more

Product Description

Sams Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours is the replacement documentation that you don't get with sub-$1000 computers.

It's designed to be an "all-in-one solution" to help users to get up and running on their computer and learn all the software applications that came pre-loaded on their system.

This book is a cost-efficient alternative for the user who will probably not purchase separate books on general PCs, Windows, the Internet, Word, and Excel.

Sometimes the author assumes that the settingson a reader's machine are a certain way, when there is more than onepossibility for the settings--this could confuse a nervous newuser. Aside from this flaw, Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24Hours is a competent introductory computer guide. --DavidWall ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Good Introduction to the Personal Computer
For several years I volunteered at a couple of senior citizen centers teaching/coaching "seniors" how to use a personal computer. There was no standard text, curriculum, etc. because of the varied interests of the participants. For example, some wanted to learn the internet; others email, or word processing, or spreadsheet basics. Most brand new students came to the class not knowing what a computer actually was or what it did. I eventually settled on this book as my recommendation for a good, all-around introduction to the computer, its functions and uses. It covers all the essential basics of computer use, from an introduction to the machine itself, to the basics of Windows, email, word processing, spread sheets, etc. The supporting graphics are excellent, with lots of screen shots to illustrate each lesson. I got nothing but expressions of satisfaction from the students that bought the book. It's the manual that should come with the computer for the first time or casual user, who wants a good introduction to the computer and a good overview of many of the things it can do.

It aint bad if ya aint goin any place...
Okay, really this could be just the book for you...Depends on what your looking to learn. I was supposed to buy this book for a computer class and i did, only to find that nothing in the book was helpful. I passed the class with flying colors, but with no thanks to this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Mike Meyers, one of the premier computer and network skills trainers, delivers a learning system designed to explain key IT principles in an easy-to-understand format. This well-written volume reinforces A+ Core Exam certification objectives and prepares students to work in the real world by applying networking concepts to solve real business problems. Plus, provides teachers with a way to assess student knowledge and reinforce learned concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I passed
I passed the hardware exam on my first try.However, it did not have a great amount to do with this book.Although the book helped me feel confident about my knowledge it did not teach me anything new that I needed for the exam.The book seemed more geared to what Mike Meyers thinks a technician should know about PCs more than what CompTIA thinks a computer technician should know.

I am a little more uncomfortable about the operating systems test and will not rely only on the Mike Meyers book to prepare me for it.I will use the Meyers book in conjunction with A+ certification for dummies.

Just the Facts please
I would have appreciated this resource better if his ego was left out of the writing - too many opinions and too much humor. I don't care to learn about the personality of the author, I am more interested in the content, the raw knowledge for which I am paying, presented in a clean, professional and efficient manner.

This level of mediocrity will prepare you for the poorly written Comptia A+ Tests.

No answer guide
While this book is very good at what it does, teach you about PC hardware to prepare you for the A+ exam, it gives self test exams after each chapter without providing the answers. If you don't mind thumbing through the chapter to verify your answers you will probably like this book. It's a pity rhis information wasn't included in the description of this book. I called McGraw Hill's customer service and they simply stated there is no answer guide to this book. You're on your own. The same holds true with Mike Meyer's A+ guide to Operating Systems. ... Read more