Computer Basics Absolute Beginner's Guide, Windows 10 Edition

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 200 best-selling books over the past three decades, which collectively have sold more than 1.5 million copies. His books for Que include My Windows 10 Computer for Seniors, My Facebook for Seniors, My Google Chromebook, My Social Media for Seniors, and My TV 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.

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