The absolute beginner's guide to learning basic computer skills Computing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers gets you up to speed on basic computing skills, showing you everything you need to know to conquer entry-level computing courses. Written by a Microsoft Office Master Instructor, this useful guide walks you step-by-step through the most important concepts and skills you need to be proficient on the computer, using nontechnical, easy-to-understand language. You'll start at the very beginning, getting acquainted with the actual, physical machine, then progress through the most common software at your own pace. You'll learn how to navigate Windows 8.1, how to access and get around on the Internet, and how to stay connected with email. Clear instruction guides you through Microsoft Office 2013, helping you create documents in Word, spreadsheets in Excel, and presentations in PowerPoint. You'll even learn how to keep your information secure with special guidance on security and privacy. Maybe you're preparing for a compulsory computing course, brushing up for a new job, or just curious about how a computer can make your life easier. If you're an absolute beginner, this is your complete guide to learning the essential skills you need: Understand the basics of how your computer works Learn your way around Windows 8.1 Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations Send email, surf the Web, and keep your data secure With clear explanations and step-by-step instruction, Computing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers will have you up and running in no time.

The absolute beginner's guide to learning basic computerskillsComputing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers getsyou up to speed on basic computing skills, showing you everythingyou need to know to conquer entry-level computing courses. Writtenby a Microsoft Office Master Instructor, this useful guide walksyou step-by-step through the most important concepts and skills youneed to be proficient on the computer, using nontechnicaleasy-to-understand language. You'll start at the very beginninggetting acquainted with the actual, physical machine, then progressthrough the most common software at your own pace. You'll learn howto navigate Windows 8.1, how to access and get around on theInternet, and how to stay connected with email. Clear instructionguides you through Microsoft Office 2013, helping you createdocuments in Word, spreadsheets in Excel, and presentations inPowerPoint. You'll even learn how to keep your information securewith special guidance on security and privacy.Maybe you're preparing for a compulsory computing coursebrushing up for a new job, or just curious about how a computer canmake your life easier. If you're an absolute beginner, this is yourcomplete guide to learning the essential skills you need:* Understand the basics of how your computer works* Learn your way around Windows 8.1* Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations* Send email, surf the Web, and keep your data secureWith clear explanations and step-by-step instructionComputing Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers will haveyou up and running in no time.

Introduction 1Part I: Computer Basics and Hardware 7Chapter 1: Computer Basics 9Chapter 2: The System Unit 31Chapter 3: Input, Output, and Storage 63Part II: Software 105Chapter 4: Operating System Basics 107Chapter 5: Introduction to Windows 8.1 137Chapter 6: Windows 8.1 Administration and Maintenance 175Chapter 7: Understanding Application Software 211Part III: Microsoft Office 243Chapter 8: Understanding Microsoft Office 2013 245Chapter 9: Word Processing with Microsoft Word 277Chapter 10: Creating Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel 327Chapter 11: Managing Databases with Access 373Chapter 12: Creating Presentation Graphics with PowerPoint 405Part IV: Connectivity and Communication 441Chapter 13: Networking and Internet Basics 443Chapter 14: Online Communication 475Chapter 15: Web Basics 511Chapter 16: Network and Internet Privacy and Security 545Chapter 17: Legal, Ethical, Health, and Environmental Issues in Computing 577Appendix A: Customizing Windows 8.1 601Answers to Chapter Questions 637Glossary 645Index 673