Introduction.

Part I: Choosing Your Computer.

Chapter 1: Desktop or Laptop?

Chapter 2: Evaluating the Warranty and Support.

Chapter 3: Buying a Computer.

Part II: Understanding Your Computer’s Components.

Chapter 4: Looking Inside the Case.

Chapter 5: How Your Computer Computes.

Chapter 6: The Central Processing Unit.

Chapter 7: Random Access Memory.

Chapter 8: Understanding the BIOS.

Chapter 9: Hard Drives and Other Storage Media.

Chapter 10: Understanding Graphics Controllers.

Chapter 11: Video Monitors.

Chapter 12: Keyboards, Mice, and Other Input Devices.

Chapter 13: Sound Cards, Speakers, and Other Audio.

Chapter 14: Using USB and FireWire Interfaces.

Chapter 15: Using Bluetooth.

Part III: Using Your Desktop Computer.

Chapter 16: Exploring Your Desktop Computer.

Chapter 17: Managing Power on a Desktop Computer.

Chapter 18: Overclocking Your Computer.

Part IV: Using Your Laptop Computer.

Chapter 19: Choosing a Laptop Computer.

Chapter 20: Finding Your Way Around Your Laptop Computer.

Chapter 21: Managing Power on a Laptop Computer.

Chapter 22: Using External Devices with a Laptop.

Chapter 23: Connecting Your Laptop to the Internet.

Chapter 24: PC Cards and ExpressCards.

Chapter 25: Laptop Accessories.

Chapter 26: Traveling with Your Laptop.

Part V: Improving Your Computer’s Performance.

Chapter 27: Setting Up Your Computer.

Chapter 28: Enhancing the View.

Chapter 29: Ergonomics: Making the Most of Bad Design.

Chapter 30: Accessibility.

Part VI: Putting Your Computer to Work.

Chapter 31: Working with Microsoft Windows.

Chapter 32: Essential Software.

Chapter 33: Alternatives to Windows.

Chapter 34: Sharing a Computer.

Chapter 35: Printing from Your Computer.

Chapter 36: Making Presentations.

Chapter 37: Scanning to Your Computer.

Chapter 38: Using Your Computer with a Digital Camera.

Chapter 39: Scheduling Software Events.

Chapter 40: Synchronizing Your Data Files.

Chapter 41: Using Windows Remote Desktop.

Chapter 42: Playing, Creating, and Editing Sound.

Chapter 43: Viewing, Creating, and Editing Video.

Part VII: Using Your Computer for Communications.

Chapter 44: Connecting Your Computer to a Network or Another Computer.

Chapter 45: Sending and Receiving Faxes.

Chapter 46: Using Your Computer on the Internet.

Chapter 47: Using Virtual Private Networks.

Part VIII: Security and Maintenance.

Chapter 48: Keeping Your Computer and Data Secure.

Chapter 49: Preventing Trouble Through Maintenance.

Chapter 50: Restoring Windows.

Chapter 51: Troubleshooting: Finding the Problem After It Happens.

Index.