The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying a Computer covers ALL the necessary considerations to make BEFORE you purchase that computer. What are your computing needs? Mobility? Ease? Portability? Power? Multimedia features? This book leads you through the initial assessment of your computer needs. It then takes you through an industry overview of computers (desktop vs. laptop vs. hand-held) with the inside scoop on the pros and cons of these machines. You will learn about clones and how to decide whether or not to make the clone purchase. You'll also receive information about where to go to make that computer purchase (and where not to go), and what kinds of questions to ask. A tear-out checklist is included to take with you when making your computer investment.

Time for an upgrade! The fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Computer Basics places the reader in charge of the computer, rather than the other way around, and places the focus on software troubleshooting rather than hardware techno-babble. The reader wants to do something practical with his or her computer—this book shows them how. • Covers basic office programs and how to manage photo, video, and music files • Advice on safe web-surfing, including coverage of newsgroups, message boards, and mailing lists • New green computing initiatives that help protect the environment • Maintenance and upgrading information

A computer is just a machine--so why does it make you feel like an idiot? Don't give up hope! This little book will help you make sense of the computer jargon. It defines, explains, and makes sense of over 1,000 of the most important terms, acronyms, and concepts you'll encounter in the techno jungle. It is packed with everyday examples, comparisons and cross-referencing.

Tired of shopping at the mall? Now, it's easier than ever--and more secure--to shop online. Learn basics of maneuvering through eBay and other sites that offer everything from books to collectibles, vintage cars to travel deals. Accessible text provides quick reference.

Create dynamic, interactive websites with HTML5 and CSS3. HTML5 and CSS3 are the newest revisions of the primary standards for structuring and styling web content—major updates that enable designers and developers to streamline source code and publish more dynamic, interactive content without having to learn complex scripting languages. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to HTML5 and CSS3 provides both new and existing web developers the tools they need to code and design the web content that people increasingly expect to experience when they surf the web. Even better, you learn HTML5 and CSS3 in the context of building a website with a content management system (CMS), such as WordPress. You can then apply your knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3 to customize your site, instead of starting from scratch. You discover how to: • Design and maintain a website using web-based tools instead of a complicated HTML editor. • Code pages properly using the new HTML5 structure tags. • Embed audio and video using the new HTML5 tags. • Apply a CSS theme to format pages, and customize the theme using CSS3 styles. • Use CSS3 to round box corners and make images and backgrounds more or less transparent. • Take full advantage of new CSS3 transformation and animation features to animate objects on a page, create image rollovers, and build your own drop-down menus. • Test and fine-tune your site to make it load faster and look just right. • Perform an SEO audit of your site and keyword-optimize your site's content. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to HTML5 and CSS3 features: • 16-page color insert • HTML5 Quick Reference • CSS3 Properties and Values Quick Reference • HTML Special Characters and Symbols Quick Reference • Speak Like a Geek Glossary From the Author Although this book focuses primarily on HTML5 & CSS3, it presents these topics in the context of building a web site. When you're first getting started, building a site from scratch using only HTML and CSS can be overwhelming. You're usually better off starting with a content management system (CMS), such as WordPress, and a pre-designed theme. You can then use your knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3 to customize your site, instead of starting from scratch. This approach gets your site up and running as quickly as possible and allows you to learn more at a more comfortable pace.

Demonstrates the operating system's features, covering managing files, installing programs, troubleshooting, networking, and security.

Microsoft® Windows® 8 is designed to mesh users' digital lives seamlessly—from desktop to phone to tablet—by utilizing a look and feel that give users a new Windows experience. However, with all of this change comes new features that may catch old-school Windows users off guard. In The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Microsoft® Windows® 8, veteran tech writer Paul McFedries uses his friendly style and wit to comfort experienced Windows users and newbies alike by explaining all the new features as well as the old, and helping everyone overcome trepidation about using this completely updated look to the most popular desktop operating system in the world. You will learn how to use new Windows 8 features, including tiles and the new home screen, how you can mesh your data with “the cloud,” and much more. And, when all else fails, McFedries teaches you how to easily and seamlessly toggle back to the “old” and familiar Windows look and feel, should the new experience prove to be a bit more change than desired.