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.

Most computer documentation is based on the assumption that the computer's owner already knows something beyond the basics about computer operation. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Computer Basics, Fifth Edition,assumes differently. This book places the reader in charge of the computer, rather than the other way around, and correctly identifies that the reader wants to do something practical with his or her computer but has little knowledge for doing so. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Computer Basics, Fifth Edition, readers will find- Clear explanations of the basics of office programs. Ways to tap the power of the Internet. Information on finding lost or misplaced files. Coverage of newsgroups, message boards, and mailing lists. The basics of working with music, photos, and video on your computer. Ways to help protect the environment with green computing, as well as maintenance and upgrading.

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

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.

Defines over 1,000 words in subject areas such as people, computers, business, law, culture, and government, as well as foreign terms and new words.

An objective overview of the biggest controversy in American education. Intelligent Design is one of the hottest issues facing parents and educators to day, but it can be hard to separate the facts from the heated rhetoric. This expert and objective guide gets to the bottom of the questions: What is Intelligent Design? Should it replace or complement traditional science? What's all the fuss about? * Explains the terms, the controversy, and the involvement of the American courts * Indispensable guide for concerned educators and parents * Written by an expert in the field