TheAbsolute Beginner's Guide to Computers and the Internet is perfect for first-time computer users. It identifies 75 tasks that you would want to do with your computer, and shows you how to "Do It Now." Activities are grouped into categories such as communicating online, managing your finances, buying and selling online, working with pictures, creating fun projects, playing and recording music, watching TV and movies, and dealing with problems. When you've completed the book, you'll be surprised how much you can do!

Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical advice and technical accuracy and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers. Mr. Miller has written more than three dozen how-to and reference books since 1989, for Que and other major publishers. His books for Que include Special Edition Using the Internet and Web, The Complete IdiotA A*s Guide to Online Search Secrets, and, with Jim Louderback, TechTV's Guide to Microsoft Windows XP for Home Users. He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world adviceA 'as well as his ability to explain a wide variety of complex topics to an everyday audience. Mr. Miller is also president of The Molehill Group, a strategic consulting and authoring firm based in Carmel, Indiana. As a consultant, he specializes in providing strategic advice to and writing business plans for Internet- and technology-based businesses. You can e-mail Mr. Miller directly at abg@molehillgroup.com. His Web site is located at www.molehillgroup.com.

Introduction. I. ABSOLUTE BASICS. 1. Personal Computer Basics. 2. Computer Hardware Basics. 3. Windows and Software Basics. 4. Internet and Home Networking Basics. II. GETTING STARTED. 5. Set Up Your New Computer System. 6. Take Your System for a Spin. 7. Add New Hardware. 8. Add New Software. 9. Get Connected to the Internet. 10. Surf the Web. III. DO IT NOW: COMMUNICATINGON PAPER. IV. DO IT NOW: COMMUNICATING ONLINE. V. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITH NUMBERS. VI. DO IT NOW: MANAGING YOUR FINANCES. VII. DO IT NOW: FILING AND REPORTING. VIII. DO IT NOW: READING THE LATEST NEWS. IX. DO IT NOW: SEARCHING AND RESEARCHING. X. DO IT NOW: BUYING AND SELLING ONLINE. XI. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITH PICTURES. XII. DO IT NOW: CREATING FUN PROJECTS. XIII. DO IT NOW: PLAYING GAMES. XIV. DO IT NOW: PLAYING AND RECORDING MUSIC. XV. DO IT NOW: WATCHING TV AND MOVIES. XVI. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITHFILES. XVII. DO IT NOW: TAKING CARE OF YOUR PC. XVIII. DO IT NOW: DEALING WITH PROBLEMS. Index.