| PCs: The Missing Manual is divided into five sections, each containing several chapters: -
Part 1, Your PC's Main Parts , covers everything inside or connected to your PC. You'll learn how to find out what's in your PC without opening its case, as well as how to deal with the dusty parts inside if you need to. You'll also learn how to diagnose and identify broken parts, and buy new parts to replace those that are ailing. You'll find out everything you need to know about connecting keyboards, mice, monitors , video cards, and printers, as well as putting them to work, and fixing them when they refuse to perform. -
Part 2, Multimedia , explains how your PC handles sound, photos, and movies, and how it works in conjunction with digital cameras , camcorders, Webcams, scanners , MP3 players, TVs, and similar gadgetry. You'll learn how to connect these devices to your PC, transfer their contents, and do things like create playlists of favorite songs and edit your home movies into finished creations. -
Part 3, Storing Information , covers your PC's storage tanks otherwise known as drives: hard, floppy, CD, and DVD, as well as flash drives and the tiny memory cards found mostly in digital cameras. You'll learn how to install each type of drive, and how to create custom-made CDs and DVDs. -
Part 4, Talking to the World , lets you accomplish that very task, thanks to your PC and a few helpers. You'll learn how to find an Internet provider, enter its settings into Windows XP, and start sending email or instant messages. You'll also learn all about choosing a Web browser, visiting Web sites, and making Internet-based phone calls. To communicate with other computers you might own (to exchange files or to share an Internet connection, for example), you'll find out how to set up a network of two or more PCs. -
Part 5, Maintenance, Security, and Troubleshooting , shows you how to keep your PC running smoothly and ensure your work stays safe. You'll learn troubleshooting tactics, how to remove viruses and spyware, and about other mundane, but sometimes necessary, PC chores.  |
