Things You Would Probably Figure Out by Yourself

There's a long tradition in computer books of using the introduction to explain the little tip boxes and other page elements that are absolutely self-explanatory to any reader over the age of six. Just call us "Keeper of the Flame."

Instructions, Tips, and Terms

Here and there, we use step-by-step instructions to show you exactly how to do something. We will always explain how to do that thing in the text that precedes the steps, so feel free to skip the steps when you want to. However, anytime you feel like you don't completely understand something, do the steps, and you'll probably get the picture before you're done. Sometimes we learn only by doing.

You'll also see three different kinds of handy advice set off in boxes:

A Tip box points out a faster, easier way to do something, or a cooler way. These boxes are completely optional.

A Note box pops out an important consideration or interesting tidbit related to the topic at hand. They're optional, too, but always worth reading. (Otherwise, we wouldn't interrupt.)

A Caution box alerts you to actions and situations where something bad could happen, like accidentally deleting an important file. Because there's very little you can do with this book that's in any way dangerous (except dropping it on your toe), you'll see very few Cautions. So when you see 'em, take 'em seriously.