Acknowledgments

This author would be just another typist without the support of many people who have contributed to this book in particular and my growth as a writer in general.

I want to thank

Almighty God ”who encourages each of us to discover the work we should do and is pleased when we perform that work with integrity.

Cheryl ”who has taught me how to keep my audience in mind as I write, and who makes it wonderful to come home after long hours of writing and rewriting.

Ian and Jeremy ”who explore the artistic and entertainment side of technology.

Kate and Hugh ”who are responsible for the latest "absolute beginner" in the family.

Ed and Erin ”he keeps the computers running at his university, and she keeps him running.

Greg Wiegand ”who gave this project the thumbs-up and built the terrific team that helped put it together.

Rick Kughen ”who has overseen this book from start to finish and made sure it's the best in its class.

Todd Brakke ”whose critiques made the book even better.

David Eytchison ”who helped exterminate technical glitches.

Sharry Gregory ”who kept everything organized and kept those checks coming!

Charlotte Clapp ”who kept chapters flowing in the right directions.

Jessica McCarty ”who made sure that grammar and spelling weren't neglected in the quest for technical excellence.

Mandie Frank ”who made sure the index helps you find what you need ”fast.

Dan Scherf ”who made the CD an essential and easy-to-use part of this book.

And everybody else at Que who works together to make sure you get the best computer books on the market.

Finally, to Jim Peck, who helped give me the opportunity to teach PC troubleshooting around the country back in 1992, and Scott Mueller, whose work has been a constant inspiration to me since 1988.

”Mark Edward Soper