PCs for Dummies

Six years ago, I finally broke down and bought my first personal computer. When Wal-Mart finally had them in stock, I knew it was time. I opened the box and pulled out what looked like a TV set. I looked for the knobs to turn the thing on and change channels but could not find any.

I then looked for a remote. I found that. It had a long wire attached to it for some strange reason. It looked like a beetle bug with a long tail. I aimed it at the TV and clicked it, but nothing happened. I then plugged the TV into the wall outlet-still nothing happened.

I tried reading the manual. I took a nap. After my nap, I tried reading the manual again. It was no good. I could not get the computer to work, nor could I read the manual and stay awake. Additionally, all of the other wires that came with the computer just looked like one big pile of spaghetti.

I needed help. I went to my first DA (Dummies Anonymous) meeting. Someone at the meeting suggested that I buy a "Computers for Dummies" book. "Great idea," I thought. So I headed for the book store.

"Does your store carry 'Computers for Dummies'?"

"No, but we carry 'PCs for Dummies.'"

"No, I need 'Computers for Dummies,'" I said. So I tried a different book store, and another one after that, but none of them had "Computers For Dummies." I tried one last store.

"Sir, you don't seem to understand. PC is an acronym for "Personal Computer."

"What the hell is an acronym?"

Well, after I looked up the word acronym, I bought a copy of PCs FOR DUMMIES for around $25.00.

About the Author

Dan Gookin wrote this book. He has written articles for various computer magazines, and has written other Dummies books. He has this incredible ability to make dull subjects (like computers) interesting and entertaining. I never fell asleep reading his book.

Most authors impress the reader with what they know about computers. Dan Gookin actually teaches what he knows about computers. That is why this book is head and shoulders above all others. If, like me, you are a blockhead of wood waiting to be carved into a polished geek statue, you won't find a better teacher than Dan Gookin.

The Book

This paperback book has 421 pages and is published by IDG Books.

The Introduction explains the conventions used in the book, what you don't need to read, the assumptions made about your level of stupidity, the icons used in the book, and even how to get in touch with the author. I liked the fact that the author assumed that I was completely stupid-because at the time, that was the truth.

Part I of the book gives you a primer on the PC. It explains what all the hardware, wires and gizmos are and what they do. When I read this section, I found out that the TV was really a monitor, and the remote was really a mouse. I still think it looks like a beetle bug. Oh well.

Part II shows how to use the Windows operating system to get your work done, how to store data on your disk drive, and how to create and organize your data files. I think this is the most valuable section-getting things done is very important to me. Of course, I'm weird that way.

Part III provides even more information about the guts of your computer. It tells you what ports to use-which jacks go in which holes. This section provides more detailed information regarding the mouse, the printer, the monitor, the modem and keyboard. It also explains that weird thing called memory. I wish I had more of it. I can't remember why.

Part IV shows you how to use the various software that comes with your PC. I think this section is (pardon the pun) very helpful.

Part V shows how to browse the internet and use email. Yeehaaw! now I can serf the world wide web!

Part VI tells you how to do some basic troubleshooting. I learned from this section that if I plug in the PC, it works better.

Part VII tells you ten common beginner mistakes, ten things worth buying for your PC, and ten tips from a PC guru. The ten beginner mistakes? I already knew about those.

This book also contains an alphabetical index for easy reference. Last but not least, there is some note book paper in the back of the book for...duh...taking notes...or playing tic tack toe.

Final Thoughts

Within a couple of weeks after reading this book, I was handling my computer like a pro, or at least like a rank amateur. I was no longer a prisoner in "Mario's Spaghetti Factory." I find this book to be an excellent reference book during those times when I need to look up a quick PC fact--now if I can just remember where I put it.