Computer

Basics
NOW
COVERS
Windows® 11

Michael Miller

Tenth Edition
Computer Basics Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Editor-in-Chief
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Contents at a Glance
Introduction ...............................................................................................xx

Part I Understanding Computers

1 How Personal Computers Work ............................................................... 3
2 Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers .......................... 27

Part II Using Windows

3 Getting to Know Windows 11 ................................................................ 41
4 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage................................. 59
5 Personalizing Windows............................................................................ 75

Part III Setting Up the Rest of Your System

6 Connecting Printers and Other Devices to Your PC ............................ 95
7 Using Your PC with Your Mobile Phone..............................................109
8 Adding Storage and Backup.................................................................117
9 Setting Up a Home Network ................................................................121

Part IV Using the Internet

10 Connecting to the Internet—at Home and Away ..............................133
11 Browsing and Searching the Web........................................................139
12 Buying and Selling Online ....................................................................151

Part V Communicating Online

13 Sending and Receiving Email ...............................................................167
14 Video Chatting with Friends and Family .............................................179
15 Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and
Other Social Media ................................................................................193

Part VI Getting Productive

16 Installing and Using Desktop Applications .........................................217
17 Doing Office Work .................................................................................229
18 Working with Digital Photos .................................................................253

Part VII Exploring Online Entertainment

19 Watching Movies and TV Shows Online .............................................267
20 Listening to Music and Podcasts Online .............................................281

Part VIII Keeping Your System Up and Running

21 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, Spam,
and More.................................................................................................291
22 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing
with Common Problems........................................................................301
Index........................................................................................................317
iv COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................xx

I Understanding Computers........................................................................................ 1

1 How Personal Computers Work............................................................................ 3

What Your Computer Can Do.................................................................................. 4

Good for Getting Online..................................................................................... 4
Good for Social Networking ............................................................................... 4
Good for Communicating ................................................................................... 4
Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies .................................................... 5
Good for Entertainment ...................................................................................... 5
Good for Keeping Informed ............................................................................... 5
Good for Work...................................................................................................... 6
Good for Play........................................................................................................ 6

Inside a Personal Computer ..................................................................................... 6

The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything ............................................... 7
Microprocessors: The Main Engine .................................................................... 8
Computer Memory: Temporary Storage ........................................................... 9
Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage ............................................................... 9
Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage................................................ 10
Keyboards: Fingertip Input ............................................................................... 11
Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices .................................... 12
Network Connections: Getting Connected..................................................... 13
Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise ..................................................... 14
Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture ............................................. 15

Other Parts of Your Computer System ................................................................. 15

Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals....................................... 16
Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps................................. 16
Making Everything Work—with Windows ....................................................... 17

Different Types of Computers ............................................................................... 18

Traditional Desktop PCs .................................................................................... 18
All-in-One Desktops........................................................................................... 19
Laptop PCs.......................................................................................................... 20
Tablet PCs ........................................................................................................... 22
2-in-1 PCs ............................................................................................................ 23
Which Type of PC Should You Choose? ......................................................... 24

Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much ........................................................ 24

 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE v

2 Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers.....................................27

Before You Get Started .......................................................................................... 28

Setting Up a Laptop or 2-in1 PC ........................................................................... 28

Understanding the Elements of a Laptop PC ................................................. 29
Getting Connected ............................................................................................ 31

Setting Up an All-in-One Desktop PC................................................................... 31

Understanding the Parts of an All-in-One System.......................................... 31
Getting Connected ............................................................................................ 32

Setting Up a Traditional Desktop PC .................................................................... 33

Understanding the Components of a Desktop System ................................. 33
Getting Connected ............................................................................................ 34

Turning It On—for the First Time .......................................................................... 36

Getting the Right Order .................................................................................... 36
Powering On ....................................................................................................... 36

II Using Windows .........................................................................................................39

3 Getting to Know Windows 11.............................................................................41

Say Hello to Windows 11 ....................................................................................... 42

Starting and Logging In to Windows ............................................................... 42
Exploring the Windows Desktop ...................................................................... 43

Learning Basic Operations ..................................................................................... 45

Pointing and Clicking......................................................................................... 45
Double-Clicking .................................................................................................. 45
Right-Clicking...................................................................................................... 46
Dragging and Dropping .................................................................................... 46
Mouse Over ........................................................................................................ 46
Moving and Resizing Windows......................................................................... 46
Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing Windows ............................................. 47
Snapping Windows into Position...................................................................... 48
Scrolling Through a Window............................................................................. 48
Peeking at the Desktop ..................................................................................... 49

Using the Start Menu .............................................................................................. 50

Navigating the Start Menu................................................................................ 50
Launching a Program ......................................................................................... 51

Using the Taskbar.................................................................................................... 51

Deciphering Taskbar Icons................................................................................ 51
Opening Applications and Switching Between Windows ............................. 52
Using Jump Lists................................................................................................. 52
vi COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Managing Taskbar Buttons ............................................................................... 53

Switching Between Programs ........................................................................... 53
Adjusting Quick Settings ................................................................................... 54
Viewing Notifications ......................................................................................... 55

Learning Important Windows Shortcuts................................................................ 55

Using Windows with a Touchscreen Display ........................................................ 57

Shutting Down Windows—and Your Computer .................................................. 57

4 Working with Files, Folders, and Online Storage............................................59

Understanding Files and Folders........................................................................... 60

Using File Explorer .................................................................................................. 60

Launching File Explorer ..................................................................................... 60
Exploring the File Explorer Window ................................................................ 61
Displaying File Contents and Details ............................................................... 62

Navigating the Folders on Your PC....................................................................... 62

Viewing Files and Folders....................................................................................... 63

Changing the Way Files Display....................................................................... 63
Sorting Files and Folders................................................................................... 64
Grouping Files and Folders............................................................................... 64
Searching for Files.............................................................................................. 65

Performing Basic File and Folder Operations ...................................................... 65

Creating New Folders........................................................................................ 66
Renaming Files and Folders.............................................................................. 66
Copying Files ...................................................................................................... 67
Moving (Cutting and Pasting) Files .................................................................. 67
Deleting Files...................................................................................................... 67

Working with the Recycle Bin ................................................................................ 68

Restoring Deleted Files ..................................................................................... 68
Emptying the Recycle Bin.................................................................................. 68

Working with Compressed Folders ....................................................................... 69

Compressing a File ............................................................................................ 69
Extracting Files from a Compressed Folder.................................................... 69

Copying Files to Another Computer..................................................................... 70

Copying Files over a Network .......................................................................... 70
Copying Files with a Portable Drive................................................................. 70
Copying Files via Email...................................................................................... 71
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE vii

Working with Cloud-Based Storage ...................................................................... 71

Accessing OneDrive from File Explorer........................................................... 71
Using Microsoft OneDrive ................................................................................. 72
Syncing Files on Your PC to OneDrive ............................................................ 73

5 Personalizing Windows .........................................................................................75

Personalizing the Windows Desktop ..................................................................... 76

Changing the Desktop Background................................................................. 76
Changing to Light or Dark Mode ..................................................................... 77
Changing the Accent Color .............................................................................. 78
Choosing a Windows Theme ............................................................................ 79
Customizing the Start Menu ............................................................................. 80
Pinning Apps to the Taskbar............................................................................. 80
Customizing the Taskbar ................................................................................... 81

Personalizing Widgets............................................................................................. 82
Customizing the Widgets Panel........................................................................ 83
Adding a New Widget to the Widgets Panel ................................................. 83
Customizing Your News Feed........................................................................... 83

Personalizing the Lock Screen ............................................................................... 84

Changing the Lock Screen Background .......................................................... 84
Displaying a Slideshow on the Lock Screen.................................................... 85

Changing Your Account Picture............................................................................. 85

Setting Up Additional User Accounts ................................................................... 86

Creating a New User Account .......................................................................... 87
Switching Users................................................................................................... 88
Signing Out......................................................................................................... 88
Signing In with Multiple Users .......................................................................... 89

Configuring Other Windows Settings ................................................................... 89

III Setting Up the Rest of Your System.....................................................................93

6 Connecting Printers and Other Devices to Your PC.......................................95

Getting to Know the Most Popular Peripherals ................................................... 96

Adding New Hardware to Your System................................................................ 97

Understanding USB............................................................................................ 98
Connecting via USB .........................................................................................100

Connecting and Using a Printer...........................................................................100

Understanding Different Types of Printers ....................................................100
Connecting a Printer via USB..........................................................................102
viii COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Connecting a Wireless Printer to Your Computer ........................................103

Sharing a Network Printer ...............................................................................103
Printing to Your System’s Printer ....................................................................104

Connecting Portable Devices to Your PC...........................................................105

Connecting Your PC to Your Living Room TV ...................................................105

Connecting via HDMI ......................................................................................106
Wirelessly Mirroring Your Computer Screen.................................................107

7 Using Your PC with Your Mobile Phone......................................................... 109

Linking Your Phone to Your Windows 11 PC .....................................................110

Texting and Calling from Your PC.......................................................................110

Receiving Text Messages ................................................................................111
Sending Text Messages .................................................................................111
Making a Phone Call .......................................................................................112

Doing More with Your Phone and Your Windows PC.......................................113

Sharing a Web Page from Your Phone to Your PC ......................................113
Sharing a Web Page from Your PC to Your Phone ......................................114
Viewing Photos from Your Phone on Your PC..............................................114
Running Android Apps on Your PC ...............................................................115

8 Adding Storage and Backup............................................................................. 117

Understanding External Storage..........................................................................118

Connecting an External Drive ..............................................................................118

Backing Up Your Important Files .........................................................................119

Backing Up to an External Drive.....................................................................119
Backing Up Online ...........................................................................................119

9 Setting Up a Home Network............................................................................ 121

How Networks Work .............................................................................................122

Wired Networks................................................................................................122
Wireless Networks............................................................................................122

Setting Up a Wireless Network in Your Home...................................................123

How It Works ....................................................................................................123
What You Need ................................................................................................124
Making the Connections .................................................................................125

Connecting Your Computer to Your New Network ..........................................126

Connecting via Ethernet..................................................................................126
Connecting Wirelessly .....................................................................................126

Accessing Computers on Your Network.............................................................128

 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE ix

IV Using the Internet ................................................................................................. 131

10 Connecting to the Internet—at Home and Away......................................... 133

Different Types of Home Internet........................................................................134

Understanding Internet Hardware..................................................................135

Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot ................................................................136

11 Browsing and Searching the Web ................................................................... 139

Understanding the Web .......................................................................................140

Using Microsoft Edge ...........................................................................................140

Browsing the Web with Edge .........................................................................141
Revisiting History ..............................................................................................141
Opening Multiple Pages in Tabs ....................................................................142
Saving Your Favorite Pages.............................................................................143
Returning to a Favorite Page ..........................................................................143
Displaying the Favorites Bar ...........................................................................144
Displaying a Page with Immersive Reader ....................................................144
Browsing in Private...........................................................................................145
Setting a Different Start Page .........................................................................146

Using Google Chrome..........................................................................................146

Searching the Web with Google .........................................................................147

Using Google Search .......................................................................................147
Constructing a Query.......................................................................................149
Fine-Tuning Your Search Results ....................................................................149

12 Buying and Selling Online ................................................................................. 151

How to Shop Online .............................................................................................152

Step 1: Find an Online Store ..........................................................................152
Step 2: Find a Product.....................................................................................152
Step 3: Examine the Product (Virtually) .........................................................153
Step 4: Order the Product...............................................................................153
Step 5: Check Out............................................................................................154
Step 6: Confirm the Order ..............................................................................155

How to Shop Safely...............................................................................................155

Ordering Meal and Grocery Delivery Online ....................................................156

Ordering Meals Online ....................................................................................157
Ordering Groceries Online..............................................................................157
x COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Buying and Selling on Online Marketplaces ......................................................158

Craigslist ............................................................................................................158
eBay ...................................................................................................................159
Etsy.....................................................................................................................160
Facebook Marketplace ....................................................................................160
Reverb................................................................................................................161

V Communicating Online ......................................................................................... 165

13 Sending and Receiving Email............................................................................ 167

How Email Works ..................................................................................................168

POP/IMAP Email...............................................................................................168
Web-Based Email .............................................................................................169

Using the Windows Mail App ..............................................................................169

Navigating the Mail App .................................................................................170
Adding Another Email Account......................................................................171
Reading and Replying to Messages...............................................................171
Viewing Attachments .......................................................................................172
Sending a New Message.................................................................................173
Attaching a File.................................................................................................174

Using Web-Based Email .......................................................................................174

Using Outlook Online ......................................................................................174
Using Gmail.......................................................................................................175

14 Video Chatting with Friends and Family ........................................................ 179

Video Chatting with Zoom ...................................................................................180

Getting to Know Zoom....................................................................................180
Accepting a Meeting Invitation ......................................................................181
Joining a Meeting Manually............................................................................182
Switching Views ................................................................................................183
Applying a Virtual Background .......................................................................184
Leaving a Meeting............................................................................................185
Starting a New Instant Meeting......................................................................185
Scheduling a Meeting in Advance .................................................................186
Starting and Ending a Meeting ......................................................................187

Video Chatting with Microsoft Teams.................................................................187

Accepting a Meeting Invitation .....................................................................188
Blurring Your Background ...............................................................................189
Launching a New Teams Meeting .................................................................189
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xi

15 Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media ...... 193

Using Facebook .....................................................................................................194

Signing Up with and Signing In to Facebook ...............................................194
Getting to Know Facebook.............................................................................194
Searching for Friends .......................................................................................195
Viewing a Friend’s Profile Page ......................................................................196
Posting Status Updates....................................................................................197
Determine Who Can—or Can’t—See a Status Update ...............................199
Viewing Friends’ Updates in Your Feed ........................................................200
Managing Your Privacy on Facebook ............................................................201

Using Twitter ..........................................................................................................201

Joining Twitter ..................................................................................................202
Navigating Twitter............................................................................................202
Tweeting with Twitter ......................................................................................203
Following Other Users .....................................................................................204
Customizing Your Profile .................................................................................204

Using Pinterest.......................................................................................................204
What Pinterest Is and What It Does ...............................................................204
Navigating the Pinterest Site ..........................................................................205
Viewing Boards and Pins .................................................................................206
Following Other Users .....................................................................................206
Repinning Existing Items .................................................................................207
Pinning Items from the Web ...........................................................................208
Creating New Boards.......................................................................................209

Using LinkedIn .......................................................................................................210

Personalizing Your Profile................................................................................211
Finding New Connections...............................................................................211
Contacting Other LinkedIn Members ............................................................212

Using Social Networks—Smartly and Safely.......................................................212

Protecting Your Children .................................................................................212
Protecting Yourself ...........................................................................................213

VI Getting Productive................................................................................................ 215

16 Installing and Using Desktop Applications .................................................... 217

Finding and Installing New Apps ........................................................................218

Downloading Apps from the Microsoft Store ...............................................218
Purchasing Apps from Your Local Retailer ....................................................220
Finding and Installing Apps Online................................................................220
Understanding Web-Based Apps ...................................................................221
xii COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Managing Your Apps ............................................................................................222

Finding Your Installed Apps............................................................................222
Pinning Apps to the Start Menu .....................................................................223
Pinning Apps to the Taskbar...........................................................................224
Adding App Shortcuts to the Desktop ..........................................................224

Working with Applications....................................................................................224

Using Toolbars and Ribbons ...........................................................................224
Using Menus .....................................................................................................225
Closing an Open App......................................................................................226

17 Doing Office Work.............................................................................................. 229

Getting to Know Microsoft Office .......................................................................230

Using Office on the Desktop ..........................................................................230
Using Office on the Web.................................................................................231
Which Version of Office Should You Use? ....................................................232

Word Processing with Microsoft Word ..............................................................233

Exploring the Word Workspace......................................................................233
Working with Documents ................................................................................234
Entering Text ....................................................................................................235
Editing Text.......................................................................................................235
Formatting Text ................................................................................................235
Checking Spelling and Grammar ...................................................................236
Printing Your Document ..................................................................................236

Number Crunching with Microsoft Excel............................................................236

Exploring the Excel Workspace ......................................................................236
Entering Data....................................................................................................237
Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns ...................................................238
Adjusting Column Width .................................................................................238
Calculating with Formulas ...............................................................................239
Including Other Cells in a Formula ................................................................239
Quick Addition with AutoSum ........................................................................240
Using Functions ................................................................................................241
Formatting Your Spreadsheet.........................................................................241
Creating a Chart ...............................................................................................242

Giving Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint ...............................................243

Exploring the PowerPoint Workspace............................................................243
Applying a Theme............................................................................................244
Inserting New Slides ........................................................................................244
Adding and Formatting Text ..........................................................................245
Start the Show! .................................................................................................245
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xiii

Exploring Google Docs ........................................................................................245

Using Google Docs Word Processor .............................................................247
Using Google Sheets Spreadsheet ................................................................247
Using Google Slides Presentations ................................................................248

Using the Windows Calendar App ......................................................................249

Displaying Different Views ..............................................................................249
Creating a New Event......................................................................................250

18 Working with Digital Photos............................................................................. 253

Transferring Pictures from Your Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet....................254

Downloading from the Internet ......................................................................254
Transferring Photos from a Smartphone or Tablet via USB ........................254
Transferring Pictures from a Digital Camera via USB...................................255
Transferring Pictures from a Memory Card ...................................................255
Scanning a Picture............................................................................................255

Viewing Your Photos with the Windows Photos App........................................256

Editing Your Photos with the Photos App..........................................................257

Opening Editing Mode....................................................................................258
Cropping or Rotating a Photo ........................................................................258
Applying Filters.................................................................................................259
Adjusting Brightness ........................................................................................259
Adjusting Color.................................................................................................260

Printing and Sharing Your Photos........................................................................261

Choosing the Right Printer and Paper ...........................................................261
Making the Print ...............................................................................................262
Printing Photos Professionally.........................................................................262
Sharing Your Photos.........................................................................................263

VII Exploring Online Entertainment......................................................................... 265

19 Watching Movies and TV Shows Online......................................................... 267

Watching Streaming Video Services ...................................................................268

Watching Amazon Prime Video......................................................................268
Watching Apple TV+ .......................................................................................269
Watching Discovery+.......................................................................................270
Watching Disney+ ............................................................................................271
Watching HBO Max .........................................................................................272
Watching Hulu ..................................................................................................272
Watching Netflix...............................................................................................273
Watching Paramount+ .....................................................................................274
xiv COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Watching Peacock............................................................................................275
Watching Other Streaming Video Services ...................................................276

Watching Live TV Online ......................................................................................277

Buying and Renting Movies Online.....................................................................279

Watching Videos on YouTube .............................................................................279

20 Listening to Music and Podcasts Online......................................................... 281

Listening to Streaming Music Online ..................................................................282

Listening to Pandora ........................................................................................282
Listening to Spotify ..........................................................................................283
Listening to Other Streaming Music Services ...............................................284
Listening to Traditional Radio Stations Online .............................................285

Purchasing and Downloading Digital Music.......................................................286

Examining Online Music Stores ......................................................................286
Playing Downloaded Music on Your PC ........................................................286

Listening to Podcasts Online ...............................................................................287

VIII Keeping Your System Up and Running............................................................. 289

21 Protecting Your PC from Computer Attacks, Malware, Spam,

and More............................................................................................................ 291

Safeguarding Your System from Computer Viruses ..........................................292

Watching for Signs of Infection ......................................................................292
Catching a Virus................................................................................................292
Practicing Safe Computing..............................................................................293
Disinfecting Your System with Antivirus Software ........................................294

Hunting Down Spyware ........................................................................................295

Fighting Email Spam .............................................................................................296

Protecting Your Email Address .......................................................................296
Blocking Spammers in Your Email Programs ................................................297

Resisting Phishing Scams......................................................................................297

Shielding Your Children from Inappropriate Content .......................................298

Using Content-Filtering Software ...................................................................298
Encouraging Safe Computing.........................................................................299
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xv

22 Performing Preventive Maintenance and Dealing with

Common Problems........................................................................................... 301

Maintaining Your Computer.................................................................................302

Cleaning Up Unused Files ...............................................................................302
Removing Unused Programs...........................................................................303
Optimizing Your Disk Storage ........................................................................304
Updating Windows...........................................................................................305

Keeping Your Hardware in Tip-Top Condition ..................................................305

System Unit .......................................................................................................305
Keyboard...........................................................................................................306
Display ...............................................................................................................307
Printer ................................................................................................................307

Maintaining a Laptop PC......................................................................................307

Using the Windows Mobility Center ..............................................................308
Conserving Battery Life ...................................................................................308
Securing Your Laptop ......................................................................................309

Troubleshooting Computer Problems ................................................................309

Troubleshooting in Safe Mode ............................................................................311

Reacting When Windows Freezes or Crashes....................................................311

What Causes Windows to Freeze? .................................................................312
Dealing with Frozen Windows ........................................................................312
Dealing with a Frozen Program ......................................................................312
Dealing with a Major Crash.............................................................................313

Refreshing or Resetting Your System..................................................................314

Refreshing System Files ...................................................................................314
Resetting Your System to Its Original Condition..........................................315

Index...................................................................................................................... 317
xvi COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

About the Author

Michael Miller is a successful and prolific author with a reputation for practical
advice, technical accuracy, and an unerring empathy for the needs of his readers.
Mr. Miller has written more than 200 best-selling books over the past three
decades that collectively have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Some of his
titles are My Windows 11 Computer for Seniors, My iPad for Seniors, My Google
Chromebook, My Video Chat for Seniors, and My TV for Seniors.
He is known for his casual, easy-to-read writing style and his practical, real-world
advice—as well as his ability to explain a variety of complex topics to an everyday
audience.
Learn more about Mr. Miller at his website, www.millerwriter.com. Follow him on
Twitter @molehillgroup.

Dedication
To Sherry—life together is easier.

Acknowledgments
Thanks to the usual suspects, including but not limited to Laura Norman, Anshul
Sharma, Charlotte Kughen, and technical editor Vince Averello.
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xvii

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 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xix

Figure Credits
Figures 3.1 through 3.13, 4.1 through 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 5.1 through 5.8, 6.6, 7.1
through 7.4, 9.2, 9.3, 10.1, 11.1 through 11.5, 13.1 through 13.6, 14.5, 14.6,
15.14, 15.15, 16.1 through 16.4, 16.6, 16.7, 17.1 through 17.5, 17.10, 17.11, 18.1
through 18.6, 20.4, 21.1, 22.1 through 22.4: Microsoft
Figure 8.1: James Looker/Future/Shutterstock
Figures 11.6 through 11.8, 13.7, 13.8, 17.6 through 17.9, 19.11, 20.5: Google
Figures 12.1, 19.1: Amazon.com, Inc.
Figure 12.2: Craigslist
Figure 12.3: eBay Inc.
Figure 12.4: Etsy, Inc.
Figures 12.5, 15.1 through 15.6: Meta Platforms, Inc.
Figure 12.6: Reverb.com LLC
Figures 14.1 through 14.4: Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
Figures 15.7, 15.8: Twitter, Inc.
Figures 15.9 through 15.13: Pinterest
Figure 16.5: Intuit Inc.
Figure 19.1: Apple Inc.
Figure 19.3: Discovery, Inc.
Figure 19.4: The Walt Disney Company
Figure 19.5: WarnerMedia Direct, LLC
Figures 19.6, 19.10: Hulu, LLC
Figure 19.7: Netflix
Figure 19.8: Paramount
Figure 19.9: Peacock TV LLC
Figure 20.1: Pandora Media, Inc.
Figure 20.2: Spotify AB
Figure 20.3: TuneIn, Inc.
xx COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
Because this book is titled Computer Basics: Absolute Beginner’s Guide, let’s start
at the absolute beginning, which is this:
Computers aren’t supposed to be scary. Intimidating? Sometimes. Difficult to use?
Perhaps. Inherently unreliable? Not really, although they used to be.
But scary? Definitely not.
Computers aren’t scary because there’s nothing they can do to hurt you (unless
you drop one on your foot, that is). And there’s not much you can do to hurt them
either. It’s kind of a wary coexistence between person and machine, but the rela-
tionship has the potential to be beneficial—to you, anyway.
Many people think that they’re scared of computers because they’re unfamiliar
with them. But that isn’t really true.
You see, even if you’ve never actually used a computer before, you’ve been
exposed to computers and all they can do since at least the mid 1980s. Whenever
you make a deposit at your bank, you work with computers. Whenever you make
a purchase at a retail store, you work with computers. Whenever you watch a
television show, read a newspaper article, or look at a picture in a magazine, you
work with computers.
That’s because computers are used in all those applications. Somebody, some-
where, works behind the scenes with a computer to manage your bank account
and monitor your credit card purchases.
In fact, it’s difficult to imagine, here in the twenty-first century, how we ever
got by without all those keyboards, mice, and monitors (or, for that matter, the
Internet and social networking).
However, just because computers have been around for a while doesn’t mean
that everyone knows how to use them. It’s not unusual to feel a little trepida-
tion the first time you sit down in front of that intimidating display and keyboard.
Which keys should you press? What do people mean by double-clicking the
mouse? And what are all those little pictures onscreen?
As foreign as all this might seem at first, computers really aren’t that hard to
understand—or use. You have to learn a few basic concepts, of course (all the
pressing and clicking and whatnot), and it helps to understand exactly what part
of the system does what. But when you get the hang of things, computers are
easy to use.
Which, of course, is where this book comes in.
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xxi

Computer Basics: Absolute Beginner’s Guide, Windows 11 Edition can help you
figure out how to use your new computer system. You learn how computers work,
how to connect all the pieces and parts (if your computer has pieces and parts,
that is; not all do), and how to start using them. You learn about computer hard-
ware and software, about the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system, and about
the Internet. And when you’re comfortable with the basic concepts (which won’t
take too long, trust me), you learn how to actually do stuff.
You learn how to do useful stuff, such as writing letters and editing photos; fun
stuff, such as listening to music and watching movies and TV shows; online stuff,
such as searching for information, sending and receiving email, keeping up with
friends and family via Facebook and other social networks, and video chatting
with Zoom and Microsoft Teams; and essential stuff, such as copying files, trou-
bleshooting problems, and protecting against malware and computer attacks.
All you have to do is sit yourself down in front of your computer, try not to be
scared (there’s nothing to be scared of, really), and work your way through the
chapters and activities in this book. And remember that computers aren’t diffi-
cult to use, they don’t break easily, and they let you do all sorts of fun and useful
things after you get the hang of them. Really!

How This Book Is Organized

This book is organized into eight main parts, as follows:
• Part I, “Understanding Computers,” discusses the different types of comput-
ers available today; describes all the pieces and parts of desktop, all-in-one,
laptop, and 2-in-1 PCs; and talks about how to connect everything to get your
new system up and running.
• Part II, “Using Windows,” introduces the backbone of your entire system,
the Microsoft Windows operating system, now in its eleventh version. You
learn how Windows 11 works, how to navigate your way around the desktop
and the Start menu, and how to personalize it. You’ll also learn how to use
Windows to perform basic tasks, such as copying and deleting files and fold-
ers.
• Part III, “Setting Up the Rest of Your System,” talks about all those things
you connect to your computer—printers, external storage drives, USB drives,
and the like. You also learn how to connect your new PC to other computers
and devices in a home network and how to use your PC to do text messaging
and voice calls with your Android phone.
xxii COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

• Part IV, “Using the Internet,” is all about going online. You discover how
to connect to the Internet and surf the Web. You also learn how to search
for information, shop, and even sell things online. This is one of the most fun
parts of the book.
• Part V, “Communicating Online,” is all about keeping in touch. You find out
how to send and receive email, of course, but also how to do video meetings
and get started with social networking, on Facebook, Twitter, and other social
networks. The Internet is how everyone keeps in touch these days.
• Part VI, “Getting Productive,” tells you everything you need to know about
using software programs (what some people call “apps”). You learn how soft-
ware programs work and where to find new ones. You’ll also learn how to do
office work with Microsoft Office software, and how to edit and share digital
photos.
• Part VII, “Exploring Online Entertainment,” is all about streaming audio and
video over the Internet. You’ll learn how to listen to streaming music online
and how to stream your favorite TV shows, movies, and other videos.
• Part VIII, “Keeping Your System Up and Running,” contains all the boring
(but necessary) information you need to know to keep your new PC in tip-top
shape. You learn how to protect against Internet threats (including viruses,
spyware, and spam), as well as how to perform routine computer maintenance.
You even learn how to troubleshoot problems and, if necessary, restore,
refresh, or reset your entire system.

Taken together, the 22 chapters in this book can help you progress from absolute
beginner to experienced computer user. Just read what you need, and before
long, you’ll be using your computer like a pro!

Which Version of Windows?

This edition of the Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics is written for
computers of all types running the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system,
dubbed Windows 11.
What if you’re running an older version of Windows? In that case, you’ll be better
off with one of the previous editions of this book. There are editions out there for
Windows 10, Windows 8.1, (Microsoft skipped Windows 9), Windows 8, Windows
7, Windows Vista, and even Windows XP. If you can’t find a particular edition at
your local bookstore, look for it online.
 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE xxiii

Conventions Used in This Book

I hope that this book is easy enough to figure out without requiring its own
instruction manual. As you read through the pages, however, it helps to know
precisely how I’ve presented specific types of information.

Menu Commands
Most computer programs operate via a series of pull-down menus. You use your
mouse to pull down a menu and then select an option from that menu. This sort
of operation is indicated throughout the book like this:
Select File, Save.
or
Right-click the file and select Properties from the pop-up menu.
All you have to do is follow the instructions in order, using your mouse to click
each item in turn. When submenus are tacked onto the main menu, just keep
clicking the selections until you come to the last one—which should open the pro-
gram or activate the command you want!

Shortcut Key Combinations

When you use your computer keyboard, sometimes you have to press two keys
at the same time. These two-key combinations are called shortcut keys and are
shown as the key names joined with a plus sign (+).
For example, Ctrl+W indicates that you should press the W key while holding
down the Ctrl key. It’s no more complex than that.

Web Page Addresses

This book contains a lot of web page addresses. (That’s because you’ll probably
be spending a lot of time on the Internet.)
Technically, a web page address is supposed to start with http:// (as in http://
www.millerwriter.com). Because web browsers automatically insert this piece of
the address, however, you don’t have to type it—and I haven’t included it in any
of the addresses in this book.
xxiv COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Special Elements
This book also includes a few special elements that provide additional information
not included in the basic text. These elements are designed to supplement the
text to make your learning faster, easier, and more efficient.

TIP A tip is a piece of advice—a little trick, actually—that helps

you use your computer more effectively or maneuver around
problems or limitations.

NOTE A note is designed to provide information that is gen-

erally useful but not specifically necessary for what you’re doing
at the moment. Some are like extended tips—interesting, but not
essential.

CAUTION A caution tells you to beware of a potentially dan-

gerous act or situation. In some cases, ignoring a caution could
cause you significant problems—so pay attention to them!

There’s More Online

If you want to learn more about me and any new books I have in the works, check
out my website at www.millerwriter.com. Who knows, you might find some other
books there that you would like to read. You can also follow me on Twitter
(@molehillgroup) and leave messages to me on my website. I love hearing from
readers!
 PART I
UNDERSTANDING
COMPUTERS

1 How Personal Computers Work................................................................................. 3

2 Setting Up and Using Different Types of Computers.................................. 27
This page intentionally left blank
IN THIS CHAPTER

1
• What Your Computer Can Do
• Inside a Personal Computer
• Other Parts of Your Computer System

• Different Types of Computers

• Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much

HOW PERSONAL
COMPUTERS WORK
Chances are you’re reading this book because you just bought a new
computer, are thinking about buying a new computer, or maybe even
had someone give you their old computer. (Nothing wrong with high-tech
hand-me-downs!) At this point, you might not be totally sure what it is
you’ve gotten yourself into. Just what is this thing you’re holding in your
hands, and what can you—or should you—do with it?

This chapter serves as an introduction to the entire concept of personal

computers—what they do, how they work, that sort of thing—and com-
puter hardware in particular. It’s a good place to start if you’re not that
familiar with computers or want a brief refresher course in what all those
pieces and parts are and what they do.
4 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Of course, if you want to skip the background and get right to using your com-
puter, that’s okay, too. For step-by-step instructions on how to connect and con-
figure a new PC, go directly to Chapter 2, “Setting Up and Using Different Types
of Computers.” Everything you need to know should be in that chapter.

What Your Computer Can Do

What good is a personal computer, anyway?
Everybody has one, you know (including you, now). In fact, it’s possible you
bought your new computer just so that you wouldn’t feel left out. But now that
you have a personal computer, what do you do with it?

Good for Getting Online

Most of what we do on our computers these days is accomplished via the Internet.
We find friends and communicate with them online; we find useful information
online; we watch TV and movies and listen to music online; we play games online;
we even shop, order meals, and do our banking online. Most of these activities
are accomplished by browsing something called the World Wide Web (or just the
“Web”), which you do from something called a web browser.

NOTE Learn more about getting online in Chapter 10,

“Connecting to the Internet—at Home or Away.”

Good for Social Networking

One of the most popular online activities these days involves something called
social networking. A social network is a website where you can keep informed
about what your friends and family are doing, and they can see what you’re up
to, too. There are several social networks you can use, but the most popular are
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. You can join one or more of these and
start sharing your life online.

NOTE Learn more about Facebook and other social networks

in Chapter 15, “Social Networking with Facebook, Twitter, and
Other Social Media.”

Good for Communicating

Your new computer is also great for keeping in touch with friends, family, and co-
workers. Want to send a note to a friend? Or keep your family informed of what’s
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 5

new and exciting? It’s easy enough to do, thanks to your new computer and the
Internet. You can drop a note via email, keep folks up to date via Facebook or
some similar social networking site, or participate in a real-time video chat (using
your computer’s microphone and webcam) via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

NOTE Learn more about communicating with email in

Chapter 13, “Sending and Receiving Email.” Learn more about
video chats in Chapter 14, “Video Chatting with Friends and
Family.”

Good for Sharing Photos and Home Movies

You can also use your computer to store, edit, and share your favorite photos and
home movies. When you upload a picture, your friends can view it online. You can
even touch up the photo before you share it. Pretty nifty.

NOTE Learn more about digital photos in Chapter 18,

“Working with Digital Photos.”

Good for Entertainment

For many people, a personal computer is a hub for all sorts of online entertain-
ment. You can use your computer to listen to music over the Internet via stream-
ing music services such as Pandora and Spotify. You also can watch movies and TV
shows online with streaming video services such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+,
Hulu, and Netflix.

NOTE Learn more about watching TV and movies on your

PC in Chapter 19, “Watching Movies and TV Shows Online.”
Learn more about listening to music with your PC in Chapter 20,
“Listening to Music Online.”

Good for Keeping Informed

Entertainment is fun, but it’s also important to stay informed. Your computer is a
great gateway to tons of information, both old and new. You can use Google and
other search engines to search for just about anything you want online—or use
your computer to browse the latest news headlines, sports scores, and weather
reports. All the information you can think of is online somewhere, and you use
your computer to find and read it.
6 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

NOTE Learn more about staying informed online in

Chapter 11, “Browsing and Searching the Web.”

Good for Work

A lot of people use their home PCs for work-related purposes. You can bring
your work (reports, spreadsheets, you name it) home from the office and finish it
on your home PC. Or, if you work at home, you can use your computer to pretty
much run your small business—you can use it to do everything from typing memos
and reports to generating invoices and setting budgets.
In short, anything you can do with a normal office PC, you can probably do on
your home PC, using Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and similar productivity
software.

NOTE Learn more about using your computer for office work
in Chapter 17, “Doing Office Work.”

Good for Play

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, so there’s no reason not to have a little
fun with your new PC. There are a lot of cool games online, plus you can purchase
all manner of computer games to play, if that’s what you’re into. There’s a lot of
fun to be had with your new PC!

NOTE This book is written for users of relatively new personal

computers—in particular, PCs running the Microsoft Windows 11
operating system. If you have an older PC running an older ver-
sion of Windows, most of the advice here is still good, although
not all the step-by-step instructions will apply. Instead, you may
want to pick up a previous edition of this book to match your
older operating system.

Inside a Personal Computer

As I discuss momentarily, there are a lot of different types of personal comput-
ers—desktops, all-in-ones, laptops, and the like. What they have in common is
a core set of components—the computer hardware. Unlike computer software,
which describes the programs and applications you run on your computer, the
hardware is composed of those physical parts of your system you can see and
touch.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 7

Well, you could see the parts if you opened the case, which you can’t always do.
Let’s take a virtual tour inside a typical PC, so you can get a sense of how the
darned thing works.

The Motherboard: Home to Almost Everything

Inside every PC are all manner of computer chips and circuit boards. Most of these
parts connect to a big circuit board called a motherboard, so named because it’s
the “mother” for the computer’s microprocessor and memory chips, as well as for
all other internal components that enable your system to function.
On a laptop or 2-in-1 PC (a laptop that also functions as a tablet), the mother-
board is just under the keyboard. On a traditional desktop PC, the motherboard
is located somewhere inside the computer’s system unit. (In Figure 1.1, it’s on the
left side of the cabinet.) On an all-in-one desktop, it’s typically built into the moni-
tor unit.

FIGURE 1.1
What a typical desktop PC looks like on the inside—a big motherboard with lots of add-on
boards attached.

On a traditional desktop PC, the motherboard contains several slots, into which
you can plug additional boards (also called cards) that perform specific functions.
8 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

For example, some gaming PCs feature a separate video card that enables your
motherboard to transmit high-quality video signals to your monitor. All-in-one,
laptop, and 2-in-1 PCs have these functions built into the motherboard and thus
aren’t expandable like PCs that have separate system units.

Microprocessors: The Main Engine

I’m not done talking about the motherboard just yet. That’s because the specific
chip that controls your entire computer system is buried somewhere on that big
motherboard. This chip is called a microprocessor or a central processing unit
(CPU).
The microprocessor is the brain inside your system. It processes all the instructions
necessary for your computer to perform its duties. The more powerful the micro-
processor chip, the faster and more efficiently your system runs.
Microprocessors carry out the various instructions that enable your computer to
compute. Every input and output device connected to a computer—the keyboard,
printer, monitor, and so on—either issues or receives instructions that the micro-
processor then processes. Your software programs also issue instructions that must
be implemented by the microprocessor. This chip truly is the workhorse of your
system; it affects just about everything your computer does.
Different computers have different types of microprocessor chips. Desktop and
laptop computers running the Windows operating system use chips manufactured
by either Intel or AMD. (Apple Macintosh computers also use Intel chips, although
they’re different from the chips used in Windows PCs.)
In addition to having different chip manufacturers (and different chip families from
the same manufacturer), you’ll run into microprocessor chips that run at different
speeds. CPU speed today is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A CPU with a speed of
1GHz can run at one billion clock ticks per second! The bigger the gigahertz num-
ber, the faster the chip runs.
It gets better. Most computers today incorporate chips with more than one core.
Each core is the equivalent of a separate CPU on a single chip. You can find chips
with two, four, or six cores—the equivalent of two, four, or six CPUs working
together to increase your processing power. The more cores, the better—espe-
cially for processor-intensive tasks, such as editing digital video files.
If you’re shopping for a new PC, look for one with the combination of a powerful
microprocessor and a high clock speed for best performance. And don’t forget to
count all the cores; a quad-core chip with four 2GHz CPUs is more powerful than a
single-core chip with a single 4GHz CPU.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 9

Computer Memory: Temporary Storage

Before a CPU can process instructions you give it, your instructions must be stored
somewhere in preparation for access by the microprocessor. These instructions—
along with other data processed by your system—are temporarily held in the
computer’s random access memory (RAM). All computers have some amount of
memory, which is created by a number of memory chips. The more memory that’s
available in a machine, the more instructions and data that can be stored at one
time.
Memory is measured in terms of bytes. One byte is equal to approximately one
character in a word processing document. A unit equaling approximately one
thousand bytes (1,024, to be exact) is called a kilobyte (KB), and a unit of approxi-
mately one thousand (1,024) kilobytes is called a megabyte (MB). A thousand
megabytes is a gigabyte (GB).
Most computers today come with at least 4GB of memory, some with much more.
To enable your computer to run as many programs as quickly as possible, you
need as much memory installed in your system as it can accept—or that you can
afford. You can add extra memory to a computer by installing new memory mod-
ules, which is as easy as plugging a “stick” directly into a slot on your system’s
motherboard.
If your computer doesn’t possess enough memory, its CPU must constantly
retrieve data from permanent storage on its hard disk. This method of data
retrieval is slower than retrieving instructions and data from electronic memory. In
fact, if your machine doesn’t have enough memory, some programs will run very
slowly (or you might experience random system crashes), and other programs
won’t run at all!

Hard Disk Drives: Long-Term Storage

Another important physical component inside many computers is the hard disk
drive. The hard disk permanently stores all your important data. Some hard disks
today can store multiple terabytes (TB) of data, each terabyte equaling 1,000 giga-
bytes. (Contrast this to your system’s RAM, which temporarily stores only a few
gigabytes of data.)
A hard disk consists of numerous metallic platters. These platters store data mag-
netically. Special read/write heads realign magnetic particles on the platters, much
like a recording head records data onto magnetic recording tape.
However, before data can be stored on a disk, including your system’s hard disk,
that disk must be formatted. A disk that has not been formatted cannot accept
data. When you format a hard disk, your computer prepares each track and sector
10 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

of the disk to accept and store data magnetically. Fortunately, hard disks in new
PCs are preformatted, so you don’t have to worry about this. (And, in most cases,
your operating system and key programs are preinstalled.)

CAUTION If you try to reformat your hard disk, you’ll erase

all the programs and data that have been installed—so don’t do
it!

Solid-State Drives: Faster Long-Term Storage

Not all long-term storage is hard disk-based. Many of today’s laptop and 2-in-1
PCs and an increasing number of desktop and all-in-one models don’t have tradi-
tional hard disk storage. Instead, they use solid-state flash memory for long-term
storage.
A solid-state drive (SSD) has no moving parts. Instead, data is stored electroni-
cally on an integrated circuit. This type of storage is much faster than traditional
hard disk storage; data stored on a solid-state drive can be accessed pretty much
instantly. Plus, laptops with solid-state drives are considerably lighter than laptops
with traditional hard drives.
The downside of solid-state storage is that it’s a little more expensive than hard
drive storage, although it doesn’t cost as much today as it did just a few years
ago. What this means is that you typically get a little less storage on an SSD than
you would on a similar computer with a traditional hard drive—or you pay a little
more for a computer with similarly sized SSD.
So, if it’s important for your computer to be fast and lightweight, consider a model
with solid-state storage. If you prefer a lower-priced model or need more storage
space, stick with a traditional hard disk PC.

NOTE Some computers come with a mix of hard drive and

solid state storage. In this type of system, the SSD contains the
Windows operating system and other key files for fast startup and
operation, whereas the larger hard drive is used for storing large
applications and files.

NOTE Some PCs still come with a combination CD/DVD

drive, although they’re becoming increasingly rare. A CD/DVD
drive enables you to play audio CDs and movie DVDs, install CD-
or DVD-based software programs, and burn music, movies, or
data to blank CD or DVD discs. However, the industry has moved
away from physical media in recent years as most apps and ser-
vices are now streamed or downloaded from the Internet.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 11

Keyboards: Fingertip Input

Computers receive data by reading it from disk, accepting it electronically over a
modem, or receiving input directly from you, the user. You provide your input by
way of what’s called, in general, an input device; the most common input device
you use to talk to your computer is the keyboard.
A computer keyboard, similar to the one in Figure 1.2, looks and functions just
like an old-fashioned typewriter keyboard, except that computer keyboards have a
few more keys. Some of these keys (such as the arrow, Pg Up, Pg Dn, Home, and
End keys) enable you to move around within a program or file. Other keys provide
access to special program features. When you press a key on your keyboard, it
sends an electronic signal to your system unit that tells your machine what you
want it to do.

FIGURE 1.2
A keyboard for a desktop PC.

Many keyboards that come with desktop and all-in-one PCs hook up via a cable to
the back of your system unit. Some manufacturers make wireless keyboards that
connect to your system unit via radio signals, thus eliminating one cable from the
back of your system. Keyboards on laptop and 2-in-1 PCs are built into the main
unit, of course, and the keys are often just a tad smaller than those on desktop PC
keyboards.
On a typical Windows PC keyboard, there are a few extra keys in addition to the
normal letters and numbers and symbols and such. Chief among these is the
Windows key (sometimes called the Winkey), like the one shown in Figure 1.3,
which has a little Windows logo on it. In Windows 10, many operating functions
are initiated by pressing the Windows key either by itself or along with another
key on the keyboard.
12 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

FIGURE 1.3
The Windows key on a computer keyboard.

Mice and Touchpads: Point-and-Click Input Devices

It’s a funny name but a necessary device. A computer mouse, like the one shown
in Figure 1.4, is a small handheld device that you scoot across your desktop.
Most mice consist of an oblong case with two or three buttons on top. When you
move the mouse along a desktop, an onscreen pointer (called a cursor) moves in
response. When you click (press and release) a mouse button, this motion initiates
an action in your program.
Right button
Scroll wheel

Left button

FIGURE 1.4
A typical two-button mouse with scroll wheel.

Mice come in all shapes and sizes. Some have wires, and some are wireless. Some
are relatively oval in shape, and others are all curvy to better fit in the palm of your
hand. Some even have extra buttons that you can program for specific functions
or a scroll wheel you can use to scroll through long documents or web pages.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 13

If you have a laptop or 2-in-1 PC, you don’t have a separate mouse. Instead, most
laptops feature a touchpad pointing device that functions like a mouse (see Figure
1.5). You move your fingers around the touchpad to move the onscreen cursor
and then click one of the buttons underneath the touchpad the same way you’d
click a mouse button.

FIGURE 1.5
A touchpad on a notebook PC.

TIP If you have a laptop PC, you don’t have to use the built-in
touchpad. Most laptops let you attach an external mouse, which
you can use in addition to or instead of the internal device.

If you use a computer with a touchscreen display, you don’t need a mouse at all.
Instead, you control your computer by tapping and swiping the screen, using spe-
cific motions to perform specific operations. With a touchscreen computer, opera-
tion is fairly intuitive.

Network Connections: Getting Connected

If you have more than one computer in your home, you might want to connect
them to a home network. A network enables you to share files between multiple
computers, as well as connect multiple PCs to a single printer or scanner. In addi-
tion, you use your home network to share a broadband Internet connection so
that all your computers (and other devices, like phones and tablets) connect to the
Internet.
14 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

You can connect computers via either wired or wireless networks. Most home
users prefer a wireless network because there are no cables to run from one room
of your house to another. Fortunately, connecting a wireless network is as easy as
buying a wireless router, which functions as the hub of the network, and then con-
necting wireless adapters to each computer on the network. (And if you have a
laptop PC, the wireless adapter is already built in.)

NOTE Learn more about wireless networks in Chapter 9,

“Setting Up Whole-House Internet and a Home Network.”

Sound Cards and Speakers: Making Noise

Every PC comes with some sort of speaker system. Most traditional desktop sys-
tems let you set up separate right and left speakers, sometimes accompanied by a
subwoofer for better bass. (Figure 1.6 shows a typical right-left-subwoofer speaker
system.) All-in-one, laptop, and 2-in-1 PCs typically come with right and left speak-
ers built in but offer the option of connecting external speakers if you want. You
can even get so-called 5.1 surround sound speaker systems, with five satellite
speakers (front and rear) and the “.1” subwoofer—great for listening to movie
soundtracks or playing explosive-laden video games.

Subwoofer

Speakers

FIGURE 1.6
A typical set of right and left external speakers, complete with subwoofer.

All speaker systems are driven by a sound card or chip that is installed inside your
system unit. If you upgrade your speaker system, you also might need to upgrade
your sound card accordingly. (You can easily switch sound cards on a traditional
desktop PC, but it’s really not an option on a laptop or all-in-one.)
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 15

Video Cards and Monitors: Getting the Picture

Operating a computer would be difficult if you didn’t constantly receive visual
feedback showing you what your machine is doing. This vital function is provided
by your computer’s monitor.
Computer monitors today are built around LCD displays, just like you have on
your living room TV. On a laptop PC, this display is built into the unit; on a desk-
top PC, you connect a separate external monitor. And with an all-in-one unit, the
display includes the computer motherboard and connections.
You measure the size of a monitor diagonally from corner to corner. Most free-
standing LCD monitors today are in the 24" to 27" diagonal range, although both
larger and smaller models are also available.
A flat-screen LCD display doesn’t take up a lot of desk space or use a lot of
energy, both of which are good things. Most monitors today come with a wide-
screen display that has the same 16:9 (or 16:10) aspect ratio used to display wide-
screen movies—which makes them ideal for viewing or editing movies on your
PC. (You also can find some ultrawide monitors, ideal for doing video editing or
accounting work, with a 21:9 aspect ratio—but they’re fairly pricey.)
Know, however, that your computer monitor doesn’t generate the images it dis-
plays. Instead, screen images are electronically crafted by a video card or chip
installed inside your laptop PC or desktop system unit. To work correctly, both
the video card and monitor must be matched to display images of the same
resolution.
Resolution refers to the size of the images that can be displayed onscreen and is
measured in pixels. A pixel is a single dot on your screen; a full picture is com-
posed of thousands of pixels. The higher the resolution, the sharper the resolu-
tion—which lets you display more (smaller) elements onscreen.
Resolution is expressed in numbers of pixels, in both the horizontal and vertical
directions. Most external monitors today can display 1920×1080 or higher resolu-
tion (called full high definition, or FHD). Laptop PC displays are typically smaller
(14" to 15.4" diagonal) and sometimes with slightly lower resolution.

Other Parts of Your Computer System

The computer hardware itself is only part of your overall computer system. A typi-
cal PC has additional devices—such as printers—connected to it, and it runs vari-
ous programs and applications to perform specific tasks.
16 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

Providing Additional Functionality with Peripherals

There are lots of other devices, called peripherals, you can connect to your com-
puter, including the following:
• Printers: A printer enables you to make hardcopy printouts of documents and
pictures—and some including copying, scanning, and even faxing capability.
• Webcams: These are small cameras (typically with built-in microphones) that
enable you to send live video of yourself to friends and family. Many laptops
and some all-in-ones include built-in webcams.
• Joysticks and gamepads: These are alternatives to mice that enable you to
play the most challenging computer games.
• External storage: These are just like the hard disk or solid state drives inside
your computer, but they connect externally to help you back up your precious
data.

NOTE Learn more about installing peripherals in Chapter 6,

“Connecting Printers and Other Devices to Your PC.” Learn more
about using external disks in Chapter 8, “Adding Storage and
Backup.”

You also can hook up all manner of portable devices to your PC, including smart-
phones, digital cameras, and camcorders. You can even add the appropriate
devices to connect multiple PCs in a network, which is useful if you have more
than one computer in your house.
Fortunately, connecting a new device is as easy as plugging in a single cable.
Whether you have a desktop or laptop PC, or even a tablet, most printers and
other devices connect using a special type of cable called a USB cable. Almost all
computers have multiple USB connections (sometimes called ports), so you can
connect multiple peripherals via USB at the same time.

Doing What You Need to Do with Software and Apps

By themselves, the black or white boxes that comprise a typical computer system
aren’t that useful. You can connect them and set them in place, but they won’t do
anything until you have some software to make things work.
As discussed earlier, computer hardware refers to those things you can touch—
the keyboard, monitor, system unit, and the like. Computer software, however,
is something you can’t touch because it’s nothing more than a bunch of elec-
tronic bits and bytes. These bits and bytes, however, combine into computer
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 17

programs—sometimes called applications or just apps—that provide specific func-

tionality to your system.
For example, if you want to crunch some numbers, you need a piece of software
called a spreadsheet program. If you want to write a letter, you need a word pro-
cessing program. If you want to make changes to some pictures you took with
your digital camera, you need photo-editing software. And if you want to surf the
Internet, you need a web browser.
In other words, you need separate software for each task you want to do with
your computer. Fortunately, most new computer systems come with a lot of this
software already installed. You might have to buy a few specific programs, but it
shouldn’t set you back a lot of money.

NOTE Learn more about computer software and apps in

Chapter 16, “Installing and Using Apps.”

Making Everything Work—with Windows

Whatever program or app you’re using at any time, you interface with your com-
puter via a special piece of software called an operating system. As the name
implies, this program makes your system operate; it’s your gateway to the hard-
ware part of your system.
The operating system is also how your application software interfaces with your
computer hardware. When you want to print a document from your word proces-
sor, that software works with the operating system to send the document to your
printer.
Most computers today ship with an operating system called Microsoft Windows.
This operating system has been around in one form or another for more than 35
years and is published by Microsoft Corporation.
Windows isn’t the only operating system around, however. Computers manu-
factured by Apple Computing use a different operating system, called macOS.
Therefore, computers running Windows and computers by Apple aren’t totally
compatible with each other. Google’s Chrome OS runs on many low-cost
Chromebook computers, which are popular with schools across the country. Then
there’s Linux, which is compatible with most PCs sold today, but it’s used primarily
by über-techie types; it’s not an operating system I would recommend for general
users.
But let’s get back to Windows and its various versions. The most current version is
called Microsoft Windows 11. If you’ve just purchased a brand-new PC, this is the
version you’re using. If your PC is somewhat older, you might be running Windows
18 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

10, the immediate predecessor to Windows 11, which was the default OS from
July 2015 to October 2021, when Windows 11 was released. If you have an even
older computer, it could be running an even older version of Windows.
To some degree, Windows is Windows is Windows; all the different versions do
pretty much the same things. Windows 11, however, is much improved over the
previous versions, which is why many users have upgraded their older computers
to this version.
In any case, you use Windows—whichever version you have installed—to launch
specific programs and to perform various system maintenance functions, such as
copying files and turning off your computer.

NOTE You can learn more about Windows 11 in Part II of this

book, “Using Windows.”

Different Types of Computers

Although all computers consist of pretty much the same components and work
in pretty much the same way, there are several different types to choose from.
You can go with a traditional desktop computer, a smaller, more portable laptop
model, a touchscreen tablet—or one that combines some or all these features.
Let’s look at the different types of computers you can choose from.

Traditional Desktop PCs

A desktop PC is one with a separate monitor that’s designed to sit on your desk-
top, along with a separate keyboard and mouse. This was the original PC form fac-
tor, and it’s still preferred by some old-school users.
A desktop PC is stationary; you can’t take it with you. It sits on your desktop, per-
fect for doing the requisite office work.
A traditional desktop system, like the one shown in Figure 1.7, has a separate
system unit that sits either on the floor or beside the monitor. This type of system
takes up more space than any other type of system but is the most expandable.
Gamers, in particular, like desktop systems that so they can swap graphics and
sound boards in and out.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 19

FIGURE 1.7
A traditional desktop PC system unit, complete with monitor, keyboard, mouse, and
separate system unit.

All-in-One Desktops
An all-in-one desktop builds the system unit into the monitor for a more compact
system, like the one shown in Figure 1.8. Some of these all-in-one PCs feature
touchscreen monitors, so you can control them by tapping and swiping the moni-
tor screen.
Many users like the easier setup (no system unit or speakers to connect) and
smaller space requirements of all-in-one systems. The drawbacks to these all-in-
one desktops are that you can’t upgrade internal components, and if one compo-
nent goes bad, the whole system is out of commission. It’s a lot easier to replace a
single component in a traditional desktop than the entire system of an all-in-one!
20 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

FIGURE 1.8
An all-in-one desktop system, with the system unit and speakers built into the monitor.

Laptop PCs
A laptop PC, sometimes called a notebook PC, combines a monitor, keyboard,
and system unit in a single, compact case. This type of portable PC, like the one
shown in Figure 1.9, can operate via normal electrical power or via a built-in bat-
tery, so you can take the laptop with you and use it just about anywhere you go.
Just as there are several types of desktop PCs, there are several types of laptops,
including the following:
• Traditional laptops: These units have screens that run in the 14" to 16" range
(15.6" is common) and include decent-sized hard drives (500GB and up).
These are typically the least expensive laptops because there’s a lot of compe-
tition; this category is the most popular.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 21

FIGURE 1.9
A traditional laptop PC with 15.6-inch screen.

• Desktop-replacement laptops: These are larger laptops, with screens in the

17" range. They’re not only bigger; they’re also heavier, and the batteries
don’t last as long. As such, these laptops really aren’t designed for true porta-
ble use; instead, they’re replacements for traditional desktop PCs. Plus, these
desktop-replacement models typically cost a bit more than traditional laptops.
• Ultrabooks: An ultrabook is a smaller, thinner, and lighter laptop PC. Most
ultrabooks have screens in the 10" to 14" range and use solid-state flash stor-
age instead of hard disk storage. All this makes an ultrabook very fast and very
easy to carry around without necessarily sacrificing computing power and func-
tionality. However, all this new technology means ultrabooks cost a bit more
than more traditional laptops.

With all these choices available, which type of laptop should you buy? It all depends.
Most users choose traditional laptops because they do everything you need them
to do at a reasonable price. If you need more computing power but don’t plan on
taking your PC out of the house, then a desktop-replacement model might make
22 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

sense. If you’re a die-hard road warrior who likes to travel light, consider a more
expensive but lighter-weight ultrabook.

Tablet PCs
A tablet PC is a self-contained computer you can hold in one hand. Think of a tab-
let as the real-world equivalent of one of those communication pads you see on
Star Trek; it doesn’t have a separate keyboard, so you operate it by tapping and
swiping the screen with your fingers.
No question about it, the most popular tablet today is the Apple iPad; no other
model comes close in terms of number of users. The iPad runs Apple’s iPadOS
operating system, which is similar to the iOS engine behind the company’s
iPhones. Also popular are tablets that run Google’s Android operating system.
The iPadOS/iOS and Android operating systems, however, are both incompatible
with the billion or so computers that run the Windows operating system. If you
want a Windows-compatible tablet, the most popular (and often only) choice is the
Microsoft Surface, shown in Figure 1.10.

FIGURE 1.10
Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet computer, complete with optional external keyboard.
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 23

Tablets are great for consuming media and information, and they’re pretty good
for web-based tasks, but they’re not that great if you have to get serious work
done; the lack of a true keyboard is a killer when you need to type long pieces of
text and enter a lot of numbers. Still, a Windows tablet can easily supplement a
more traditional PC for many types of tasks and is a strong competitor to Apple’s
iPad.

2-in-1 PCs
A 2-in-1 PC is the newest type of personal computer, a blend of the ultrabook and
tablet form factors—literally. Think of a 2-in-1 PC as an ultrabook with a touch-
screen, or a tablet with a keyboard.
Most 2-in-1 PCs, like the one in Figure 1.11, come with a swivel or fully removable
keyboard, so you can type if you need to or get rid of the keyboard and use the
touchscreen display as you would a tablet. Windows 11 is optimized for this new
type of PC; depending on how you’re using the device, you’ll either see the tradi-
tional Windows desktop or the newer touch interface.

FIGURE 1.11
A 2-in-1 PC that folds from one form factor to another.
24 COMPUTER BASICS ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE

With a 2-in-1 PC, you use it like a touchscreen tablet when you watch movies or
browse the Web and like a laptop PC when you have office work to do. For many
users, it’s the best of both worlds.

Which Type of PC Should You Choose?

Which type of PC is best for you? It depends on how you think you’ll use your new
computer:
• If all you plan to do is check your Facebook feed, watch streaming videos, and
maybe send the occasional email, then you don’t really need a full keyboard
and can make do with a tablet or 2-in-1 PC.
• If you need to do more serious work, then a desktop, all-in-one, or laptop PC,
complete with keyboard and mouse, is a must.
• If you plan to do all your computing in one spot, such as your home office,
then a traditional desktop or all-in-one PC can do the job.
• If you want more flexibility—and the ability to take your computer with you—
then a laptop or 2-in-1 model is a necessity.

As you can see, there are a lot of choices, and even within these general types,
more specific considerations to make. The price depends a lot on the amount of
hard disk storage you get, the size of the display, the amount of internal memory,
the speed of the microprocessor, and other technical details. And don’t forget the
design; make sure you choose a model with the style and functionality you can live
with.

Don’t Worry, You Can’t Screw It Up—Much

I don’t know why, but a lot of people are afraid of their computers. They think if
they press the wrong key or click the wrong button, they’ll break something or will
have to call an expensive repairperson to put things right.
This isn’t true.
The important thing to know is that it’s difficult to break your computer system.
Yes, it’s possible to break something if you drop it, but in terms of breaking your
system through normal use, it just doesn’t happen that often.
It is possible to make mistakes, of course. You can click the wrong button and
accidentally delete a file you didn’t want to delete or turn off your system and
lose a document you forgot to save. You can even take inadequate security
 CHAPTER 1 HOW PERSONAL COMPUTERS WORK 25

precautions and find your system infected by a computer virus. But in terms of
doing serious harm just by clicking your mouse, it’s unlikely.
So, don’t be afraid of the thing. Your computer is a tool, just like a hammer or a
blender or a camera. After you learn how to use it, it can be a very useful tool. But
it’s your tool, which means you tell it what to do—not vice versa. Remember that
you’re in control and that you’re not going to break anything, and you’ll have a lot
of fun—and maybe even get some real work done!

THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM

Here are the key points to remember from this chapter:
• There are five main types of computer systems available today: traditional
desktops, all-in-one desktops, laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1 models.
• Regardless of type, all personal computers are composed of various hard-
ware components; in a traditional desktop or all-in-one PC, they’re separate
devices, whereas laptop, 2-in-1, and tablet PCs combine them all into a single
portable unit.
• You interface with your computer hardware via a piece of software called an
operating system. The operating system on your new computer is probably
Microsoft Windows 11.
• You use specific software programs or apps to perform specific tasks, such as
writing letters and editing digital photos.
• The brains and engine of your system is the system unit, which contains the
microprocessor, memory, disk drives, and all the connections for your other
system components.
• To make your system run faster, get a faster microprocessor or more memory.
• Data is temporarily stored in your system’s memory; you store data perma-
nently on some type of disk drive—either a hard disk or solid-state drive.
This page intentionally left blank
 Index
Symbols
1BASE5 Ethernet, 122 LinkedIn, creating, 210 all-in-one printers, 102
2-in-1 PCs, 23-24 Twitter Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut
hardware, 29-31 creating, 202 (switching applications), 53
setting up, 28-31 logging in, 202 Amazon Appstore app, running
802.11a, 123 Windows 11 Android apps on PCs, 115
802.11ac, 123 creating, 87 Amazon Digital Music Store, 286
802.11ax, 123 log in methods, 86 Amazon Music Unlimited, 284
profile pictures, changing, Amazon Prime Video, 268-269,
802.11b, 123
85-86 279
802.11g, 123
purpose of, 86 Android apps, running on PCs,
802.11n, 123 signing in, 89 115
@ (at sign), in tweets, 204 signing out, 88 Android operating system, 22
# (hashtag), in tweets, 204 switching users, 88 Android phones. See smart-
Acorn TV, 276 phones
A adding antivirus software, 294-295
email accounts to Mail app, Apple computers, 17
abbreviations in tweets, 204 171 Apple FaceTime, 181
accent color of Windows widgets to Widgets panel,
desktop, changing, 78-79 Apple iCloud, 74
83
downloading photos from,
accepting addition in Microsoft Excel, 240 254
friend requests (Facebook), Address box
196 Apple iPads, 22
File Explorer, 63 Apple iPhones, 109-110
meeting invitations
Google Chrome, 146 Apple iTunes app, 286
in Microsoft Teams,
188-189 Microsoft Edge, 141
Apple iTunes Store, 286
in Zoom, 181-182 addresses
Apple Music, 284
accessing email, 168
Apple TV+, 269-270
Google Docs, 246 protecting from spam,
296-297 applications, 16-17, 217-218
OneDrive from File Explorer, antivirus software, 294-295
71-72 for web pages, 140
adults, social networking Calendar app, 249
PCs on home networks, 128
security, 213 creating events, 250-251
accounts views in, 249-250
all-in-one PCs, 19-20
email, adding to Mail app, closing, 226
171 hardware, 31
peripheral connections, desktop shortcuts for, 224
Facebook
31-32 finding after installation,
creating, 194 222-223
setting up, 31-32
logging in, 194 from retailers, buying, 220
318 APPLICATIONS

frozen, troubleshooting, attachments (email) batteries (laptop), 30

312-313 copying files via, 71 conserving, 308-309
menus in, 225-226 sending in Mail app, 174 BET+, 276
in Microsoft Store, down- viewing in Mail app, Bing, 149
loading, 218-220 172-173
Bitdefender Total Security, 295
office suites auctions (online). See online
components of, 229 blocking spam (junk email), 297
marketplaces
Google Docs, 245-246 blurring backgrounds in
Audacy, 285
Microsoft Teams, 189
Microsoft Office, 230-233. Audible, 287
See also Microsoft Excel; boards, definition of, 7
audio. See also music
Microsoft PowerPoint; boards/pins (Pinterest)
Microsoft Word sound cards, 14
creating boards, 209
purpose of, 229 speakers, 14
creating pins, 208-209
online, downloading, AutoSum function (Microsoft repinning, 207-208
220-221 Excel), 240
viewing, 206
Photos app AVERAGE function (Microsoft
Excel), 240 bookmarks (Google Chrome),
deleting photos, 257 146
editing photos, 257-261 AVG Internet Security, 295
booting, 42. See also starting;
printing photos, 262 Avira Antivirus, 295 turning on
sharing photos, 263 botnets, 292
viewing photos, 256-257 B Box cloud storage, 74
pinning
BackBlaze, 120 breaking PCs, fear of, 24-25
to Start menu, 80, 223
Back button brightness, adjusting in photos,
to taskbar, 53, 80, 224
259
removing unused, 303-304 File Explorer, 62
BritBox, 276
starting Google Chrome, 146
Microsoft Edge, 141 broadband Internet access, 134
from Start menu, 51
background BroadwayHD, 276
from taskbar, 52
Start menu navigation, blurring in Microsoft Teams, browsers. See web browsers
50-51 189 browsing. See web browsing
switching, 53-54 virtual backgrounds, buttons. See icons
toolbars and ribbons in, changing in Zoom, buying. See also online market-
224-225 184-185 places; online shopping
web-based, 221 of Windows 11 Lock screen from online music stores,
appointments (Calendar app) changing, 84-85, 257 286
creating, 250-251 slideshow on, 85 from online video stores,
viewing, 250 of Windows desktop, 279
changing, 76-77 retail applications, 220
apps. See applications
backing up files bytes, 9
arithmetic operators in
to external storage, 119
Microsoft Excel, 239
to online storage, 119-120
aspect ratio, 15
bandwidth requirements for
cropping photos, 259
Internet connections, 134
at sign (@), in tweets, 204
 CONNECTING 319

C children color
social networking security, adjusting in photos, 260-261
Calendar app, 249 212-213 accent color of Windows
creating events, 250-251 website access, 298 desktop, 78-79
views in, 249-250 content-filtering software, color schemes for Microsoft
cameras. See also webcams 298-299 Edge, 143
connecting to PCs, 105 safety guidelines, 299-300 columns (Microsoft Excel), 237
transferring photos from, chips. See microprocessors deleting, 238
255 choosing. See changing; inserting, 238
canceling photo edits, 260 selecting resizing, 238-239
Carbonite, 120 Chrome OS, 17 commands in application
cards, definition of, 7 Chrome web browser, 146-147 menus, 225-226
CD/DVD drives, 10 Google Safe Browsing, 298 commenting on status updates
Chromebook computers, 17 (Facebook), 200
on laptop PCs, 30
Circle Home Plus, 299 communication, purpose of
cells (Microsoft Excel), 237. See
PCs, 4
also data classified ads (online). See
in formulas, 239-241 online marketplaces compressed folders, 69
selecting, 240 cleaning compressing files in File
Explorer, 69
central processing units (CPUs), keyboards, 306
8 monitors, 307 computer networks. See
networks
changing. See also selecting printers, 307
computer viruses. See viruses
cursor shape, 47 cleaning up unused files,
file extensions, 66 302-303 computers. See PCs (personal
computers)
file views in File Explorer, Close button (Windows 11), 47
63-64 configuring. See setting up
closing
profile pictures (Windows confirming order (online
applications, 226
11), 85-86 shopping), 155
tabs in Microsoft Edge, 143
views in Zoom, 183 connecting
Widgets panel (Windows
virtual backgrounds in 11), 82 external storage, 118
Zoom, 184-185 to home networks, 126-127
windows, 47
Windows desktop PCs to TVs, 105
cloud, applications in, 221
accent color, 78-79 via HDMI, 106-107
cloud storage
background, 76-77 wirelessly, 107
backing up files, 119-120
Light/Dark mode, 77 peripherals via USB, 100
downloading photos from,
themes, 79-80 portable devices to PCs,
254
Windows Lock screen back- 105
OneDrive
ground, 84-85, 257 printers
accessing, 71-72
charts, creating in Microsoft via USB, 102-103
cost of, 73
Excel, 242-243 wirelessly, 103
managing, 72-73
Chat button (Windows 11), 44 wireless home networks,
synchronizing, 73-74
chatting. See text chatting; 123-125
purpose of, 71
video chatting
types of, 74
checking out (online shopping),
154-155
320 CONNECTIONS

connections (Internet). See also CPUs (central processing units), deleting

web browsers 8 browser history in Microsoft
from home Crackle, 276 Edge, 142
connection speeds, Craigslist, 158-159 files in File Explorer, 67-68
134-135 photos in Photos app, 257
crashed system
hardware requirements, rows/columns in Microsoft
causes of, 312
135-136 Excel, 238
troubleshooting, 311
ISPs (Internet service pro- text in Microsoft Word, 235
viders), 134 frozen applications,
312-313 unused files, 302-303
from public Wi-Fi hotspots, unused software, 303-304
136-137 frozen Windows, 312
major crashes, 313-314 desktop applications. See appli-
purpose of PCs, 4
cations
connections (LinkedIn) crawlers, 147
desktop editions of Microsoft
contacting, 212 credit cards, online shopping
Office, 230-231
security, 156
finding, 211-212 desktop PCs, 18-19
Criterion Channel, 276
connections (physical) hardware, 33-34
network, 13-14 cropping photos, 258
peripheral connections,
peripherals, 16 Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard shortcut, 34-36
312-313
connectors. See ports setting up, 33-36
cursors
conserving battery life, 308-309 turning on, order of steps,
changing shape, 47 36
constructing website queries,
definition of, 12 desktop-replacement laptops,
149
moving, 45 21
contacting connections
(LinkedIn), 212 customer reviews of online desktop (Windows 11)
products, 153 application shortcuts on,
content-filtering software,
298-299 Customize and Control button 224
(Google Chrome), 146 elements of, 43-45
Contents pane (File Explorer),
61 customizing. See personalizing peeking at, 49
contrast, adjusting in photos, cutting and pasting, 67 personalizing, 76
260 cutting text in Microsoft Word, accent color, 78-79
copying 235 background, 76-77
files CYBERsitter, 299 Light/Dark mode, 77
via email, 71 Start menu, 80
in File Explorer, 67 D taskbar, 81
in OneDrive, 72 themes, 79-80
over home network, 70 Dark mode (Windows desktop), Start menu
changing to Light mode, 77
with portable drive, 70-71 navigating, 50-51
data (Microsoft Excel) starting applications, 51
meeting links in Microsoft
Teams, 190 entering, 237-238 viewing, 50
text in Microsoft Word, 235 formatting, 241-242 switching applications,
cores, definition of, 8 date and time display (Windows 53-54
11), 45 taskbar, 51
COUNT function (Microsoft
Excel), 240 Day view (Calendar app), 249 icons on, 51
deleted files, restoring, 68 Jump Lists, 52-53
 ENTERING 321

managing icons, 53 DoorDash, 157 Mail app, 169

Quick Settings panel, 54 dotPhoto, 262 adding email accounts,
starting applications, 52 double-clicking, 45 171
switching windows, 52 navigating, 170
Download.com, 293
viewing notifications, 55 reading/replying to
downloaded music, listening to,
windows messages, 171-172
286-287
closing, 47 sending attachments, 174
downloaded videos, watching,
maximizing, 47 sending messages, 173
279
minimizing, 47 viewing attachments,
downloading
172-173
moving, 46 applications from Microsoft
phishing scams, 297-298
resizing, 47 Store, 218-220
POP/IMAP, 168
scrolling in, 48-49 files from OneDrive, 73
purpose of, 167-168
snapping, 48 Google Chrome, 146
purpose of PCs, 4
Details pane (File Explorer), 62 online applications, 220-221
spam, 296
device drivers, 100 photos from cloud storage,
254 filtering out, 297
digital cameras. See cameras protecting email address
Zoom app, 180
digital music. See music from, 296-297
dragging and dropping, 46
digital photos. See photos as virus transmission
Dropbox cloud storage, 74 method, 293
DirecTV Stream, 278
DuckDuckGo, 149 web-based, 169, 174
Discovery+, 270-271
Gmail, 175-176
Disk Cleanup utility, 302-303
Disney+, 271
E Outlook Online, 174-175
email messages
displaying. See viewing earphone jacks on laptop PCs,
copying files via, 71
displays. See monitors 30
in Gmail, 176
Docs (in Google Docs), 245, eBay, 159-160
in Mail app
247 Edge. See Microsoft Edge
focused, 170
documents editing reading/replying, 171-172
Google Docs, creating/ photos in Photos app, sending, 173
opening/saving, 246 257-261
sending attachments, 174
Microsoft Word text in Microsoft Word, 235
viewing attachments,
checking spelling/ editing mode (Photos app), 172-173
grammar, 236 opening, 258
in Outlook Online, 175
creating/opening/saving, editions of Microsoft Office,
234-235 emojis in text messages, 111
230-231
editing text, 235 emptying Recycle Bin, 68-69
email
entering text, 235 accounts, adding to Mail ending meetings
formatting text, 235 app, 171 in Microsoft Teams, 191
printing, 236 addresses, 168 in Zoom, 187
opening from OneDrive, protecting from spam, entering. See also inserting
232 296-297 data in Microsoft Excel,
pinning to taskbar, 53 237-238
saving when closing formulas in Microsoft Excel,
windows, 47 239
322 ENTERING

functions in Microsoft Excel, privacy checkup, 201 deleting files, 67-68

241 status updates moving files, 67
text commenting on, 200 renaming files/folders, 66
in Microsoft PowerPoint, liking, 201 File Explorer button (Windows
245 posting, 197-199 11), 44
in Microsoft Word, 235 privacy settings for, files. See also documents;
entertainment, purpose of PCs, 199-200 spreadsheets; presentations
5. See also games viewing friends’ updates, backing up
ergonomics, 28 200-201 to external storage, 119
ESPN+, 273, 276 Facebook Marketplace, 160-161 to online storage,
Ethernet, 122. See also wired Facebook Messenger, 181 119-120
networks FaceTime, 181 cleaning up, 302-303
Etsy, 160 Fast Ethernet, 122 compressing in File Explorer,
events (Calendar app) 69
Favorites bar (Microsoft Edge),
creating, 250-251 copying
viewing, 144
viewing, 250 via email, 71
Favorites button (Microsoft
Edge), 143 in File Explorer, 67
examining online products, 153
over home network, 70
Excel. See Microsoft Excel Favorites list (Microsoft Edge)
with portable drive, 70-71
exposure, adjusting in photos, returning to web pages,
143-144 definition of, 60
259
saving web pages, 143 deleting in File Explorer,
extensions (for files)
67-68
changing, 66 Feed (Facebook), 194, 200-201
extensions
definition of, 60 file attachments (to email
changing, 66
viewing, 60 messages)
definition of, 60
external hard disk drives, 96 sending, 174
viewing, 60
viewing, 172-173
external storage, 16, 118 extracting in File Explorer,
backing up files, 119 File Explorer, 60
69
connecting, 118 accessing OneDrive, 71-72
grouping in File Explorer, 64
changing file views, 63-64
extracting files in File Explorer, moving in File Explorer, 67
69 compressing files, 69
naming, 60
extracting files, 69
illegal characters, 66
file contents/details in, 62
F grouping files/folders, 64
on OneDrive
managing, 72-73
Facebook, 161, 194 managing OneDrive, 72-73
synchronizing, 73-74
accounts, creating/logging navigating, 61-63
printing, 104-105
in, 194 searching for files, 65
renaming in File Explorer, 66
friends sorting files/folders, 64
restoring deleted, 68
accepting/rejecting starting, 60
requests, 196 searching in File Explorer, 65
synchronizing OneDrive,
finding, 195-196 sorting in File Explorer, 64
73-74
tagging, 199 viewing in File Explorer,
toolbar functions, 65
63-64
viewing profile pages, copying files, 67
196-197 FilmRise, 276
creating folders, 66
navigating, 194-195
 GOOGLE MEET 323

filtering following fuboTV, 278

with content-filtering Pinterest users, 206-207 functions (Microsoft Excel)
software, 298-299 Twitter users, 204 AutoSum, 240
spam (junk email), 297 food entering, 241
filters, applying to photos, 259 online grocery ordering, 157
finding. See also searching online meal ordering, 157 G
applications in Microsoft forced shutdown of Windows
Store, 218-219 11, 312 Gallery View (Zoom), 183
connections (LinkedIn), formatting game controllers, 96
211-212 gamepads, 16, 96
data in Microsoft Excel,
friends (Facebook), 195-196 241-242 games, purpose of PCs, 6
information, purpose of hard disk drives, 9
PCs, 5 gateways, 136
text wireless routers and, 125
installed applications,
in Microsoft PowerPoint, GB (gigabyte), 9
222-223
245
online products, 152-153 GHz (gigahertz), 8
in Microsoft Word, 235
online stores, 152 GIFs, in text messages, 111
Forms (in Google Docs), 246
Twitter users, 204 Gigabit Ethernet, 122
Formula bar (Microsoft Excel),
fine-tuning search results, 149 238 gigabyte (GB), 9
firewalls, 292 formulas (Microsoft Excel) gigabyte Internet, 134
flash drives, copying files with, cells in, 239-241 gigahertz (GHz), 8
70-71
entering, 239 Gmail, 169, 171, 175-176
focused messages (in Mail app),
Forward button Google
170
File Explorer, 63 functions of, 149
folders
Google Chrome, 146 searching with, 147-148
creating in File Explorer, 66
Microsoft Edge, 141 constructing queries, 149
definition of, 60
Freevee, 277 fine-tuning results, 149
grouping in File Explorer, 64
friends (Facebook) Google Android operating
naming, illegal characters,
accepting/rejecting system, 22
66
requests, 196 Google Chrome OS, 17
navigating, 62-63
paths, 60 finding, 195-196 Google Chrome web browser,
tagging, 199 146-147
Pictures (Windows 11), 256
viewing profile pages, Google Docs, 221, 245-246
in Quick Access section
(Navigation pane, File 196-197 accessing, 246
Explorer), 61 viewing status updates of, components of, 245
renaming in File Explorer, 66 200-201 creating/opening/saving
sorting in File Explorer, 64 frozen system documents, 246
in This PC section causes of, 312 presentations in, 248-249
(Navigation pane, File troubleshooting, 311 spreadsheets in, 247-248
Explorer), 61 frozen applications, word processing in, 247
viewing in OneDrive, 72 312-313 Google Drive, 74, 120, 246
frozen Windows, 312
Google Meet, 181
major crashes, 313-314
324 GOOGLE PHOTOS

Google Photos, downloading preventive maintenance, hardware requirements,

from, 254 305 135-136
Google Play, 279 keyboards, 306 ISPs (Internet service pro-
Google Play Music, 286 monitors, 307 viders), 134
printers, 307 mesh networks, 124
Google Podcasts, 287
system units, 305-306 purpose of, 121
Google Safe Browsing, 298
requirements for home sharing printers, 103-104
grammar-checking in Microsoft
networks, 124 speed of, 122-123
Word, 236
solid-state drives, 10, wired networks, explained,
graphic links, 140
117-118 122
grayed-out commands in sound cards, 14 wireless networks
menus, 226
speakers, 14 explained, 122-123
green screens, 184
touchpads, 13 setup, 123-125
grocery shopping online, 157 touchscreens, 13 home pages (websites), 140
grouping files/folders in File video cards, 15 Hotmail, 171
Explorer, 64
for video chatting, 180 hotspots (public Wi-Fi), con-
Grubhub, 157
hashtag (#), in tweets, 204 necting to, 136-137
HBO Max, 271-272 hot swappable devices, 100
H HDMI (high-definition mul- hovering, 46
timedia interface), 106 Hulu, 272-273
hard disk drives, 9, 10, 117-118
external, 96 HDMI ports, 98 Hulu + Live TV, 278
optimizing storage, 304 connecting PCs to TVs, hyperlinks, 140-141
106-107
hardware. See also peripherals hypertext links, 140
heads in hard disk drives, 9
on 2-in-1 PCs, 29-31
hiding
on all-in-one PCs, 31
taskbar (Windows 11), 81
I
CD/DVD drives, 10
windows, 47 iCloud, 74, 169, 171, 254
definition of, 6
on desktop PCs, 33-34 highlights, adjusting in photos, icons on taskbar, 51
260 explained, 51
external storage, 118
history (Microsoft Edge) managing, 53
backing up files, 119
deleting, 142 identity theft, 297-298
connecting, 118
viewing, 141-142
hard disk drives, 9-10, IDrive, 120
117-118 home networks. See also
iHeartRadio, 285
for Internet connections, network connections
accessing PCs on, 128 illegal characters in filenames,
135-136 66
keyboards, 11-12 comparison of wired vs.
wireless, 122 images. See also photos
on laptop PCs, 29-31
connecting PCs to, 126-127 profile pictures (Windows
memory (RAM), 9 11), changing, 85-86
microprocessors, 8 copying files over, 70
Windows desktop back-
monitors, 15 hardware requirements, 124
ground, resizing, 77
motherboards, 7-8 Internet connections
Windows Lock screen,
mouse, 12 connection speeds, changing, 85, 257
134-135
network connections, 13-14 IMAP (Internet Message Access
Protocol), 168
 LIGHT MODE 325

Immersive Reader (Microsoft

Edge), 144-145
from public Wi-Fi hotspots,
136-137
K
Incognito mode (Google purpose of PCs, 4 Kaspersky Anti-Virus, 295
Chrome), 147 Internet gateways, 136 KB (kilobyte), 9
indexes, 147 wireless routers and, 125 keyboards, 11-12, 96
information sources, purpose of Internet Message Access on 2-in-1 PCs, 29
PCs, 5 Protocol (IMAP), 168 connecting
inkjet printers, 101 Internet service providers (ISPs) to all-in-one PCs, 32
InPrivate Browsing mode connection speeds, 134-135 to desktop PCs, 35
(Microsoft Edge), 145 email via, 168 on laptop PCs, 29
input devices hardware from, 135-136 moving insertion point with,
keyboards, 11-12 purpose of, 134 235
mouse, 12 invitations, accepting preventive maintenance,
touchpads, 13 to Microsoft Teams 306
touchscreens, 13 meetings, 188-189 selecting text with, 235
inserting. See also entering to Zoom meetings, 181-182 keyboard shortcuts
rows/columns in Microsoft IObit Malware Fighter, 295 editing text, 235
Excel, 238 iOS, 22 for Windows 11, 55-56
slides in Microsoft iPadOS, 22 kilobyte (KB), 9
PowerPoint, 244
iPads, 22
insertion point (Microsoft
Word), 235 iPhones, 109-110 L
Instacart, 157 ISPs (Internet service providers) laptop PCs, 20-22
connection speeds, 134-135 hardware, 29-31
installed applications, finding,
222-223 email via, 168 peripheral connections,
installing hardware from, 135-136 30-31
applications from Microsoft purpose of, 134 preventive maintenance,
Store, 219 iTunes app, 286 307
Zoom app, 180 iTunes Store, 286 conserving battery life,
instant meetings, starting in 308-309
physical security, 309
Zoom, 185-186 J Windows Mobility Center,
Instant Search (Windows 11), 65
joining meetings 308
internal storage, 117
in Microsoft Teams, 188-189 setting up, 28-31
Internet connections. See also
web browsers in Zoom, 181-183 laser printers, 101-102
from home joysticks, 16 launching. See opening;
starting
connection speeds, Jump Lists (for taskbar icons),
134-135 52-53 LCD monitors. See monitors
hardware requirements, junk email (spam), 296 leaving meetings
135-136 filtering out, 297 in Microsoft Teams, 189-191
ISPs (Internet service pro- protecting email address in Zoom, 181, 185
viders), 134 from, 296-297 Light mode (Windows desktop),
changing to Dark mode, 77
326 LIKING STATUS UPDATES

liking status updates logging in malware, 291

(Facebook), 201 Facebook, 194 in email file attachments,
LinkedIn Twitter, 202 172
accounts, creating, 210 Windows 11, 42-43, 86 spyware, 295-296
connections viruses, 292
antivirus software,
contacting, 212 M 294-295
finding, 211-212
navigating, 210 macOS, 17 reducing risk, 293
personalizing profile page, mail. See email signs of infection, 292
211 Mail app, 169 transmitting, 292-293
purpose of, 210 adding email accounts, 171 Malwarebytes for Windows, 295
linking smartphones to PCs, navigating, 170 managing
110 reading/replying to OneDrive from File Explorer,
links messages, 171-172 72-73
in Microsoft Edge, 141 sending attachments, 174 taskbar icons, 53
opening in status updates sending messages, 173 marketplaces (online), 158
(Facebook), 201 viewing attachments, Craigslist, 158-159
posting in status updates 172-173 eBay, 159-160
(Facebook), 198 Mail.com, 169 Etsy, 160
on web pages, 140 maintaining PCs Facebook Marketplace,
Linux, 17 hardware preventive main- 160-161
listening tenance, 305 Reverb, 161-162
to downloaded music, 5, keyboards, 306 MAX function (Microsoft Excel),
286-287 monitors, 307 240
to podcasts, 287-288 printers, 307 Maximize button (Windows 11),
to streaming music, 5, 282 system units, 305-306 47
list of services, 284 laptop preventive main- maximizing windows, 47
online radio stations, 285 tenance, 307 MB (megabyte), 9
Pandora, 282-283 conserving battery life, Mbps (megabits per second),
Spotify, 283-284 308-309 122
Live.com, 171 physical security, 309 McAfee Total Protection, 295
live streaming video, 277-279 Windows Mobility Center,
meal delivery, 157
308
local TV stations, live streaming, Media Player app, 286
Windows preventive main-
278 meetings
tenance, 302
locations, posting in status in Microsoft Teams
cleaning up unused files,
updates (Facebook), 198
302-303 accepting invitations,
Lock screen (Windows 11) optimizing disk storage, 188-189
logging in, 42 304 blurring background, 189
personalizing, 84 removing unused starting new, 189-191
background, 84-85, 257 software, 303-304 in Zoom
slideshow, 85 updating Windows, 305 accepting invitations,
181-182
changing views, 183
 MICROSOFT SURFACE 327

changing virtual back- Microsoft Edge running slideshows, 245

grounds, 184-185 browsing with, 141 transitions, 245
joining manually, 182-183 color schemes for, 143 spreadsheets in, 236
leaving, 185 deleting browser history, AutoSum function, 240
scheduling, 186-187 142 cells in formulas, 239-241
starting/ending launching, 140-141 creating charts, 242-243
scheduled, 187 opening multiple tabs, deleting rows/columns,
starting instant, 185-186 142-143 238
megabyte (MB), 9 private browsing, 145 entering data, 237-238
memory card readers, 96 returning to favorite pages, entering formulas, 239
143-144 entering functions, 241
memory cards, transferring
photos from, 255 saving favorite pages, 143 formatting data, 241-242
memory (RAM), 9. See also setting Start page, 146 inserting rows/columns,
storage SmartScreen Filter, 298 238
menu bars in applications, 225 viewing browser history, navigating, 236-237
141-142 resizing columns, 238-239
menus
viewing Favorites bar, 144 word processing in, 233
in applications, 225-226
viewing web pages in checking spelling/
pop-up menus, opening, 46
Immersive Reader, 144-145 grammar, 236
mesh networks, 124
Microsoft Excel, 236 creating/opening/saving
messages (email) AutoSum function, 240 documents, 234-235
copying files via, 71 cells in formulas, 239-241 editing text, 235
in Gmail, 176 creating charts, 242-243 entering text, 235
in Mail app deleting rows/columns, 238 formatting text, 235
focused, 170 entering data, 237-238 navigating, 233-234
reading/replying, 171-172 entering formulas, 239 printing documents, 236
sending, 173 entering functions, 241 Microsoft Office Online, 221
sending attachments, 174 formatting data, 241-242 Microsoft OneDrive. See
viewing attachments, inserting rows/columns, 238 OneDrive
172-173
navigating, 236-237 Microsoft Outlook in Mail app,
in Outlook Online, 175
resizing columns, 238-239 169
messages (LinkedIn), sending,
Microsoft Exchange, 171 navigating, 170
212
Microsoft Office, 230 Microsoft PowerPoint, 243
messages (text), sending/
receiving on PCs, 111 choosing version of, applying themes, 244
232-233 entering text, 245
microblogging. See Twitter
desktop editions, 230-231 formatting text, 245
microphones, muting
email accounts, 171 inserting slides, 244
in Microsoft Teams, 189
online version, 231-232 navigating, 243-244
in Zoom, 181
presentations in, 243 running slideshows, 245
microprocessors, 8
applying themes, 244 transitions, 245
Microsoft 365 Family, 231 entering text, 245 Microsoft Store, downloading
Microsoft 365 Personal, 230 formatting text, 245 applications, 218-220
Microsoft Bing, 149 inserting slides, 244 Microsoft Surface, 22
navigating, 243-244
328 MICROSOFT TEAMS

Microsoft Teams, 187-188 moving insertion point with, Pandora, 282-283

accepting invitations, 235 purpose of PCs, 5
188-189 operations Spotify, 283-284
blurring background, 189 closing windows, 47 musical instruments, buying/
starting new meeting, double-clicking, 45 selling via Reverb, 161-162
189-191 dragging and dropping, muting microphones
text chatting, 191 46 in Microsoft Teams, 189
Microsoft Windows. See keyboard shortcuts for, in Zoom, 181
Windows 55-56
Microsoft Word, 233 maximizing windows, 47
documents minimizing windows, 47 N
checking spelling/ mousing over, 46 naming files, 60
grammar, 236 moving windows, 46 illegal characters, 66
creating/opening/saving, pointing and clicking, 45 Napster, 284
234-235 resizing windows, 47
Nations Photo Lab, 262
editing text, 235 right-clicking, 46
entering text, 235 navigating
scrolling in windows,
formatting text, 235 48-49 Facebook, 194-195
printing, 236 snapping windows, 48 File Explorer, 61-63
navigating, 233-234 touchscreen operations folders, 62-63
for, 57 Gmail, 175-176
MIN function (Microsoft Excel),
240 selecting cells (Microsoft Google Docs, 247
Minimize button (Windows 11), Excel), 240 Google Sheets, 248
47 selecting text with, 235 Google Slides, 248
minimizing windows, 47 mousing over, 46 LinkedIn, 210
mini-tower PCs, 33 movies. See videos Mail app, 170
moving. See also navigating Microsoft Excel, 236-237
Miracast, 107
cursors, 45 Microsoft PowerPoint,
mirroring PCs to TVs, 107 243-244
mobile phones. See smart- files
Microsoft Word, 233-234
phones in File Explorer, 67
Outlook Online, 175
modems, 135 in OneDrive, 72
Pinterest, 205-206
monitors, 15, 96 insertion point (Microsoft
Word), 235 Start menu, 50-51
connecting to desktop PCs, Twitter, 202-203
35 windows, 46
Mpix, 262 Navigation pane (File Explorer),
preventive maintenance, 61
307 MSN Mail, 171
Netflix, 273-274
turning on, 36 multifunction printers, 102
Net Nanny, 299
Month view (Calendar app), 249 music
network keys, 125
motherboards, 7-8 from online music stores
buying, 286 network routers. See routers
mouse, 12, 96
connecting listening to, 286-287
to all-in-one PCs, 32 streaming, 282
to desktop PCs, 35 list of services, 284
online radio stations, 285
 OPENING 329

networks O online applications, down-

loading, 220-221
connections, 13-14
home Office 365. See Microsoft Office online auctions. See online mar-
accessing PCs on, 128 Office Home and Business ketplaces
comparison of wired vs. 2021, 231 online marketplaces, 158
wireless, 122 Office Home and Student 2021, Craigslist, 158-159
connecting PCs to, 231 eBay, 159-160
126-127 office suites Etsy, 160
copying files over, 70 components of, 229 Facebook Marketplace,
hardware requirements, Google Docs, 245-246 160-161
124 accessing, 246 Reverb, 161-162
Internet connections, components of, 245 online music. See streaming
134-136 music
creating/opening/saving
mesh networks, 124 documents, 246 online music stores
purpose of, 121 presentations in, 248-249 buying from, 286
sharing printers, 103-104 spreadsheets in, 247-248 listening to music from,
speed of, 122-123 word processing in, 247 286-287
wired networks, Microsoft Office, 230 online photo printing services,
explained, 122 262
choosing version of,
wireless networks, 232-233 online podcasts, listening to,
explained, 122-123 287-288
desktop editions, 230-231
wireless networks, setup,
online version, 231-232 online radio stations, 285
123-125
presentations in, 243-245 online shopping
social networking. See social
networking spreadsheets in, 236-243 for groceries, 157
Wi-Fi word processing in, for meals, 157
233-236 security features, 155-156
public hotspots, con-
necting to, 136-137 purpose of, 229 steps in, 152
standards, 123 office work, purpose of PCs, 6 checking out, 154-155
turning on/off, 126 on-demand streaming services, confirming order, 155
Network section (Navigation 282 examining products, 153
pane, File Explorer), 61 OneDrive finding products, 152-153
network security keys, 127 accessing from File Explorer, finding stores, 152
71-72 ordering products,
News Feed (Windows 11), cus-
tomizing, 83-84 backing up files, 120 153-154
Norton 360, 295 cost of, 73 online storage. See cloud
managing from File storage
notebook PCs. See laptop PCs
Explorer, 72-73 online version of Microsoft
Notes pane (Microsoft opening documents from,
PowerPoint), 243 Office, 231-232
232
notification area (Windows 11), opening
synchronizing from File
45 documents
Explorer, 73-74
Quick Settings panel, 54 in Google Docs, 246
OneDrive section (Navigation
viewing notifications, 55 in Microsoft Word, 234
pane, File Explorer), 61
numbers. See spreadsheets from OneDrive, 232
330 OPENING

editing mode (Photos app), connecting to home ports for, 97-100

258 networks, 126-127 printers, 100-105
links in status updates connecting to TVs, 105 types of, 16, 96-97
(Facebook), 201 via HDMI, 106-107 purpose of
menus, 225 wirelessly, 107 communication, 4
Microsoft Edge, 140-141 fear of breaking, 24-25 entertainment, 5
multiple tabs in Microsoft hardware games, 6
Edge, 142-143 CD/DVD drives, 10 information sources, 5
pop-up menus, 46 external storage, 118-119 Internet connections, 4
Widgets panel (Windows hard disk drives, 9-10,
11), 82 productivity, 6
117-118 sharing photos/videos, 5
operating systems, 17-18, 41 keyboards, 11-12 social networking, 4
operators in Microsoft Excel, memory (RAM), 9
239 restarting, 57
microprocessors, 8 during Windows setup,
optimizing disk storage, 304 monitors, 15 37
ordering motherboards, 7-8 setting up
groceries, 157 mouse, 12 2-in-1 PCs, 28-31
meals, 157 network connections, all-in-one PCs, 31-32
products, 153-154 13-14 desktop PCs, 33-36
Outlook in Mail app, 169 solid-state drives, 10, laptop PCs, 28-31
navigating, 170 117-118
preparations for, 28
Outlook Online, 174-175 sound cards, 14
Sleep mode, 57
speakers, 14
Outlook.com, 169, 171 smartphones
touchpads, 13
linking, 110
touchscreens, 13
P video cards, 15
phone calls with, 112-113
receiving text messages,
pages (web). See web pages hardware preventive main- 111
tenance, 305
Pandora, 282-283 running Android apps,
keyboards, 306 115
paper, selecting for photo
printing, 261 monitors, 307 sending text messages,
printers, 307 111
Paramount+, 274-275
system units, 305-306 sharing web pages,
parental controls
laptop preventive main- 113-114
on social networking, tenance, 307
212-213 viewing photos, 114-115
conserving battery life, software
software for, 298-299 308-309 applications, 16-17
passwords, requirements for, 87 physical security, 309 operating systems, 17-18,
pasting text in Microsoft Word, Windows Mobility Center, 41
235 308 transferring photos to, 254
Path bar (File Explorer), 62 peripherals from camera, 255
paths, definition of, 60 connections, 16, 100 downloading from cloud
PCs (personal computers) device drivers, 100 storage, 254
accessing on home portable device con- from memory card, 255
networks, 128 nections, 105
 PINNING 331

by scanning, 255-256 portable device con- posting in status updates

from smartphone/tablet, nections, 105 (Facebook), 198
254 ports for, 97-100 printing
troubleshooting turning on, order of steps, in Photos app, 262
frozen/crashed system, 36 professional printing, 262
311-314 types of, 16, 96-97 selecting printers/paper,
refreshing system files, personal checks for Craigslist 261
314-315 sales, 159 sending in Mail app, 174
resetting system files, 315 personal computers. See PCs sharing
in Safe mode, 311 (personal computers) in Photos app, 263
steps in, 309-310 personalizing purpose of PCs, 5
turning off, 57-58 desktop (Windows 11), 76 transferring to PCs, 254
turning on for first time, accent color, 78-79 from camera, 255
36-37 background, 76-77 downloading from cloud
types of Light/Dark mode, 77 storage, 254
2-in-1 PCs, 23-24 Start menu, 80 from memory card, 255
all-in-one PCs, 19-20 taskbar, 81 by scanning, 255-256
choosing, 24 themes, 79-80 from smartphone/tablet,
desktop PCs, 18-19 Lock screen (Windows 11), 254
laptop PCs, 20-22 84 viewing
tablet PCs, 22-23 background, 84-85, 257 in Photos app, 256-257
Windows preventive main- slideshow, 85 from smartphones,
tenance, 302 Microsoft Edge color 114-115
cleaning up unused files, scheme, 143 in status updates
302-303 profile page (Facebook), 201
optimizing disk storage, LinkedIn, 211 Photos app
304 deleting photos, 257
Twitter, 204
removing unused editing photos, 257-261
with Settings app, 89-91
software, 303-304
widgets (Windows 11), 82 printing photos, 262
updating Windows, 305
News Feed, 83-84 sharing photos, 263
Peacock, 275-276 viewing photos, 256-257
Widgets panel, 83
Peek button (Windows 11), 45, physical security for laptops,
49 Philo, 278
309
peripherals. See also hardware; phishing scams, 297-298
pictures. See images; photos
names of specific peripherals phone calls on PCs, 112-113
(keyboards, mouse, printers, Pictures folder (Windows 11),
phones. See smartphones
etc.) 256
photo-editing software,
connecting pinning
purpose of, 17
to all-in-one PCs, 31-32 applications
photos. See also images
to desktop PCs, 34-36 to Start menu, 80, 223
deleting in Photos app, 257
to laptop PCs, 30-31 to taskbar, 53, 80, 224
editing in Photos app,
via USB, 100 257-261 documents to taskbar, 53
connections, 16 Pictures folder (Windows
device drivers, 100 11), 256
332 PINS (PINTEREST)

pins (Pinterest) printer connections, optimizing disk storage,

creating, 208-209 102-103 304
repinning, 207-208 types of, 98-100 removing unused
viewing, 206 posting status updates software, 303-304
(Facebook), 197-199 updating Windows, 305
Pinterest, 204
boards/pins Post Office Protocol (POP), 168 Preview pane (File Explorer), 62
creating boards, 209 posts (Facebook). See status printers, 16, 96, 100
creating pins, 208-209 updates (Facebook) connecting
repinning, 207-208 Power button on Start menu, 50 to all-in-one PCs, 32
viewing, 206 power cables, connecting to desktop PCs, 35
following users, 206-207 to all-in-one PCs, 32 via USB, 102-103
navigating, 205-206 to desktop PCs, 35 wirelessly, 103
purpose of, 204-205 powering on. See turning on preventive maintenance,
307
pixels, definition of, 15 PowerPoint. See Microsoft
PowerPoint printing to, 104-105
playing videos in status updates
power schemes (Windows), 308 selecting for photo printing,
(Facebook), 201
261
Plex, 277 preparations for PC setup, 28
sharing, 103-104
Pluto TV, 277 presentation programs, 229
turning on, 36
podcasts, listening to, 287-288 Google Slides, 248-249
types of, 100-102
pointing and clicking, 45 Microsoft PowerPoint, 243
printing
Popcornflix, 277 applying themes, 244
documents in Microsoft
entering text, 245 Word, 236
POP (Post Office Protocol), 168
formatting text, 245 photos
pop-up menus, opening, 46
inserting slides, 244 in Photos app, 262
portable devices, connecting to
navigating, 243-244 professional printing, 262
PCs, 105
running slideshows, 245 selecting printers/paper,
portable drives, copying files
with, 70-71 transitions, 245 261
ports, 16 preventive maintenance to printers, 104-105
on all-in-one PCs, 31-32 for hardware, 305 privacy checkup in Facebook,
definition of, 97 keyboards, 306 201
on desktop PCs, 33-36 monitors, 307 privacy settings for status
printers, 307 updates (Facebook), 199-200
HDMI, 98
connecting PCs to TVs, system units, 305-306 private browsing in Microsoft
106-107 for laptops, 307 Edge, 145
on laptop PCs, 30-31 conserving battery life, problem-solving. See trouble-
308-309 shooting PCs
USB
connecting portable physical security, 309 productivity
devices, 105 Windows Mobility Center, applications. See Calendar
connecting via, 100 308 app; office suites
external storage con- in Windows, 302 purpose of PCs, 6
nections, 118 cleaning up unused files,
302-303
 ROWS 333

products R Reset PC utility, 315

examining online, 153 resetting system files, 315
finding online, 152-153 radio stations, online, 285 resizing
ordering online, 153-154 RAM (random access memory), columns in Microsoft Excel,
professional photo printing, 262 9 238-239
profile pages reading email messages images for Windows
Facebook, viewing, 196-197 in Gmail, 176 desktop background, 77
LinkedIn, personalizing, 211 in Mail app, 171-172 widgets, 83
Twitter, personalizing, 204 in Outlook Online, 175 windows, 47
profile pictures (Windows 11) rearranging widgets, 83 resolution, definition of, 15
changing, 85-86 rebooting, 42. See also restarting PCs, 57
restarting during Windows setup, 37
on Start menu, 50
receiving text messages on restaurants, online meal
programs. See applications
PCs, 111 ordering, 157
protecting email addresses
recurring meetings, scheduling Restore Down button (Windows
from spam, 296-297
in Zoom, 186 11), 47
ProtonMail, 169
Recycle Bin (Windows 11), 45, restoring
public Wi-Fi hotspots 67-68 deleted files, 68
connecting to, 136-137 emptying, 68-69 minimized windows, 47
security and, 309 restoring deleted files, 68
retail applications, buying, 220
purchasing. See buying; online reducing virus risk, 293
marketplaces; online shopping returning to favorite web pages
Refresh button (Microsoft in Microsoft Edge, 143-144
purpose of PCs (personal com- Edge), 141
puters) Reverb, 161-162
Refresh PC utility, 314-315
communication, 4 reviews of online products, 153
refreshing system files, 314-315
entertainment, 5 ribbons
reinstalling Windows, 315 for applications, 224-225
games, 6
information sources, 5 rejecting friend requests in Microsoft Word, 233-234
(Facebook), 196
Internet connections, 4 right-clicking, 46
removing
productivity, 6 rotating photos, 258
system unit case, 33
sharing photos/videos, 5 routers
taskbar icons, 53
social networking, 4 connecting
unused software, 303-304
to all-in-one PCs, 32
widgets, 83
Q renaming files/folders
to desktop PCs, 35
turning on, 36
queries (for search), con- in File Explorer, 66
wired, 122
structing, 149 in OneDrive, 72
wireless, 97, 123-124
Quick Access section rented videos, watching, 279
configuring, 125
(Navigation pane, File repinning boards/pins on
Explorer), 61 connecting, 125
Pinterest, 207-208
Quick Settings panel (Windows Internet gateways and,
replying to email messages 125
11), 45, 54
in Gmail, 176 rows (Microsoft Excel), 237
Qustodio, 299
in Mail app, 171-172 deleting, 238
in Outlook Online, 175 inserting, 238
334 RUNNING

running searching. See also finding printers/paper for photo

Android apps on PCs, 115 for files in File Explorer, 65 printing, 261
slideshows in Microsoft for installed applications, text in Microsoft Word, 235
PowerPoint, 245 222 selling online, 158
secured networks, 127 Craigslist, 158-159
S security eBay, 159-160
children and, 298 Etsy, 160
Safe mode (Windows 11), 311 Facebook Marketplace,
content-filtering software,
safety. See security 298-299 160-161
saturation, adjusting in photos, safety guidelines, 299-300 Reverb, 161-162
260 for Craigslist sales, 159 sending
saving downloading online appli- attachments (to email
documents cations, 221 messages) in Mail app, 174
in Google Docs, 246 email file attachments, 172 email messages
in Microsoft Word, 234 following Twitter users, 204 in Gmail, 176
when closing windows, 47 in online shopping, 155-156 in Mail app, 173
favorite web pages in phishing scams, 297-298 in Outlook Online, 175
Microsoft Edge, 143 physical security for laptops, messages (LinkedIn), 212
scams (phishing), 297-298 309 text messages on PCs, 111
scanning photos, 255-256 privacy checkup in tweets, 203
Facebook, 201
scheduling Settings and More button
privacy settings for status (Microsoft Edge), 141
with Calendar app, 249
updates (Facebook),
creating events, 250-251 199-200 Settings app, personalizing
views in, 249-250 with, 89-91
public Wi-Fi networks and,
meetings in Zoom, 186-187 309 setting up
screens. See also monitors on social networking PCs
on 2-in-1 PCs, 29 for adults, 213 2-in-1 PCs, 28-31
on laptop PCs, 29 for children, 212-213 all-in-one PCs, 31-32
ScreenTips (Microsoft Word), spyware, 295-296 desktop PCs, 33-36
234 status updates (Facebook), laptop PCs, 28-31
scrolling in windows, 48-49 posting location with, 198 preparations for, 28
Search box viruses, 292 Windows for first time,
antivirus software, 36-37
Facebook, 194-195
294-295 wireless home networks,
Pinterest, 206 123-125
reducing risk, 293
Search button (Windows 11), 44 wireless routers, 125
signs of infection, 292
search engines, 147 shadows, adjusting in photos,
transmitting, 292-293
Bing, 149 260
selecting
constructing queries, 149 shape of cursors, changing, 47
cells (Microsoft Excel), 240
DuckDuckGo, 149 sharing. See also home
Microsoft Office version,
fine-tuning results, 149 networks
232-233
Google, 147-148 photos
PC type, 24
in Photos app, 263
purpose of PCs, 5
 SOFTWARE 335

printers, 103-104 layout vs. template, 244 viewing friends’ status

web pages between smart- running slideshows, 245 updates, 200-201
phones and PCs, 113-114 transitions, 245 viewing profile pages,
Sheets (in Google Docs), 245, 196-197
Slides pane (Microsoft
247-248 PowerPoint), 243 LinkedIn
Shipt, 157 Sling TV, 278 contacting connections,
212
shopping carts (online), 154 slots, definition of, 7
creating account, 210
shopping online smartphones
finding connections,
for groceries, 157 connecting to PCs, 105 211-212
for meals, 157 linking to PCs, 110 navigating, 210
security features, 155-156 phone calls on PCs, 112-113 personalizing profile
steps in, 152 running Android apps on page, 211
checking out, 154-155 PCs, 115 purpose of, 210
confirming order, 155 sharing web pages with PCs, Pinterest, 204
examining products, 153 113-114
creating boards, 209
finding products, 152-153 text messages, sending/
creating pins, 208-209
finding stores, 152 receiving on PCs, 111
following users, 206-207
ordering products, transferring photos from,
254 navigating, 205-206
153-154
viewing photos on PCs, purpose of, 204-205
shortcut icons (Windows 11), 45 repinning boards/pins,
114-115
shortcuts to applications, 207-208
SmartScreen Filter, 298
creating on desktop, 224 viewing boards/pins, 206
SMTP servers, 168
Shout Factory TV, 277 purpose of, 193
Snapfish, 263
Shutterfly, 263 purpose of PCs, 4
snapping windows, 48
shutting down Windows 11, security
57-58 social networking for adults, 213
forced shutdown, 312 Facebook, 161, 194 for children, 212-213
signing into accounts (Windows accepting/rejecting friend Twitter, 201
11), 89 requests, 196
abbreviations in, 204
signing out of accounts commenting on status
creating account, 202
(Windows 11), 88 updates, 200
customizing profile page,
creating account, 194
SiriusXM, 285 204
finding friends, 195-196
Skype, 181 following users, 204
liking status updates, 201
Sleep mode, 57 logging into account, 202
logging into account, 194
slideshow on Windows Lock navigating, 202-203
navigating, 194-195
screen, 85 sending tweets, 203
posting status updates,
Slides (in Google Docs), 246, 197-199 Softpedia, 293
248-249 software
privacy checkup, 201
slides (Microsoft PowerPoint) applications, 16-17. See also
privacy settings for status
applying themes, 244 updates, 199-200 applications
entering text, 245 tagging friends, 199 definition of, 6
formatting text, 245
inserting, 244
336 SOFTWARE

operating systems, 17-18, navigating, 236-237 storage. See also memory

41 resizing columns, 238-239 CD/DVD drives, 10
removing unused, 303-304 purpose of, 17 cloud storage
solid-state drives (SSDs), 10, 96, spyware, 295-296 accessing OneDrive,
117-118 in email file attachments, 71-72
solving problems. See trouble- 172 backing up files, 119-120
shooting PCs SSDs (solid-state drives), 10, 96, cost of OneDrive, 73
songs. See music 117-118 downloading photos
sorting files/folders in File Start button (Windows 11), 44 from, 254
Explorer, 64 viewing Start menu, 50 managing OneDrive,
sound cards, 14, 97 72-73
starting. See also turning on
spamblocks, 297 purpose of, 71
applications
synchronizing OneDrive,
spam (junk email), 296 from Start menu, 51
73-74
filtering out, 297 from taskbar, 52
types of, 74
protecting email address File Explorer, 60
external, 16, 96, 118
from, 296-297 instant meetings in Zoom,
backing up files, 119
speakers, 14, 97 185-186
connecting, 118
connecting to desktop PCs, meetings in Microsoft
35 Teams, 189-191 hard disk drives, 9-10
on laptop PCs, 30 scheduled meetings in optimizing, 304
turning on, 36 Zoom, 187 internal, 117
Windows 11, logging in, solid-state drives, 10, 96
Speaker View (Zoom), 183
42-43 stores, finding online, 152
special characters in filenames,
66 Start menu streaming entertainment,
applications on, 222-223 purpose of PCs, 5
speed of Internet connections,
134-135 customizing, 80 streaming music, 282
spell-checking in Microsoft navigating, 50-51 list of services, 284
Word, 236 pinning applications to, 223 online radio stations, 285
spiders, 147 signing into accounts, 89 Pandora, 282-283
Spotify, 283-284 signing out of accounts, 88 Spotify, 283-284
spreadsheets, 229 starting applications, 51 streaming video, 5, 268
Google Sheets, 247-248 switching users, 88 Amazon Prime Video,
viewing, 50 268-269
Microsoft Excel, 236
Start page, setting in Microsoft Apple TV+, 269-270
AutoSum function, 240
Edge, 146 Discovery+, 270-271
cells in formulas, 239-241
static electricity, dangers of, 33 Disney+, 271
creating charts, 242-243
status updates (Facebook) HBO Max, 272
deleting rows/columns,
238 commenting on, 200 Hulu, 272-273
entering data, 237-238 liking, 201 list of services, 276-277
entering formulas, 239 posting, 197-199 live streaming services,
privacy settings for, 199-200 277-279
entering functions, 241
viewing friends’ updates, Netflix, 273-274
formatting data, 241-242
200-201 Paramount+, 274-275
inserting rows/columns,
238
 TOWER PCS 337

Peacock, 275-276 taskbar (Windows 11), 44-45, 51 thumb drives, copying files
purpose of, 267-268 customizing, 81 with, 70-71
subfolders, 62 icons on, 51 Tidal, 284
submenus in applications, 225 explained, 51 tint, adjusting in photos, 260
subscriptions for Microsoft managing, 53 title slide (Microsoft
Office, 231 Jump Lists, 52-53 PowerPoint), 244
SUM function (Microsoft Excel), pinning applications to, 80, toolbars
240 224 for applications, 224-225
surfing the Web. See web Quick Settings panel, 54 Facebook, 194
browsers starting applications, 52 File Explorer, 65
surge suppressors, 28 switching windows, 52 copying files, 67
switching. See also changing viewing notifications, 55 creating folders, 66
applications, 53-54 TB (terabyte), 9, 117 deleting files, 67-68
tabs in Microsoft Edge, 143 Teams. See Microsoft Teams moving files, 67
users (Windows 11), 88 technical problems. See trou- renaming files/folders, 66
windows from taskbar, 52 bleshooting PCs Pinterest, 205
synchronizing OneDrive from telephones. See smartphones ToolTips, 225
File Explorer, 73-74 televisions. See TVs touchpads, 13
system files temperature, adjusting in on laptop PCs, 29
refreshing, 314-315 photos, 260 operations
resetting, 315 terabyte (TB), 9, 117 closing windows, 47
system units text double-clicking, 45
of desktop PCs, 33-34 editing in Microsoft Word, dragging and dropping,
preventive maintenance, 235 46
305-306 entering keyboard shortcuts for,
turning on, 36 in Microsoft PowerPoint, 55-56
245 maximizing windows, 47
in Microsoft Word, 235 minimizing windows, 47
T
formatting mousing over, 46
tablet PCs, 22-23 in Microsoft PowerPoint, moving windows, 46
tablets, transferring photos 245 pointing and clicking, 45
from, 254 in Microsoft Word, 235 resizing windows, 47
tabs text chatting in Microsoft right-clicking, 46
on application ribbons, 225 Teams, 191 scrolling in windows,
in Microsoft Word, 233 text messages, sending/ 48-49
opening multiple in receiving on PCs, 111 snapping windows, 48
Microsoft Edge, 142-143 themes touchscreen operations
tagging friends (Facebook), 199 applying in Microsoft for, 57
Task Manager, 312-313 PowerPoint, 244 touchscreens, 13
of Windows desktop, touchscreen operations for
Task View button (Windows
changing, 79-80 Windows 11, 57
11), 44
The Roku Channel, 277 tower PCs, 33
This PC section (Navigation
pane, File Explorer), 61
338 TRANSFERRING PHOTOS TO PCS

transferring photos to PCs, 254 TV shows, streaming, 5. See USB hubs, 100
from camera, 255 also live streaming video; USB memory devices, 97
downloading from cloud videos
connecting to PCs, 105
storage, 254 tweets, 202 copying files with, 70-71
from memory card, 255 abbreviations in, 204
user accounts. See accounts
by scanning, 255-256 sending, 203 (Windows 11)
from smartphone/tablet, 254 Twitter, 201
accounts
transitions (Microsoft
PowerPoint), 245
V
creating, 202
transmitting viruses, 292-293 logging in, 202 ventilation, 28
Trend Micro Antivirus + customizing profile page, video cards, 15, 97
Security, 295 204 video chatting
trial version of Microsoft Office, following users, 204 with Microsoft Teams,
231 navigating, 202-203 187-188
troubleshooting PCs tweets accepting invitations,
frozen/crashed system, 311 abbreviations in, 204 188-189
causes of, 312 sending, 203 blurring background, 189
frozen applications, starting new meeting,
189-191
312-313 U
frozen Windows, 312 purpose of, 179
major crashes, 313-314 UberEats, 157 purpose of PCs, 4
refreshing system files, ultrabooks, 21 requirements, 180
314-315 uniform resource locators services for, 181
resetting system files, 315 (URLs), 140 with Zoom, 180-181
in Safe mode, 311 Uninstall or Change a Program accepting invitations,
steps in, 309-310 utility, 303-304 181-182
Tubi, 277 unsecured networks, 127 changing views, 183
TuneIn Radio, 285 updating Windows, 305 changing virtual back-
grounds, 184-185
turning off uploading files to OneDrive, 73
joining meetings
PCs, 57-58 URLs (uniform resource manually, 182-183
webcams locators), 140
leaving meetings, 185
in Microsoft Teams, 189 USB (Universal Serial Bus)
scheduling meetings,
in Zoom, 181 connecting via, 100 186-187
Wi-Fi, 126 portable devices, 105 starting/ending scheduled
turning on. See also starting printers, 102-103 meetings, 187
PCs for first time, 36-37 external storage con- starting instant meetings,
peripherals, order of steps, nections, 118 185-186
36 transferring photos videos. See also movies
Wi-Fi, 126 from camera, 255 from online video stores,
TVs, connecting PCs to, 105 from memory card, 255 279
via HDMI, 106-107 from smartphone/tablet, playing in status updates
254 (Facebook), 201
wirelessly, 107
types of ports, 98-100 sharing, purpose of PCs, 5
USB cables, 16
 WEB BROWSING 339

streaming, 5, 268 photos Disney+, 271

Amazon Prime Video, in Photos app, 256-257 HBO Max, 272
268-269 from smartphones, Hulu, 272-273
Apple TV+, 269-270 114-115 list of services, 276-277
Discovery+, 270-271 in status updates Netflix, 273-274
Disney+, 271 (Facebook), 201 Paramount+, 274-275
HBO Max, 272 profile pages on Facebook, Peacock, 275-276
Hulu, 272-273 196-197
purpose of, 267-268
list of services, 276-277 slideshow on Windows Lock
screen, 85 YouTube videos, 279-280
live streaming services, weather (Windows 11), 44
277-279 Start menu, 50
text messages on PCs, 111 web-based applications, 221
Netflix, 273-274
web pages in Immersive web-based email, 169, 174
Paramount+, 274-275
Reader (Microsoft Edge), Gmail, 175-176
Peacock, 275-276
144-145 Outlook Online, 174-175
purpose of, 267-268
views web browsers. See also online
on YouTube, 279-280
in Calendar app, 249-250 shopping; web-based email
viewing. See also watching
changing in Zoom, 183 Google Chrome, 146-147
attachments (to email
vignettes, applying to photos, Google Safe Browsing,
messages) in Mail app,
260 298
172-173
virtual backgrounds, changing Microsoft Edge
boards/pins on Pinterest,
206 in Zoom, 184-185 browsing with, 141
browser history in Microsoft viruses, 292 color schemes for, 143
Edge, 141-142 antivirus software, 294-295 deleting browser history,
email messages in email file attachments, 142
in Gmail, 176 172 launching, 140-141
in Mail app, 171-172 reducing risk, 293 opening multiple tabs,
signs of infection, 292 142-143
in Outlook Online, 175
transmitting, 292-293 private browsing, 145
events (Calendar app), 250
Vudu, 279 returning to favorite
Favorites bar (Microsoft
pages, 143-144
Edge), 144
saving favorite pages, 143
file extensions, 60 W setting Start page, 146
files
warmth, adjusting in photos, SmartScreen Filter, 298
in File Explorer, 63-64
260 viewing browser history,
in OneDrive, 72
watching. See also viewing 141-142
folder contents, 62
downloaded/rented videos, viewing Favorites bar, 144
folders in OneDrive, 72
279 viewing web pages in
friends’ status updates Immersive Reader,
(Facebook), 200-201 live streaming video,
277-279 144-145
messages (LinkedIn), 212 Microsoft Office in, 231-232
streaming video, 268
notifications in Windows purpose of, 17, 139
11, 55 Amazon Prime Video,
268-269 web browsing, purpose of PCs,
online product information, 5
153 Apple TV+, 269-270
Discovery+, 270-271
340 WEBCAMS

webcams, 16, 97 widgets (Windows 11), person- desktop

turning off alizing, 82 accent color, changing,
in Microsoft Teams, 189 News Feed, 83-84 78-79
in Zoom, 181 Widgets panel, 83 application shortcuts on,
for video chatting, 180 Wi-Fi. See also wireless 224
networks background, changing,
web pages, 140
public hotspots, connecting 76-77
addresses for, 140
to, 136-137 elements of, 43-45
bookmarking in Google
standards, 123 Light/Dark mode, 77
Chrome, 146
turning on/off, 126 peeking at, 49
browsing with Microsoft
Edge, 141 Wi-Fi 4, 123 personalizing, 76-81
deleting browser history Wi-Fi 5, 123 Start menu, customizing,
with Microsoft Edge, 142 80
Wi-Fi 6, 123
opening multiple tabs with switching applications,
Wi-Fi 6E, 123 53-54
Microsoft Edge, 142-143
Wi-Fi adapters in laptop PCs, taskbar, customizing, 81
private browsing in
30
Microsoft Edge, 145 taskbar, pinning appli-
returning to favorites with windows cations to, 80
Microsoft Edge, 143-144 closing, 47 themes, changing, 79-80
saving favorites with maximizing, 47 File Explorer, 60
Microsoft Edge, 143 minimizing, 47 accessing OneDrive,
setting Start page in moving, 46 71-72
Microsoft Edge, 146 resizing, 47 changing file views, 63-64
sharing between smart- scrolling in, 48-49 compressing files, 69
phones and PCs, 113-114 snapping, 48 copying files, 67
viewing in Immersive Reader switching from taskbar, 52 creating folders, 66
(Microsoft Edge), 144-145
Windows, 17-18 deleting files, 67-68
viewing browser history with
setting up for first time, extracting files, 69
Microsoft Edge, 141-142
36-37 file contents/details in, 62
websites, 140
Windows 10, 17 grouping files/folders, 64
children accessing, 298
Windows 11, 17 managing OneDrive,
content-filtering software, 72-73
298-299 accounts
creating, 87 moving files, 67
safety guidelines, 299-300
log in methods, 86 navigating, 61-63
searching, 147
profile pictures, changing, renaming files/folders, 66
constructing queries, 149
85-86 searching for files, 65
fine-tuning results, 149
purpose of, 86 sorting files/folders, 64
with Google, 147-148
signing in, 89 starting, 60
Week view (Calendar app), 249
signing out, 88 synchronizing OneDrive,
Widgets pane (Windows 11), 44 73-74
switching users, 88
closing, 82 toolbar functions, 65
Calendar app, 249
customizing, 83 forced shutdown, 312
creating events, 250-251
News Feed, customizing, keyboard shortcuts, 55-56
views in, 249-250
83-84
opening, 82
 WIRELESS PRINTERS 341

Lock screen preventive maintenance, viewing notifications, 55

background, changing, 302 touchscreen operations, 57
84-85, 257 cleaning up unused files, troubleshooting
logging in, 42 302-303 frozen/crashed system,
personalizing, 84-85, 257 optimizing disk storage, 311-314
slideshow on, 85 304 refreshing system files,
logging in, 42-43 removing unused 314-315
software, 303-304 resetting system files, 315
Mail app, 169
updating Windows, 305 in Safe mode, 311
adding email accounts,
171 Recycle Bin, 67-68 widgets
navigating, 170 emptying, 68-69 News Feed, customizing,
reading/replying to restoring deleted files, 68 83-84
messages, 171-172 Settings app, personalizing personalizing, 82-84
sending attachments, 174 with, 89-91 Widgets panel, cus-
sending messages, 173 shutting down, 57-58 tomizing, 83
viewing attachments, smartphones Windows key (Winkey), 11
172-173 linking to PCs, 110 Windows Media Player app,
mouse/touchpad operations phone calls with, 112-113 286
closing windows, 47 receiving text messages, Windows Mobility Center, 308
double-clicking, 45 111
Windows Security, 294, 296
dragging and dropping, running Android apps,
115 Windows Task Manager,
46 312-313
maximizing windows, 47 sending text messages,
111 Windows Update utility, 305
minimizing windows, 47
sharing web pages, wired networks
mousing over, 46
113-114 comparison with wireless
moving windows, 46 networks, 122
viewing photos, 114-115
pointing and clicking, 45 connecting PCs to, 126
Start menu
resizing windows, 47 explained, 122
applications on, 222-223
right-clicking, 46 wireless connections, PCs to
navigating, 50-51
scrolling in windows, TVs, 107
pinning applications to,
48-49
223 wireless keyboards, 11
snapping windows, 48
starting applications, 51 wireless network adapters, 97
Photos app
viewing, 50 wireless networks
deleting photos, 257
taskbar, 51 comparison with wired
editing photos, 257-261
icons on, 51 networks, 122
printing photos, 262
Jump Lists, 52-53 connecting PCs to, 126-127
sharing photos, 263
managing icons, 53 explained, 122-123
viewing photos, 256-257
pinning applications to, secured vs. unsecured, 127
Pictures folder, 256 224 setup, 123-125
power schemes, 308 Quick Settings panel, 54 wireless printers, connecting,
starting applications, 52 103
switching windows, 52
342 WIRELESS ROUTERS

wireless routers, 97, 123-124 writing email messages Z

configuring, 125 in Gmail, 176
connecting, 125 in Mail app, 173 zip files, 69
Internet gateways and, 125 in Outlook Online, 175 Zoho, 221
word processors, 229 zombie computers, 292
Google Docs, 247 X–Y Zoom, 180-181
Microsoft Word, 233 accepting invitations,
checking spelling/ Xumo, 277 181-182
grammar, 236 changing views, 183
creating/opening/saving Yahoo! Mail, 169, 171 changing virtual back-
documents, 234-235 Year view (Calendar app), 250 grounds, 184-185
editing text, 235 Your Phone app joining meetings manually,
entering text, 235 182-183
linking smartphones to PCs,
formatting text, 235 110 leaving meetings, 185
navigating, 233-234 phone calls with, 112-113 scheduling meetings,
printing documents, 236 186-187
receiving text messages,
purpose of, 17 111 starting/ending scheduled
meetings, 187
Word. See Microsoft Word sending text messages, 111
starting instant meetings,
work-related purposes. See sharing web pages, 113-114 185-186
office work; productivity viewing photos, 114-115
Work Week view (Calendar Your Phone Companion app
app), 249 linking smartphones to PCs,
World Wide Web, 139-140. See 110
also online shopping; web sharing web pages, 113-114
browsers YouTube, 279-280
YouTube Music, 284
YouTube TV, 278