search for books and compare prices
Tables of Contents for Consumer Reports Guide to Personal Computers
Chapter/Section Title
Page #
Page Count
Acknowledgments
IX
Introduction
1
2
1. Seven Basic Steps
3
6
Step 1 Become Computer Literate
3
1
Step 2 Learn What Is Available
4
1
Step 3 Thoroughly Assess Your Needs
4
1
Step 4 Select Your Software
4
1
Step 5 Select Your Hardware
5
1
Step 6 Buy Intelligently
5
2
Step 7 Set up, Use, Maintain, and Care for your Computer
7
2
2. Learn What Is Available
9
10
What to Look For
10
2
General Product Information
12
4
Advanced, Special, and Hard-to-Find Information
16
1
Spotting Trends
17
2
3. Select Your Software
19
42
The Operating System
19
3
Software Interface Programs
22
1
Other System Software
23
2
General-Purpose Utilities
25
1
CD-ROM and Multimedia Formats
26
1
Word Processors
27
2
Desktop Publishers
29
1
Clip Art
29
1
Typefaces and Fonts
30
1
Financial Software
31
2
Spreadsheets
33
1
Household Applications
34
2
Health and Diet
36
2
Maps and Travel
38
2
Data Base Managers
40
1
Informational Data Bases
40
1
Integrated Software
41
1
Telecommunications Software
41
6
Graphics Programs
47
3
Educational Programs
50
2
Games
52
3
Children's Software
55
1
Business Packages
55
1
Professional Software
55
1
Programming Languages
56
2
Public Domain Software
58
1
Shareware
59
1
Access Software
60
1
4. Select Your Hardware
61
50
Compatibility
61
2
The Computer
63
13
Data Retrieval and Storage
76
2
Backup Systems
78
1
Keyboards
79
4
Monitors
83
4
Printers
87
6
Cables
93
1
Documentation
93
1
Modems
94
2
Other Input/Output Devices
96
4
Protection and Convenience Devices
100
4
Portables
104
3
Specially Designed Systems
107
1
Networks
108
1
Computer Furniture
109
2
5. Buy Intelligently
111
14
Buying Software
111
2
Buying Hardware
113
1
Buying Supplies
114
1
Types of Retailers
115
2
Your Local Market
117
1
Assessing the Need for Support
118
1
Gathering Information
118
2
After the Purchase
120
1
Private Sales of Used Computers and Components
120
5
6. Set up, Use, Maintain, and Care for Your Computer
125
34
Setting up Your System
125
3
Start-up
128
4
Troubleshooting Hardware Problems
132
3
Troubleshooting Software Problems
135
2
Files and Data Organization
137
2
Understanding Basic Operations
139
3
Getting Acquainted
142
1
Misrepresentations
143
1
Preparing for Work
143
4
Caring for Your System
147
4
Computer Viruses
151
1
Computer Supplies
152
4
Updates and Upgrades
156
3
7. Home Office Guide and Product Tests
159
32
Setting up Shop
159
3
Desktop Computers: What's New?
162
1
Ratings of Desktop Computers
163
4
The Commonest Computer Problems
167
2
How to Decode a Computer Ad
169
2
Computer Monitors
171
2
Ratings of Computer Monitors
173
3
Computer Printers
176
2
Ratings of Computer Printers
178
8
Ratings of CD-ROM Drives
186
1
Computer Modems
187
4
Appendix A Manufacturer's Resource Guide
191
6
Appendix B Accessing the Internet
197
8
Appendix C Surfin' the 'Net
205
8
Glossary
213
28
Index
241