Allowing readers to quickly accomplish the most popular basic computer and Internet tasks, this text includes 75 activities that can be done quickly and easily in order to maximize computer productivity.

When someone first gets a PC, they want to do something with it. They've heard all the great things that can be done with a computer, but they have no idea how to get started. They may want to write a letter, send an e-mail message, check out some Web sites, manage their finances, listen to music, or play games. This book identifies 75 tasks that readers would want to do with their computer, and shows them how to "Do It Now." Activities are grouped into categories such as communicating online, managing finances, buying and selling online, working with pictures, creating fun projects, playing and recording music, watching TV and movies, and dealing with problems. When readers have completed the book, they will be surprised how much they can do.

Introduction.
I. ABSOLUTE BASICS.
1. Personal Computer Basics.
2. Computer Hardware Basics.
3. Windows and Software Basics.
4. Internet and Home Networking Basics.
II. GETTING STARTED.
5. Set Up Your New Computer System.
6. Take Your System for a Spin.
7. Add New Hardware.
8. Add New Software.
9. Get Connected to the Internet.
10. Surf the Web.
III. DO IT NOW: COMMUNICATINGON PAPER.
IV. DO IT NOW: COMMUNICATING ONLINE.
V. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITH NUMBERS.
VI. DO IT NOW: MANAGING YOUR FINANCES.
VII. DO IT NOW: FILING AND REPORTING.
VIII. DO IT NOW: READING THE LATEST NEWS.
IX. DO IT NOW: SEARCHING AND RESEARCHING.
X. DO IT NOW: BUYING AND SELLING ONLINE.
XI. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITH PICTURES.
XII. DO IT NOW: CREATING FUN PROJECTS.
XIII. DO IT NOW: PLAYING GAMES.
XIV. DO IT NOW: PLAYING AND RECORDING MUSIC.
XV. DO IT NOW: WATCHING TV AND MOVIES.
XVI. DO IT NOW: WORKING WITHFILES.
XVII. DO IT NOW: TAKING CARE OF YOUR PC.
XVIII. DO IT NOW: DEALING WITH PROBLEMS.
Index.