Netbook computers are now the fastest selling segment of the PC market. This book will help you choose a Netbook that is best suited to your needs and then show you how to set it up and use it effectively, especially by utilising the concept of ‘Cloud’ computing.

Chapter 1: Choosing a Netbook explains what constitutes a netbook and how it differs from other types of portable PCs together with it’s  advantages and disadvantages. The limitations of a netbook’s relatively simple hardware are explained as are the comparative merits of the Windows or Linux operating systems.

Chapter 2: Getting Started shows you how to set up and get your netbook running properly. Topics covered include transferring files and settings to your netbook, customising your netbook and installing software. Security issues are discussed including data back-up and both wired and wireless connections to the Internet. The use of external hardware is also covered such as mice, printers, monitors and storage devices including Flash and hard disc drives.

Chapter 3: Cloud Computing shows how to use online resources to compensate for the   relatively limited hardware of many  netbooks. The  basics of Cloud computing are covered, explaining why it is more or less mandatory when using  netbooks .Then the advantages and drawbacks of Cloud computing are considered including security  issues. Practical Cloud computing applications including e-mail, messaging services, online backup services and various free online applications available from Microsoft and Google are then dealt with.

Troubleshooting Windows 7 may seem a daunting task for the non-expert computer user but, in fact, many faults and problems can be quickly and easily sorted out. This book will show you how to do just that!

Chapter 1: Upgrading Covers the process of upgrading a computer running Vista to Windows 7.The basics are explained such as getting the right version of Windows 7 and the minimum typical hardware requirements. Checking for problems with hardware, driver and application software compatibility.Then getting the whole system operating and running properly.

Chapter 2: Prevention It is best, if  at all possible, to prevent problems happening.   This chapter covers the regular ‘housekeeping’ tasks that should be undertaken in order to keep Windows 7 running efficiently. Coverage will be concentrated on built-in facilities such as disc defragmenter and clean-up utility, System Restore, Windows Defender and Firewall, the Action Center, the back-up facility and  the Start-up repair facility. Third-party antivirus and utility software will also be dealt with.

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting Windows 7 has built-in facilities that help with troubleshooting both software and hardware problems. This chapter deals with disc checking facilities, Safe Mode operation, using the Action Center, using software compatibility modes and Device Manager to find and rectify driver problems. Also covers  repairing a damaged Windows installation. Lastly, the use of third-party diagnostic software and reinstallation is covered.

Google has evolved into far more than just an internet search tool as this book will explain. It has been written with a view to the particular needs of the older generation who may have little or no knowledge or understanding of computers.

Besides showing you how to search the internet more effectively, the book explores many of the tools and applications now offered by Google, which include the following:

• Product Search and Checkout to help make your online shopping quicker and easier.
• Google News to help keep you up to date with World events and local news as and when it happens.
• Google Finance will give you  not only the latest but also historic information about stocks and shares, funds, currencies, etc.
• Google Mail  helps you easily carry out all your e-mailing needs.
• Google Maps and Earth to easily view maps and local business information and to view satellite images of the planet.
• Google Docs which introduces you to the concept of ‘Cloud’ computing, by allowing you free access to word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software that you just use as and when you require. It then allows you to store safely and securely all your work on the internet.
• Picasa for organising and sharing your digital photographs.

And much more besides...

Whatever you may use your laptop or desktop computer for, it is essential that you understand it’s operating system. It is this operating system which ensures that all the parts of your computer work together effectively, as well as allowing you to run other programs, store and retrieve information and look after the ‘health’ of your computer.

This book is especially written for the older generation who have had little or no experience of using a computer. It has been written in plain English avoiding technical jargon wherever    possible and should tell you everything that you are likely to need to know about Microsoft’s new operating system that is called Windows 7. With this knowledge you should be in a much better position to get the most out of your computer and its peripherals.

This book, applies to all versions of Windows 7 and to netbook, laptop and desktop computers. It is printed in full colour on high quality non-reflective paper for easy reading and is   lavishly illustrated with numerous full colour screen shots.

The author Jim Gatenby trained as a mechanical engineer and has considerable experience of teaching computing to students of all ages and abilities in schools and adult education He has written numerous books in various fields of computing including many specifically for the older generation.