The author, Bob Penfold, uses his vast knowledge and experience in computing to guide the reader simply through the process of finding reliable sites and sources of free software that will help optimize the performance and protect their computer against most types of malicious attack.
Amongst the many topics covered are:

• Using Windows 7 optimization wizard.
• PCPitstop for advice on improving performance, reducing start up times ,etc.
• Free optimization scans and the possibility of these being used as a ploy to attack your PC.
• Free programs such as Ccleaner, Registry checker and PCPal optimization software
• Internet speed testing sites and download managers.
• Overclocking sites together with warnings about using this technique.
• Sites and software for diagnosis of hardware faults including scanning for out of date drivers and finding suitable replacements.
• Free Antivirus software and programs that combat specific types of malware.
• Firewalls.
• Search engines to identify mystery processes listed in Windows Task   Manager.

The author, Bob Penfold, uses his vast knowledge and experience in computing to provide you with useful hints, tips and warnings about possible difficulties and pitfalls when using the Internet. This book should enable you to get more from the Internet and to discover ways and means of using it that you may not have previously realised.

Amongst the many topics covered are:

• Choosing a suitable browser, getting awkward pages to display properly.
• Using Java, spell checkers and other add-ons, etc,.
• Using proxy servers to surf anonymously and privacy facilities so you do not leave a trail of sites visited. Ways of finding recently visited sites you can no longer find.
• Using download managers to speed up downloads from slow servers.
• Effective ways and tricks of using search engines to locate relevant info.
• Tricks and tips on finding the best price for goods and services.
• Not getting “conned” when buying or selling on eBay.
• Finding free software.
• Finding and using the increasing range of Cloud  computing services.
• Tips on selecting the best security settings.
• Etc,etc,etc.

Finding out about our ancestors has never been more popular; while once the exclusive preserve of the professional genealogist, it’s now much easier to trace your roots from the comfort of your own home, using free or inexpensive software. All you need is a standard laptop or desktop computer connected to the Internet and you are ready to start.

There is an enormous volume of data about previous generations on the Internet, available in seconds and much of it free. This includes censuses, parish records and births, deaths and marriages. This book shows how you can easily find out about your forebears by searching these records and by visiting dedicated ancestry Web sites.

This book also shows how to prepare a family tree and how to scan and e-mail old photographs and other archive information to family members around the world.

It is especially written for the over 50s who may have little or no experience or knowledge of using a computer. It is written in plain English and avoids technical jargon wherever possible.

This book covers the most popular applications of Microsoft’s Office 2010 suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook

This book will help you understand these integrated components of Office 2010 as quickly as possible by encouraging you to build complete, hands-on examples and not merely by describing the various functions.  No previous knowledge of these applications is assumed.

Among the numerous topics covered are:

• How to use Word 2010 to enter, edit, and format text. How to enhance your creations with the use of document page layouts, paragraph styles and document templates, and how to use the new Navigation pane.
• How to use Excel 2010 to enter, edit and enhance text and how to build up simple spreadsheet examples, format your work, generate      3-D worksheets and add graphics to a workbook, and how to use the new Sparklines feature to add miniature visualisations directly into a worksheet to show trends.
• How to use PowerPoint 2010 to design a presentation in the shortest possible time.
• How to use OneNote 2010, which now plays a central part in all editions of Office 2010. You can now use information in OneNote to create documents in the other applications of Office.
• How to configure and use Outlook 2010 to send and receive e-mail messages and how to use the Quick Step feature to string together a group of commands and apply them to a single key.

This book is an indispensable companion to anyone using Office 2010 for the first time, or who has used one of the previous editions of Office.

Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest operating system manages the resources of your computer and controls the programs that run on it.
                                                  
To get the most from your computer, and really enjoy using it, you should have a good working knowledge of Windows 7. This book, printed in full colour throughout, which is written for users of any age and  experience, will help you to do just that.

The book covers the very stylish Windows 7 environment with its many windows and features and covers:-

• Installing Windows 7.
• Setting up and controlling your PC.
• Finding your way around Windows 7.
• Searching for, organizing  and working with files, folders, photos and movies.
• Connecting to a network.
• Web browsing with Internet Explorer.
• E-mailing with Windows Live Mail.
• Keeping your PC safe and healthy.
• Using Ease of Access features if you have poor eyesight or difficulty in using a keyboard or mouse.

And much more besides...

With this book you will be able to get the best out of your computer, whether it came new with Windows 7 installed, or whether you want to upgrade from an older version of Windows.

You can learn to use a computer at any age and this book, especially written for the over 50’s, will help you to do just that in an easy and enjoyable way. It is written in plain English and avoids technical jargon wherever possible.

• Choose the best computing set up for your needs.
• Get the computer  running properly in your home.
• Connect to the Internet using wireless broadband.
• Get familiar with Windows 7 the sofwarwe that controls  the operation of your computer.
• Install and use essential software such as Windows Live Essentials and Office 2010.
• Use your computer in conjunction with your digital camera.
• Keep your computer and data safe and     secure.
• Keep your computer running properly.
• Use the ‘Ease of Access Center’, if you have poor eyesight, hearing or difficulty in using the keyboard or mouse.

And much more besides…

This book will help you to get the best out of your computer and give you the confidence to join a local computer class should you so wish.

Printed in full colour on high quality non-reflective paper for easier reading.

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. 

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...

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.

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.

You can learn to use the Internet at any age and this book, especially written for the over 50’s, will help you to do just that in an easy and enjoyable way. It is written in plain English and avoids technical jargon wherever possible.

This book explains how to use your PC, Laptop or an inexpensive Netbook computer to access and use the Internet in many useful, advantageous and interesting ways.

Among the many thing covered are:

• Choosing and setting up your computer for the Internet
• Getting connected to the Internet
• Sending and receiving e-mails, photographs, etc., so you can keeping touch with family and friends all over the world.
• Searching and saving information on any subject
• On-line shopping and home banking
• Setting up your own simple web site

This book provides the basic knowledge so that you can gain enough confidence to join the local computer class should you so wish.

Printed in full colour on high quality non-reflective paper for easier reading.

With the release of Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7, Microsoft decided to separate several applications that used to be bundled with previous versions of Windows and put them into what is now called ’Windows Live Essentials Suite’.

This book explains in simple language all you need to know about installing and using this suite which comprises:

• Windows Live Mail. The application includes Contacts and Calendar and is the successor to Outlook Express and Address Book (XP) and Windows Mail, Contacts and Calendar (Vista).
• Windows Live Messenger. This application is the central hub for Window Live activities online. Windows Live Writer. Allows you to easily maintain a blog or personal web site.
• Windows Live Photo Galley. Allows you to do practically anything with your digital photographs, including sorting, viewing, slide shows, e-mailing, etc.
• Windows Live Movie Maker. A video editing application that is aimed at users who wants to share their home movies via on line services like
• YouTube and MSN.
• Windows Live Family Safety. Parental control by another name.
• Windows Live Toolbar. Enhances and simplifies the use of Internet Explorer.
• Windows Live Outlook Connector. Only appears if you have Microsoft Office installed on your PC. Makes it easier to work with Office Live Workspace Microsoft’s online document collaboration service.
• Windows Live Sync. For PC-to-PC document and Photo Synchronisation.
• Windows Live Silverlight. Microsoft’s version of Flash

Cherry Nixon is one of the most experienced e-Bay tutors in the country. Presenting her courses, many of which are especially tailored to the older generation, has given Cherry a unique insight into the requirements and difficulties encountered by her students of all ages. Her special insight and vast experience make this book particularly informative and useful.

This book explains in the simplest of terms all you need to know about buying and selling on e-Bay. It assumes no prior knowledge and whereever possible avoids technical jargon.

Among the many topics covered are:

• A general over view of e-Bay Introduction to the e-Bay site
• Explaining how e-Bay and PayPal operate
• Understanding Feedback
• The various types of account you can set up
• Bidding and paying
• Creating your own auction
• Preparing and using photographs
• Understanding the fees
• Safety and security
• What to do if things go wrong

This book contains a host of useful information on how to get the most out of your Windows 7 computer, no matter what version of Windows 7 you are running. Includes using built in applications you never knew you had, getting more out of applications that you thought you already knew and learning all about your new operating system.

Taking you on this journey is Andrew Edney. Andrew has been an IT professional for more that 13 years and has over the course of his career worked for a range of high-tech companies, including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Fujitsu. Andrew is currently involved in numerous Microsoft beta programs including next generation Windows operating systems and Office products. Andrew is a Microsoft MVP who are a highly select group of experts that represent the technical community’s best and brightest.

Whether you are new to computing or a seasoned veteran you should find many useful and surprising things to help and interest you between the pages of this book.

There are many advantages to building your own computer, not the least being that you will learn a great deal about how a PC is assembled and works - very useful when things go wrong! Also you will be able to customise the computer to your precise requirements.

Building a computer is much easier than most people realise. The components are relatively inexpensive, easily available and the actual assembly of the computer is surprisingly straight forward. The construction is just a matter of fitting the component modules into the correct position and then connecting them together by plugging in the appropriate cables. No soldering should be required and the only tools you are likely to need will be screwdrivers, small spanners and a pair of pliers. After the physical assembly has been completed the final task is to then install the Windows Vista operating system and possibly any other drivers or software you may require.

A certain amount of technical knowledge is useful in selecting and handling the most suitable components, tackling the task of putting it all together and, finally, overcoming any problems that may occur.

This book is written in an easy to understand way and is fully illustrated with full colour photographs. It will tell you all you need to know to enable you to  assemble your own PC with the minimum of problems.

Microsoft has recently announced that the replacement for Windows Vista operating system will be Windows 7. Approximately 2½  million copies of the Beta test version have been downloaded and it would seem that this new operating system is relatively ‘bug free’ and stable which, hopefully, will prove to be the case for its official launch in the autumn.

This book is a sequel to our highly successful book BP703 “An Introduction to Windows Vista”, having been written in the same style and by the same authors but covering in detail this exciting new operating system which is destined to be loaded on to 95% of all new PCs and laptops. So the potential interest and sales for this book are assured and vast.

This book is written in a friendly and practical way. It is suitable for all age groups from youngsters to the older generation and covers the environment, basic features and practical uses of Windows 7. Microsoft has separated several applications which used to come bundled with Vista but now presents them in what is called “The Windows Live Essentials Suite”.  This book  also covers  downloading, integration and basic use of many of these applications.

With the help of this book the reader will quickly, easily and enjoyably gain a good working knowledge of Microsoft’s amazing new  operating system Windows 7.

What do you do when your laptop or desktop PC stops working properly. Do you panic, try to find the answer on the page of fault finding tips you may find at the back of the manufacturer’s manual. Or do you spend hours trying to get through to a telephone helpline or waste even more time waiting for an e-mail reply from a helpdesk.

Well help is now at hand! This book will assist you in identifying the type of problem, whether its hardware, software or a peripheral that is playing up? Once the fault has been identified the book will then show you how to go about fixing it.

This book uses plain English and avoids technical jargon wherever possible. It is also written in a practical and friendly manner and is logically arranged for easy reference.

The book is divided into four main sections and among the many topics covered are:

1. Common problems with Windows Vista operating system not covered in other chapters. Also covers to a lesser extent Windows XP problems.
2. Sorting out problems with ports, peripherals and leads. Also covers device drivers software and using monitoring software.
3. Common problems with hard disc drives including partitioning and formatting a new drive. Using system restore and recovering files. Also covers CD-ROM and Flash drives.
4. Common problems with sound and video including getting a multi-speaker system set up correctly.

An extremely useful addition to the library of all computer users, as you never know when a fault may occur!

You can learn to use a computer at any age and this book, especially written for the over 50’s, will help you to do just that in an easy and enjoyable way. It is written in plain English and avoids technical jargon wherever possible.

This book will help you to:

• Choose and buy a computer suitable for your needs
• Get the machine up and running properly in your home
• Understand and use the Windows Vista operating system
• Get connected and use the Internet to your advantage
• Install and use useful software
• Use your computer in conjunction with your digital camera<
• Keep your computer and data safe and secure
• Keep your computer running properly
• Use the ‘Ease of Access Center’, if you have poor eyesight, hearing or difficulty in using the keyboard or mouse
  

And more besides…

This book provides the basic knowledge so you can gain enough confidence to join the local computer class should you so wish.

Printed in full colour on high quality non-reflective paper for easier reading.

If you have recently bought a new desktop or laptop PC it will almost certainly have Windows Vista as its operating system.  Windows Vista manages the available resources of a computer and also ‘controls’ the programs that run on it.

To get the most from your computer, it is important that you have a good understanding of Vista. This book will help you achieve just that. It is written in a friendly and practical way and is suitable for all age groups from youngsters to the older generation. It has been assumed that Vista is installed and running on your computer.

 Among the numerous topics explained are:

• The Vista environment with its many windows
• How to organise your files, folders and photos
• How to use Internet Explorer for your Web browsing
• How to use Microsoft Mail for your e-mails
• How to control your PC and keep it healthy
• How to use Vista’s Accessibility features if you have poor eye sight or difficulty in using the keyboard or mouse

And much more besides…

 This book will give you a better understanding of Microsoft’s amazing Windows Vista operating system.

PLEASE NOTE

Paperback: size198 X130mm, spine 7.2mm

Laptop computers have rapidly fallen in price, increased in specification and performance and become much lighter in weight. They can be used practically any where, then stored out of sight when not in use. Therefore, it is not surprising that their sales now far exceed desktop machines and  are also becoming increasingly popular with the older generation of computer users.

The friendly and practical approach of this book will help you to understand and get the most from your laptop PC in an easy and enjoyable way.

The book is divided into five chapters:

• LAPTOP BASICS AND SELECTION  covers the pros and cons of laptops for various uses and applications. It also offers advice on selecting the right machine for you.
• SETTING UP YOUR LAPTOP covers unpacking, connecting and getting your   machine operational. Also covers charging using mains power and adjusting the screen, touch pad etc.
• USING YOUR LAPTOP PC covers the installation and configuring of applications software. Also covered are using external drives, printers ,expansion cards and docking stations etc.
• INTERNET SECURITY covers connecting to the Internet using Wi-Fi and general security matters such as Firewalls, encryption, antivirus etc.
• TROUBLESHOOTING covers using System Restore. Backing up data. Battery and power management. Possible keyboard   difficulties and screen problems etc.
• Printed in FULL COLOUR on high qualit non-reflective paper for easy reading.

The practical and friendly approach of this book will help newcomers to easily learn and understand the basics of spreadsheets. This  book is based on Microsoft’s Excel 2007 spreadsheet, but the vast majority of the book will still apply to earlier versions of Excel. The book is written in plain English, avoiding technical and mathematical jargon and all illustrations are in full colour. It is suitable for all age groups from youngsters to the older generation.

Among the many topics explained are how to:

• Install the software
• Use the exciting new features of Excel 2007
• Create and use a spreadsheet
• Enter, edit and format text, numbers and formulae
• Insert, delete and hide columns and rows
• Save and print a spreadsheet
• Present the information on a spreadsheet as a graph or chart
• Manage and safeguard Excel files on disc
• Use Excel as a simple database for names and addresses

This  book will help you to quickly gain confidence and get to grips with using spreadsheets. In fact you will wonder how you ever managed  without them.

PLEASE NOTE

This book is printed on high quality non-reflective long grain paper for easy opening and reading.

Paperback: size198 X130mm, spine 7.2mm

The friendly and practical approach of this book will help newcomers to digital photography and computing to easily learn the basics they will need when using a digital camera with a laptop or desktop PC. It is assumed that your PC uses Windows Vista, however, if it is a Windows XP machine the vast majority of this book will still apply. This book is written in plain English, avoiding technical jargon and all illustrations are in full colour. It is suitable for all age groups from youngsters to the older generation.

Among the many topics explained are how to:

• Understand the basic features of a digital camera
• Transfer photographs from your digital camera to your computer
• View your photographs
• Save, sort and file your photographs
• Manipulate, crop and carry out simple corrections to enhance your photographs
• Copy your photographs on to a CD
• Print your photographs
• E-mail your photographs to friends and family all around the world.

This  book will help you quickly get to grips, gain confidence and expand your horizons in the fascinating hobby of digital photography.

PLEASE NOTE

This book is printed on high quality non-reflective long grain paper for easy opening and reading.