With the increased use of computers and the Internet, educating yourself about computers is a valuable skill to have in the age when you rely on your PC for everything and constantly have to worry about protecting yourself online. The more educated you are on PC technology, networking and the Internet, the better your chances are of saving time and money over the long term.
If you have already been browsing Amazon and other places online for computer books, you have probably found the choices to be overwhelming. Regardless if you are on the beginning level and want to start learning or you have some experience under your belt and want to learn more, here are a few quality computer books which should provide you with an interesting read.
How Computers Work
If you are interested in learning more about how your PC works as a prerequisite to becoming a PC technician or just for your own knowledge, How Computers Work by Ron White is a straightforward and easy read. How Computers Work provide you with a clear explanation of the boot-up process, the role and importance of the microchip, how software works, the concept of data storage, input and output devices, an overview of games and multimedia, how the Internet works, and how printers work.
Instead of using a lot of complex technical jargon, How Computers Work provides you with explanations which are delivered in increments to allow you to process the information sequentially. The illustrations also provide you with a clear understanding of each important component of the computer’s functionality.
Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics
If you are just getting started with computers with no prior experience, the Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics by Michael Miller is a solid and straightforward read. The most recent edition is the fourth edition; it covers the very basics on getting started with computers. The book starts out with clear explanations and overview of desktop and laptop PCs followed by a visual understanding of setting up your first computer.
Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Computer Basics covers the basics of using the Windows operating system including personalization and working with files, folders, and disks. There is also a chapter on upgrading and maintaining your system, using computer software, Internet basics, working with digital media and shortcut key combinations, to name a few areas which are covered. The book also covers exactly what you need to know as a beginner without getting too technical and supports explanations with illustrations and photos.
The C Programming Language
If you want to learn more about programming your own applications The C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie provides a comprehensive approach to learning everything you need to know about C programming. The newest edition helps programmers to stay on top of the final ANSI standard while learning more about optimizing operators for C to build well-structured and efficient computer applications.
In order to successfully navigate the C Programming Language, it helps to have some background in programming. However, the book is very comprehensive and is widely known as K & R and has been the primary way programmers learn C for the last two decades.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
The increased use of multimedia has heightened interest for many in terms of being able to edit your own photos. Adobe Photoshop is a popular program for working with images and photos. It is well suited for those who just want to learn how to edit photos and images to the accomplished digital photographers that use their PC consistently for photo editing and imaging.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book provides a straightforward step-by-step approach to everything you need to know about editing and working with images. There is a chapter that takes you on a tour of the work area to help you get oriented with the program, a comprehensive chapter on making basic photo corrections, working with the selection tool which is a primary tool for working with images, working with image layers, correcting and enhancing digital photographs, working with vector drawings, painting with mixer brush, and much more. Although Adobe programs can be complex, this publication makes working with Photoshop easy to follow with complete step-by-step instructions.
Malware: Fighting Malicious Code
More and more people are connecting to the Internet these days, which makes it a major attraction for criminals with malicious intentions. Many online hackers are tech savvy programmers. Sometimes all it takes is for you to inadvertently click on an infected website link while you are browsing the Internet. Malicious code is everywhere and can also slip by the virus program without your knowledge. If it is severe enough, it can also compromise your PC and personal identity, or destroy your PC altogether.
If you own a PC, the more educated you are on malware and how it works, the better you will be able to combat it. This is what Malware: Fighting Malicious Code is all about. It helps you understand the different types of malware out there and how it functions and presents you with solutions for taking extra precautions to guard your PC against malicious attacks.
These are a few books which are out there to help you educate yourself on different aspects of using a computer. As you get started, there are additional high quality books which will help you keep learning as you go along.
