This list contains videos and books designed to help Seniors who are new to computers. Materials in the list touch on the basics of computers and also address specific software programs and tasks.
This booklist was contributed by Appleton Public Library Reference and Information Services Staff , 06/2007
Basic Computer - Books | Basic Computer - Videos | Internet - Books | Internet - Videos | Email - Books | Email - Videos | Word - Books | Multi-Media - Books |
Teach yourself visually Windows Vista
(c2007)Getting started with Windows Vista -- Launching and working with programs -- Creating and editing documents -- Working with images -- Playing music and other media -- Working with files -- Sharing your computer with others -- Using Windows Vista's notebook features -- Getting connected to the Internet -- Surfing the World Wide Web -- Sending and receiving e-mail -- Tracking appointments and tasks -- Customizing Windows Vista -- Maintaining Windows Vista
Teach yourself visually Windows XP second edition
(c.2005)
Windows XP for seniors : for everyone who wants to learn to use the computer at a later age
(2005)Starting and stopping in Windows XP -- More use of the mouse in Windows XP -- Keyboard skills -- Writing a letter -- Word processing -- Folders, documents and files -- Text layout -- Drawings and illustrations -- Surfing the Internet -- E-mail, your electronic mailbox -- How to make working with your computer more pleasant.
More Windows XP for seniors : customizing and managing your PC.
(2005)"Written specifically for seniors who want to manage their own computers, this book demonstrates how to personalize and configure Windows XP and how to install and remove programs. Also detailed is how to protect a PC, set up passwords for multiple users, save important information onto CDs, create backups, and troubleshoot" (Amazon.com).
Includes a CD-ROM with practice files.
Computers simplified
(2005)
Easy computing for seniors : a step-by-step handbook from start-up to shut-down.
(2004)"Written especially for the pre-computer generation, this book contains simple instructions that even a novice can understand" (Amazon.com).
The computer companion : twenty-eight practical lessons for individual & classroom use (2003)Also available as a free download from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The seniors guide to PC basics
(2003)"Written for the beginning or intermediate computer user over the age of 50, this large-print guide introduces the computer, leads users through the components that make up a PC, and describes the fundamentals of Windows XP. Users will become comfortable with computer terms, make sense of all the information on the screen, learn to install software, and perform basic troubleshooting operations. Described is the world of connectivity and communication, from getting online to surfing the web. Details on customizing a PC, using a CD burner and other multimedia hardware, and protecting against viruses are included. An enclosed interactive CD-ROM provides a tour of the inside of a computer" (Amazon.com).
Basic computers for beginners : an education program for beginning computer users (2003)
Basic computers, part 2. Essentials of the keyboard (2006)Covers the keyboard; the cursor; the editing, erasing, and moving of text; and shortcut keys.
Basic computers, part 3. Filing fundamentals (2006)Covers "my computer," the organization of the computer, files and folders, saving and deleting, and finding lost files.
Basic computers, part 4. Customizing your computer. (2006)
Basic computers, part 1. An introduction for true beginners (2006)Covers the fundamentals, start menu, desktop components, computer terminology, windows and scrolling.
Intermediate computers for seniors. Part 1. (2003)
Internet and e-mail for seniors : with Windows XP
(c2005)Starting out on the World Wide Web -- Navigating the internet -- Searching and finding on the internet -- Internet, your source of information -- E-mail, your electronic mail -- Addresses, e-mails, and attachments -- Personalizing your e-mail -- Downloading files -- Optimizing your internet settings -- Relaxing on the internet
Internet top 100 simplified tips and tricks
(c2004)
The senior's guide to eBay : browsing, buying, and selling (c.2005)This book gives you all the information you need to start buying and selling on eBay. Topics range from searching for bargains to listing your own items in an eBay auction! This book provides answers to the most common questions about eBay shopping and selling.
The senior's guide to the Internet : surfing, shopping, e-mail and security
(2005)"Is the Internet safe? What is a browser plug-in? Where can I get a firewall? What is phishing? How does my computer get a virus? What is secure shopping? Can I buy airline tickets online? How do I check for stock quotes? What's in an e-mail address? What can I do about spam? What is an IM? What are chat rooms? Are wireless networks safe? Can I listen to music on the Internet? What is a search engine?"--P. [4] of cover.
The internet, part 1. Searching the internet. (2006)Covers Internet services, browsers, hyperlinks, web addresses, specific searches and search engines.
The internet, part 2. Better searching techniques. (2006)Covers search engine comparison, browser buttons, favorite button, history button, downloading and avoiding viruses.
The senior's guide to the Internet : surfing, shopping, e-mail and security
(c.2005)"Is the Internet safe? What is a browser plug-in? Where can I get a firewall? What is phishing? How does my computer get a virus? What is secure shopping? Can I buy airline tickets online? How do I check for stock quotes? What's in an e-mail address? What can I do about spam? What is an IM? What are chat rooms? Are wireless networks safe? Can I listen to music on the Internet? What is a search engine?"--P. [4] of cover.
Internet and e-mail for seniors : with Windows XP
(c.2005)Starting out on the World Wide Web -- Navigating the internet -- Searching and finding on the internet -- Internet, your source of information -- E-mail, your electronic mail -- Addresses, e-mails, and attachments -- Personalizing your e-mail -- Downloading files -- Optimizing your internet settings -- Relaxing on the internet
Email, part 1. The basics. (2005)Covers such topics as, what e-mail is, Outlook Express, e-mail addresses and sending, replying and forwarding e-mail.
Email, part 2. Advanced techniques. (2005)Covers the topics of organizing e-mails, address book, folders, deleting e-mails and opening and sending attachments.
Teach yourself visually Word 2007
(c2007)
Microsoft Word 2003 for seniors: getting familiar with word processing
(2006)Contents: Changing your Word settings -- Entering text -- Formatting characters and words -- Formatting paragraphs -- Formatting pages -- Pictures and clip art -- Drawings shapes and other effects -- Bullets, numbering and tabs -- Tables -- Letters, templates and wizards.
"This large-print guide to Microsoft Word 2002/2003 for seniors with beginning or intermediate computer skills introduces tips for practical applications such as letter writing, invitation or newsletter creation, and travelog embellishment. The Word environment is presented in a way that familiarizes users with menus and toolbars as well as tasks such as inserting, modifying, and deleting text. Advanced features such as formatting text, working with tabs and indents, and adding a table to the document are covered in detail. Information on enhancing a document with pictures and drawings is discussed, as are the built-in features and tools such as auto text entry, document templates, and wizards" (Amazon.com).
The seniors guide to digital photos, music, movies and more
(2003)"Designed for the beginning or intermediate computer users over the age of 50, this large-print guide introduces the basics of Internet jargon, getting online, PCs, and personal-information security. Included is information on how to bank online and how to research the best prices for clothes, books, and prescription drugs. Seniors will gain an understanding of digital photography, shooting good pictures, placing them on a PC, and printing and sharing them on the Internet. Also covered is information on making a soundtrack with digital music, creating play lists with music already owned, and searching for new music with online services. Additionally, complete instructions on how to make a movie with digital video are provided. Included is a computer-based learning CD-ROM that extends the book by providing audio, video, and animated highlights of important concepts. Activity-oriented learning games help to make content memorable and allow seniors to learn at their own pace" (Amazon.com).