I originally started writing this site some years ago as a paper book intended
for publication and sale. But other interests got in the way and it languished.
I then decided that the web would be an ideal medium to publish what I'd already
got - and it would allow me to add sections and revise parts bit by bit rather
than having to have the whole lot ready for a publisher.
My aim was to educate the novice who either wanted to buy a computer or just learn a bit more about them. At the same time, I felt that there were those that were more experienced who would like some of the mysteries explained and to enhance their knowledge. So, whilst you won't find recommendations for a particular system or brand, you will find some of the technical jargon and technologies explained as well as some of the inner workings and associated bits and pieces. Hence a guide to dispel some of the mysteries of computers for beginners and experts.
When people say they want to learn how to use their computer what they actually
mean is that they want to learn how to use the software provided with their computer.
After all, a computer is just a box of electronics. You buy things to plug into
it and software to use on it. The only way you "use" the computer is
to switch it on and off. When it's switched on a few messages appear on screen
as a bit of software called the operating system sets itself up After that you
use various programs to do what you want to do. So these pages don't tell you
how to use a computer or specific software packages. You don't learn which keys
to press or buttons to click. But you do learn in more general terms about the
power of spreadsheets and wordprocessors, for instance, and the sorts of things
that can be done with them.
You won't find everything covered and much is just an overview. But the bibliography section suggests other sites and some books should you be hungry for more knowledge.
One of the advantages of the internet is that you can link to additional content. The benefit of this is that I can then provide an overview and point to more detailed or alternative explanations or additional material. To an extent this is equivalent to a bibliography. Following up these links is recommended if you want to know more. As well as books being suggested here some are suggested on other pages as well. Please contact me if you have any personal recommendations, especially if they are not shown. Clicking on the link or image will allow you to order the book directly from Amazon - probably the most popular bookseller on the internet.
I would suggest everyone starts by having a look at the introductory section. (You may find it easier to save the pages to your own machine or print them out to study them.) A contents page is available as an overall guide to the site and might help you choose the other sections you want to look at. The links at the left provide a quick way to the main areas of the site (if you don't see these your browser is not frames enabled and an upgrade is advised so that you can view enhanced content). Historically, links have been identifiable on a page by the fact that they are underlined. However, this underlining can be turned off. If the text is not a heading but is in colour the chances are this is a link to somewhere else. When you hover your mouse over it the pointer will change if this is a link. Links are provided at the bottom of each page to various parts of the site. If you have any comments about this site please use the contact page. Please note that replies may take a few days.
Introduction ContentsAbout the author Weddell index page
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No responsibility is accepted for loss or damage from information provided on these pages however inconsequential. Errors and omissions should be notifed via the contact page.