Book details of 'Grown-Up's Guide to Computing (Independent General Use)'

Title	Grown-Up's Guide to Computing (Independent General Use)
Author(s)	Mary Furlong, Stefan B. Lipson
ISBN	0735606374
Language	English
Published	June 1999
Publisher	Microsoft Press

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The Virtual Bookcase Reviews of 'Grown-Up's Guide to Computing (Independent General Use)':

Reviewer amazon.com wrote:
Grown Up's Guide to Computing offers some good advice about what a personal computer and a connection to the Internet can do for you--especially if you are an adult without a lot of computer experience. Authors Mary Furlong and Stefan B. Lipson offer some valuable reasons why you would want to get a personal computer and then proceed to explain how to buy, set up, and do useful work on your own PC. Readers find out about software applications (such as Microsoft Word, which you can use to write letters) and Internet resources (like electronic mail [e-mail] and the Web). While the authors don't really succeed in using words alone to explain graphical concepts--like how a mouse works--they do communicate a number of valuable facts describing how computers function and what you can do with them. Microsoft Press, this book's publisher, is a business unit of Microsoft Corporation, the software titan. Grown-Up's Guide to Computing shows a strong Microsoft bias, notably in its neglect of Apple Computer's iMac, a stylish, inexpensive computer that many experts say is the best way for home users to start computing and get connected to the Internet. The information presented here is worthwhile--but be aware that there's more to personal computing than Microsoft products.
Reviewer Rob Slade wrote:
The book appears to be aimed, more than somewhat tentatively, not at adults, but seniors. The introduction indicates not only a general computer tutorial (well, a Windows 98 tutorial, anyway), but one aimed specifically at tips for using the machine to save time. Part one is a collection of stories of people using computers. We are introduced to a paraplegic who learned computer aided drafting (CAD), a doctor who developed medical instrumentation, a freelance journalist, a businessman, a farm family, a retired military officer, and a widow. The computer activities are as one might expect: new job skills, new interests, and so forth, with a rather heavy-handed bias in favour of Microsoft. The technical content can be patronizing and erroneous, sometimes both at the same time. Part two is a series of lessons in computer basics, leaning heavily towards Internet usage. (Just in case you think I'm making it up about the bias of the book, in the "what computer to buy" checklist, ticking off a question that essentially means "I'm not ready to buy a computer" points you to the Macintosh.) A couple of chapters run through the Win98 interface, there is a quick look at word processing, and the remaining bits mention various aspects of the Internet. The chapter on email may even be useful. (The piece on searching the Web never leaves the Sidewalk.) Part three contains ads for various Microsoft products. The advice and help to be derived from this book is minimal. If the reader is already in the market for a computer, the promotional section is redundant, and, if not, it is unconvincing. For the unconverted, wanting to test the waters on the cheap and easy, the tutorial is not going to be very useful. For those already starting into computing, the "tips" are ludicrous. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1999
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Book description:

More than just another computer book, GROWN-UP'S GUIDE TO COMPUTING is a lifestyle book that demonstrates ways to use technology to build community, remain in contact with others, manage finances, and plan personal expeditions-whether they be travel-related or intellectual explorations-using the powerful technologies developed by Microsoft Corporation. Written specifically for seniors with their unique needs and preferences in mind, this is not a rehash of existing computer book content merely set in larger type.