Windows XP For Dummies

pedantic · 07-07-2006, 19:21

Has anyone had any experience with these books ? I ask because my mother has decided to delve into the realm of computers.

And specifically, the internet. Now bear in mind, she struggles to find the power button on the tower. So, she really needs a book, that will show her the basics from day one. But also, a book that that is well illustrated, as well as easy to understand. Something that will keep her interested, is vital, as is the case with most people, if she doesn't understand something, she tends to walk away from it. She hopes to be a silver surfer eventually, so needs as much help as possible, and as simple as possible.

Thanks.

Russ · 07-07-2006, 19:25

Fantastic book - I bought it for my mother. She now knows how to use a mouse

But that's besides the point - go for it.

ben1390 · 07-07-2006, 19:39

Are the 'For Dummies' books good in general?

MadGamer · 07-07-2006, 22:12

What about the SAMS Teach Yourself?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239

Or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239

Anonymouse · 07-07-2006, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by topcreator

Are the 'For Dummies' books good in general?

Generally, yes. Their titles are a little misleading; the authors don't assume the reader is a dummy - rather, the term 'dummy' in this context simply refers to someone who knows little or nothing about the subject. I think it's just to create an attention-grabbing title; 'XP for Newbies' would be more accurate. Certainly no-one I know who's used one of the books ever felt as if they were being talked down to.

It would be a good start for your mother, I think. Go for it. Once she's gotten her start and the whole IT thing has been demystified a bit, she can learn by doing, as we all have. And she's certainly not alone, far from it; there are millions of silver surfers out there. She should have fun.

Actually...do you have more than one computer? Once she gets into it, you may find you need two.

pedantic · 08-07-2006, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

Fantastic book - I bought it for my mother. She now knows how to use a mouse

But that's besides the point - go for it.

Thanks Russ, it sounds promising.

I hope your mother has gone past the fear stage by now regarding the mouse. My mother seems to think the damn thing is about to explode in her hand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadGamer

What about the SAMS Teach Yourself?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239

Or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239

Thanks for those links, I will look into it. The "dummie" books do seem very popular though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymouse

Generally, yes. Their titles are a little misleading; the authors don't assume the reader is a dummy - rather, the term 'dummy' in this context simply refers to someone who knows little or nothing about the subject. I think it's just to create an attention-grabbing title; 'XP for Newbies' would be more accurate. Certainly no-one I know who's used one of the books ever felt as if they were being talked down to.

It would be a good start for your mother, I think. Go for it. Once she's gotten her start and the whole IT thing has been demystified a bit, she can learn by doing, as we all have. And she's certainly not alone, far from it; there are millions of silver surfers out there. She should have fun.

Actually...do you have more than one computer? Once she gets into it, you may find you need two.

Thanks for that ! My mother has her own computer lol

I can't be with her 24/7, not sure I could handle it if I could lol

I may well advise her to read one of these books, they can be had relatively cheaply anyway, especially the paperback editions. So even if she decides against it, she won't be losing out too much.

Thanks for the advice guys.

punky · 08-07-2006, 10:38

One thing about the Dummy books... They are hilarious... I like reading them at bookshops for fun.

bopdude · 08-07-2006, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

One thing about the Dummy books... They are hilarious... I like reading them at bookshops for fun.

Ahhh, so thats where you pick up your pointers and wealth of knowledge

**Hugh** · 08-07-2006, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedantic

My mother seems to think the damn thing is about to explode in her hand.

My ex-girlfriend had the same problem - ermmm, what were we talking about, again?

budwieser · 08-07-2006, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

My ex-girlfriend had the same problem - ermmm, what were we talking about, again?

You were a bit `Pre` then?

nicke261192 · 11-07-2006, 16:29

i have another book in the series. film making for dummies. tells u how to edit etc

11-07-2006, 16:35

The dummy books seem to be a better read than the idiots