My sincere thanks go to the editors and staff at Sams Publishing who strive to produce computer books that teach all levels of computer users from beginners to experts. The people at Sams Publishing take their jobs seriously because they want readers to have only the best books possible.
As I've said before, Sam's Dean Miller deserves praises and raises. Dean has his hand somewhere in most of my successful books and my books are better because of Dean.
Other editors and staff at Sams who produced this book, namely Grace Buechlein, Brian Proffitt, and Cindy Morrow, are also responsible for this book's excellence, and I alone am responsible for any problems if there are any.
Mr. Bob Enyart and his wonderful wife Cheryl continue to add spice to my life. Rarely can one have friends who challenge, teach, and love as much as the Enyarts do and I'm so very grateful for both them.
My lovely and gracious bride, Jayne, stands by my side day in and day out. Thank you, my Dear Jayne. Thanks also to my Dad and Mom, Glen and Bettye Perry, who are my biggest fans. I love you all.
Greg Perry
Greg Perry is a speaker and writer on both the programming and the applications sides of computing. He is known for his skills at bringing advanced computer topics down to the novice's level. Perry has been a programmer and trainer since the early 1980s. He received his first degree in computer science and then a master's degree in corporate finance. Perry is the author of more than 40 computer books, including Absolute Beginner's Guide to Programming, Absolute Beginner's Guide to C, Teach Yourself Office 97 in 24 Hours, C Programming in 12 Easy Lessons, and Visual Basic 4 Starter Kit. He also writes about rental-property management, loves to travel, and helps produce a nationally syndicated television show.
You probably are anxious to get started with your 24-hour Windows 95 tutorial. Take just a few preliminary moments to acquaint yourself with the design of this book described in the next few sections.
This book is for both beginning and advanced users of Windows. Readers rarely believe that lofty claim for good reason, but the design of this book and the nature of Windows 95 make it possible for this book to address such a wide audience. Here is why: Windows 95 is a major improvement over the previous Windows 3.11 for Workgroups and Windows 3.1 operating environments. (This book refers to both versions collectively as Windows 3.1.)
Readers unfamiliar with windowed environments will find plenty of introductory help to bring them up to speed quickly. This book teaches you how to start Windows 95, how to exit Windows 95, and how to manage almost every aspect of Windows 95. This book talks to beginners but does not talk down to beginners.
For readers who presently use Windows 3.1, this book also addresses you. Here is how: There are several sidebars labeled 3.1 Step-Up that explain how a specific Windows 95 feature improves upon or replaces a Windows 3.1 feature. With your fundamental base of Windows 3.1 understanding, you'll appreciate the new Windows 95 feature. In addition to the Step-Ups, keep in mind that Windows 95 operates using a completely new style from previous versions. Although Windows 95 is similar to Windows 3.1, almost every Windows 95 action differs slightly from the Windows 3.1 equivalents. There are more than enough new features to keep Windows 3.1 users interested and happy for a long time.
For special insight into Windows 95, current Windows 3.1 users might want to read Appendix B, "Quick Help for Windows 3.1 Users." It compares areas of Windows 3.1 to their equivalent and improved features in Windows 95.
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As the publishing manager of the group that created this book, I welcome your comments. You can fax, e-mail, or write me directly to let me know what you did or didn't like about this book--as well as what we can do to make our books stronger. Here's the information:
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Although this is not a reference book, you'll learn almost every aspect of Windows 95 from the user's point of view. There are many advanced technical details that most users will never need, and this book does not waste your time with those. This book knows that you want to get up to speed with Windows 95 in 24 hours, and this book fulfills its goal.
This book presents both the background and the theory that a new Windows 95 user needs. In addition to the background discussions, this book is practical and provides more than 75 useful step-by-step tasks that you can work through to gain hands-on experience. The tasks guide you through all the common Windows 95 actions you'll need to make Windows 95 work for you, instead of you working to use Windows 95.
Yes. You can master each chapter one hour or less (by the way, chapters are referred to as "hours" in the rest of the book). Although some chapters are longer than others, the material is balanced. The longer chapters contain several tasks, and the shorter chapters contain background material. The balance provided by the tasks, background, and insightful explanations and tips make learning Windows 95 using this book fresh at every page.
This book assumes that you have a Windows 95-compatible computer with Windows 95 installed. Just in case you are brand new to computers, you are not out of luck; if you need introductory computer help, Appendix A, "Understanding Your Computer," reviews fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software.
Each chapter contains a glossary to explain the important new terms in the chapter. There is a question-and-answer section at the end of each chapter to reinforce ideas. This book also uses several common conventions to help teach the Windows 95 topics. Here is a summary of the typographical conventions:
In addition to typographical conventions, the following special elements are included to set off different types of information to make them easily recognizable:
JUST A MINUTE: Special notes augment the material you are reading in each hour. They clarify concepts and procedures.
TIME SAVER: You'll find numerous tips that offer shortcuts and solutions to common problems.
CAUTION: The caution sections warn you about pitfalls. Reading them will save you time and trouble.
Current Windows 3.1 users will advance quickly by reading the Step-Ups provided
for them.
Review the Basics
Windows Minutes are sections that provide background information for users who have
never used a windowed operating environment before. Windows Minutes can be from a
paragraph to a page or two long.
Each Windows Minute includes a heading so you can tell quickly whether it contains information you need.
Although these sections are intended for beginners, experienced users may find them useful as a refresher course on the topic or procedure at hand.