Get a FREE fully-working copy of Steganos Security Suite 7 (worth £49.99) when you sign up to the Practical PC Newsletter. Review: Laptops For Seniors In Easy Steps
If you don’t know a laptop from a lapdancer, Ian Waugh looks at a book to get you up to speed on the former. Alas…
| Product | Laptops For Seniors In Easy Steps |
|---|---|
| Company | Computer Step |
| Web | www.ineasysteps.com |
| Price | £10.99/$14.99 US |
| We like | Starts with the basics, very easy to read |
| We don't like | Nothing covered in any depth, free software not mentioned |
| Rating | 7/10 |
| Requirements |
And just to make sure you know what a "Senior" is, the book helpfully tags the words "for the over 50s" onto the end of the title. So no doubt who the book is aimed at then but, ageism apart, the title could put off some potential readers because the book is suitable for anyone new to computing and laptops in particular.
It is, however, for raw beginners. If you've managed to find this site and this review by yourself, the chances are you'll be familiar with half the contents of the book. But that's not to dismiss it. It covers a wide range of topics that beginner computer users ought to know.
The first chapter covers the parts of a laptop: ports, connections and so on. The second chapter covers basic aspects of computing such as using the Start menu (it assumes you're using Vista which is a reasonable assumption), shutting down, sleep mode, adjusting screen resolution (not that most laptops give you much choice if you want a sharp image) and connecting peripherals.
There's an entire chapter devoted to the battery, and another to some of the software you get with Vista such as the Media Player, Gadgets, and Windows Photo Gallery. This also mentions wordprocessing and spreadsheets but they only get a scant one and two pages respectively.
Another chapter covers the internet and email with sections on shopping, researching your family tree and booking a vacation. It's more a taster than a tutorial, though.
Other chapters cover multiple users and accounts, parental controls, safely transporting your laptop, networking, and wireless.
The final chapter is a troubleshooting guide and includes information on firewalls and anti-virus software. However, it only mentions commercial software, not free software such as Zone Alarm and AVG which is a shame.
Conclusion
The book covers a lot of ground although most of it, probably from necessity, is rather basic information. It is copiously illustrated in the "In Easy Steps" style and a very easy read.
Even if you think you are beyond the level of the material, do consider it for a friend or relative who is just getting started in computing, particularly laptops, whatever their age. It will give them a guide to the potential of a computer but do be on hand for the questions that will inevitably arise, particularly when they want to go further.
