| Description |
xxii, 177 pages : forms ; 22 cm |
| Contents |
Machine derived contents note: <Contents> -- Introduction -- How to Use This Book -- Before We Get Started: What Does "Digital" Mean? -- Chapter 1 Your Computer -- A Word on Budget and Prices -- Geekspeak -- Computer Shopping¿The Basics -- Monitor -- Memory -- Hard-Drive Space -- Processor -- Working from Home -- Other Purchasing and Upgrade Options -- CD/DVD Drives -- Video Card -- Sound Card -- USB and FireWire Ports -- Video-Related Upgrades -- Gaming Upgrades -- Media PC -- Extended Service Plans -- Setting Up Your Computer -- Checklists -- Before You Shop for Your Computer -- Comparison and Price Chart -- Computer Information Records -- Chapter 2 Connecting to the Internet -- Decision Keys -- Geekspeak -- Methods of Connecting to the Internet -- Dial-Up -- Cable -- Dsl -- Fiber Optic -- Satellite -- Free Community Wi-Fi -- WISPS, WiMax, and Others -- Home Networking -- Going Wireless -- Privacy and Security -- Install Security Software -- Use a Firewall -- Update Your Software -- Update Your Virus Protection -- Practice Safe Computing -- Pay Attention to Performance Problems -- Avoid Illegal Computer Use -- Back-Up Your Data -- Be Careful Computing on the Road -- Checklists -- Internet Service Providers Comparison Chart -- Internet Service Provider Records -- Chapter 3 Telephones: Landline and Cellular -- Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) -- Pricing -- Landline Phone Service -- Cell Phone Service -- Availability of Service -- Landline Phones -- Cell Phones -- Cellular Networks in the U.S. and Overseas -- Emergencies -- Cell Phone Features -- Text Messaging -- Internet Browsing -- E-Mailing -- Customized Ringtones, Music, and More -- Managing Your Cell Phone Bill -- Landline Phone Hardware -- Cell Phone Handsets -- Features to Consider -- Teens and Cell Phone Use -- What To Do with Your Old Phone -- Checklists -- Landline Phone Service Comparison Chart -- Landline Phone(s) Records -- Cell Phone Carrier Comparison Chart -- Cell Provider Records -- Cell Phone Handset Comparison Chart -- Cell Phone Handset Records -- Chapter 4 Television -- Analog Is Dead¿Are You Prepared? -- Analog TV -- Adding a Converter Box -- Battery-Operated TVs and Emergency Situations -- Digital Ready -- High-Definition or High-Def TV -- Various Grades of High-Def TV -- 1080i and 1080p Are Not the Same; Is That Important? -- Rear-Projection CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) -- Digital Rear-Projection TVs -- LCD TVs -- Choosing the Right TV for You -- Room Size -- Seating Placement -- Sound Quality -- Surround Sound -- What Are All Those Plugs and Cables? -- Shapes and Colors -- Input and Output Connectors -- Getting a Signal -- Over-the-Air Antenna -- Cable TV -- Satellite TV -- Fiber Optic -- Other TV Content Available -- Internet TV Programming -- DVD Players and Blu-Ray Players -- Checklists -- Are Your Existing TV Sets Digital-TV Ready? -- Choosing a New TV -- New TV Comparison Chart -- Your New TV Records -- Programming Content Provider Records -- Chapter 5 Cameras -- Choosing Your Camera -- Size and Shape -- Resolution -- Lens Type and Zoom -- Controls and Menus -- Battery Types and Recharging -- Flash Controls and White Balance -- Storage Media and Connector Types -- Digital Compression -- Other Features to Consider -- Photo Editing, Storage, and Printing -- Photo Editing -- Photo Storage -- Photo Sharing Sites -- Photo Printing -- Home or Portable Photo Printers -- Digital Frames -- Camcorders -- Design and Weight -- Type of Recording Media -- Lens -- Image Stabilization -- Resolution and Sensor Size -- Illumination Rating -- Progressive Scan or HD Capability -- Other Features -- Checklists -- Camera Comparison Chart -- Your Digital Camera Records -- Camcorder Comparison Chart -- Your Camcorder Comparison Records -- Chapter 6 Media -- Where to Begin -- Everything Working Together -- Music -- Media Types -- Settings in Windows Media Player -- Settings in iTunes -- Why Convert Them at All? -- Windows Media Audio (WMA) -- Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) -- M4a -- Mp3 -- Video Files -- Taking It with You: Portable Media Players (PMPs) -- Storage Size and Type -- Amount of Storage -- Buying Music for Your PMP Online -- Buying Video for Your PMP -- Using Your PMP in the Car Stereo -- Using Your Media Files in New Ways -- Streaming Media Devices -- What to Keep in Mind -- Drawbacks -- Video Game Consoles -- Video Game Consoles for Gaming -- Console Type -- Game Selection -- Online Stores -- Microsoft X-Box 360 -- Sony PS3 -- Nintendo's Wii -- Other Ways to Access Media -- HD Radio -- Satellite Radio -- Checklists -- Choosing a Personal Media Player -- Media Player Comparison Chart -- Your Personal Media Player Records -- Chapter 7 When Things Go Wrong -- Organize Your Digital Life -- Two Quick "Fixes" for All of Your Electronics -- Computer-Specific Tips -- Disaster Prep -- Keep It Cool -- Keep It Clean¿Literally and Digitally -- Before You Call¿Simple Fixes to Try First -- Preparing to Call for Help -- Helping Them, Help You -- When to Bring in the Pros and How Not to Get Ripped-Off -- Working with the Technician -- Things to Look Out For -- Warranties -- Checklists -- Preparing Before Things Go Wrong -- Trouble Call Reference Sheets -- Glossary -- Resource Guide -- Green Tips -- Acknowledgments -- About the Authors |
| Subject |
Household electronics -- Popular works.
|
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Consumer education -- Popular works.
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Household electronics -- Purchasing -- Popular works.
|
| Author |
Westcott, Jean Riescher.
|
| LC no. |
2008034117 |
| ISBN |
9781933102726 paperback alkaline paper |
|
