Originally released by Reader's Digest and squarely aimed at senior citizens who are, as many like to characterize themselves, “computer illiterate,” Beginner's Video Guide to Home Computers has been repackaged, re-mastered, and re-priced from $39.99 to $19.99. Two hosts (in the familiar man-and-woman format) take viewers through everything from finding the power button to logging onto the Internet and sending e-mail, in a nice and slow fashion (this is not for your YA patrons). The first volume, "Getting Started and Using E-mail," focuses on the basics of computing, using Windows, word processing, setting up web access, and e-mailing. On the second tape, "Exploring the Internet and More!", viewers learn about browsers, search engines, booking airline tickets and making hotel reservations, shopping online, and sending greeting cards, among other skills. The enclosed booklet is a welcome addition, offering a fairly complete cheat sheet and basic troubleshooting guide. My only quibble is that this set demos Microsoft Windows 98, while many newer computers are running Windows 2000, ME or XP. Arguably, basic concepts are similar, but I've found that the audience this video is aimed at can be thrown by the differences in the graphics and OS layouts between the different versions of Windows. Still, given the breadth of information, the affordable price, and the fact that there are still many Windows 98 users out there, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)
Beginner's Video Guide to Home Computers
(2002) 2 videocassettes. 120 min. $19.99 (booklet included). Questar. Color cover. ISBN: 1-56855-889-9. Volume 18, Issue 1
Beginner's Video Guide to Home Computers
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