The Dummies series long ago proved itself an excellent means of explaining the elementary aspects of operating systems to new users. Windows 98 for Dummies continues the tradition with its admirable coverage of Microsoft's latest consumer operating system.

Windows 98 for Dummies begins by explaining the differences between PCs and Macintoshes and detailing the differences between clicking and double-clicking. In the process of introducing the operating system, Rathbone explains lots of incidental factoids, including what a graphical user interface is and how the Print Screen button has been given new functionality in Windows 98. He then moves on to the mechanics of window management, explaining how to maximize, minimize, and incrementally adjust the size of application windows. Other chapters deal with cutting and pasting, the accessory programs, and the details of getting DOS programs to run properly. Rathbone's prose is clear and intelligent, and a superb index helps you zero in on the facts you need in a hurry.

Throughout, this book carries the lighthearted adornment that has always characterized Dummies books. The attempts at frivolity range from clunkers (Rich Tennant's weary cartoons) to knee slappers (some of the author's quips in the text). It's always a pleasure to see a computer book that doesn't take itself or its technology too seriously.

Generally speaking, Windows 98 for Dummies stays away from networking issues. More Windows 98 for Dummies, the book's sequel, covers networking in some detail. Though LANs are sufficiently complicated to merit a second volume, it's too bad this book doesn't include any information on dial-up networking--especially since the author discusses Web surfing at some length. And Outlook Express, Windows 98's e-mail program, gets scarcely a mention in these pages. With Windows 98 more focused on connectivity than any previous Microsoft operating system, it seems improper to consign connectivity to a second volume.

You'll learn a lot from Windows 98 for Dummies if you're new to Windows 98 or to computers in general. However, the book leaves you hungry for more before long. --David Wall


Review
"This book feels your pain and prescribes a chuckle." —Business Week

"It's the most fun you'll have with a computer book." —Business Week

"Informative, friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent.... It could help save you time and ease your frustration level." —San Diego Union-Tribune


Review
"This book feels your pain and prescribes a chuckle." —Business Week

"It's the most fun you'll have with a computer book." —Business Week

"Informative, friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent.... It could help save you time and ease your frustration level." —San Diego Union-Tribune


Book Description
Windows 98 For Dummies won't try to turn you into a Windows wizard, but you'll pick up a few chunks of useful computing information while reading it. Instead of becoming a Windows 98 expert, you'll know just enough to get by quickly, cleanly, and with a minimum of pain so that you can move on the more pleasant things in life.

This easy-to-understand guide is for those who are yearning to Conquer Windows 98 basics Personalize your PC Send and receive e-mail Get more out of the Web Have fun with audio and video Deal with common problems and aggravations

Something in Windows 98 will eventually leave you scratching your head. No other program brings so many buttons, bars, and babble to the screen. When something in Windows 98 has you stumped, use this book as a reference. You won't find any fancy computer jargon in these pages. Instead, you'll find subjects like these, discussed in plain old English: Preparing your computer to run Windows 98 Finding the file you saved yesterday Moving those little windows around on the screen with the mouse Running your favorite old programs under Windows 98 Performing chores in Windows 98 that you used to do in older versions of Windows Figuring out which of the many Windows versions you're using

There's nothing to memorize and nothing to learn. Just turn to the right page, read the brief explanation, and get back to work. Unlike other books, this one enables you to bypass any technical hoopla and still get your work done.


Book Info
Demystifies Windows 98 by giving all the information you need to make your PC more efficient & a lot easier to use plus information on how to make older versions of DOS & Windows work under Windows 98 & how to customize your desktop to work like a Web page - or return the classic look of Windows 95.


From the Back Cover
"This book feels your pain and prescribes a chuckle." —Business Week

Praise for Windows 98 For Dummies, the # 1 Computer Book Bestseller*

"It's the most fun you'll have with a computer book." —Business Week

"Informative, friendly, conversational, and slightly irreverent.... It could help save you time and ease your frustration level." —San Diego Union-Tribune

"Written in a humorous style that gets the job done." —Chicago Sun-Times
*Publishers Weekly (Computer Bestsellers, Operating Systems) Covers Windows 98 Second Edition and Internet Explorer 5 Quick and easy answers to common Windows 98 questions The fun and easy way to take command of your PC's operating system Windows 98 controls your computer. But how do you control Windows 98? Don't worry! With bestselling computer-book author Andy Rathbone at your side, you'll figure out how to tame all those buttons and boxes, install software, connect to the Internet, and make your computer work the way you do. Discover how to:Conquer Windows 98 basicsPersonalize your PCSend and receive e-mailGet more out of the WebHave fun with audio and videoDeal with common problems and aggravationsGet smart! www.dummies.comRegister to win cool prizesBrowse exclusive articles and excerptsGet a free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletterChat with authors and preview other booksTalk to us, ask questions, get answers


About the Author
Andy Rathbone's computer books, which include Windows® 2000 Professional For Dummies® and Upgrading and Fixing PCs For Dummies®, have sold more than 11 million copies.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
This latest edition of the best-selling computer book series provides "the fun and easy" way to learn Windows 98, whether you're making the transition from an earlier version of Windows or using a PC for the first time, Windows 98 for Dummies will explain it clearly, with a dose of humor. Find helpful advice on how to: *Make older versions of DOS and Windows programs work under Windows 98 *Save time on the Internet with features like Internet Explorer, the new Active Desktop, and the Channel menu *Customize your desktop to work like a Web page—or return to the classic look of Windows 95 *Browse the Web with Windows 98 Internet tools *Play CDs, watch TV or videos, and listen to music with multimedia features *Keep up to date with Windows Tune-Up Wizard *More!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Andy Rathbone has helped millions of novice Windows users figure out the bars, buttons, and boxes in Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 -- making Windows® 95 For Dummies® one of the best-selling computer books in the world. Now, Andy demystifies Windows 98 with Windows 98 For Dummies -- giving you all the information you need to make your PC more efficient and a lot easier to use.

Inside, find helpful advice on how to Make older versions of DOS and Windows programs work under Windows 98 Save time on the Internet with features like Internet Explorer, the Active Desktop, and the Channel menu Customize your desktop to work like a Web page -- or return to the "classic" look of Windows 95 Find your way around even when nobody is available to help you Make Windows 98 keep itself up-to-date with the Windows Tune-Up Wizard Browse the Web with the Windows 98 Internet tools Play CDs, watch television or videos, and listen to music with the Windows 98 program's multimedia features

SYNOPSIS