---------------------------------------------------------------- DOS FOR BEGINNERS AND NOVICES ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learning DOS for the Complete Novice. Steven Woas. 1992 Celestial Press (4424 Dohrcrest Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652 tel: 800/330-3311). The ultimate beginners guide on understanding and using DOS from versions 3.2 through 5.0. Understanding filenames, tips and shortcuts, copying files, making backups, how and why DOS works as it does, special key combinations, working with hard drives and subdirectories, working with shareware, batch files, DOS shells and menus. Probably the first book a computer beginner should consider. ---------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL INTEREST BOOKS, RESOURCES ---------------------------------------------------------------- Understanding Computers (multiple volume series) By editors of Time-Life Books. 1985. Reader information service, 541 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, Ill 60611. Found in most libraries, this multiple volume set of lavishly illustrated computer guides covers topics such as computer security, data input, programming, computer history, new technology and other topics. Managing Your Hard Disk. Don Berliner. 1988 Que Publishing. Topics include installing and formatting a hard disk, learning about subdirectories, backup methods plus many tips, tricks and traps in using the all essential hard drive in your PC. Next, the popular "Build Your Own...And Save A Bundle" series: Build Your Own IBM Compatible and Save A Bundle Upgrade Your Computer And Save A Bundle Build Your Own 80286 And Save A Bundle Build Your Own 80386 And Save A Bundle Build Your Own 80486 And Save A Bundle Above books by Aubrey Pilgrim. TAB-McGraw-Hill Publishing. Order via toll free telephone number 1-800-765-1714. This series of books features detailed photos, notes, diagrams and PLAIN ENGLISH instructions on how to assemble or upgrade a complete computer system. Save hundreds of dollars on equipment. Over 200,000 copies sold of this popular series. Incidentally, you can obtain a free catalog listing the TAB-McGraw-Hill computer books by calling 1-800-822-8138. The Printer Bible. Scott Foerster, Que Corporation, 1990. This is by far the biggest and best book ever written on using ANY type of printer effectively. How to fully use, buy, maintain, upgrade everything from the humble dot matrix printer to the flashiest laser. Contains a thorough review of printer technology, comprehensive charts, installation tips, postscript, ribbons, ink technology! Using 123. 1989 Que Publishing. With over one million copies sold, this is the number one choice in Lotus 123 guides. Includes basics of command structure, installation, spreadsheet template examples, graphing, traps and techniques for advanced use, menu structure, effective macro use and much more. 837 pages. Dvorak's Guide to PC Telecommunications. John Dvorak and Nick Anis. 1990 McGraw-Hill. At over 1037 pages this is the essential book for those interested in learning about modems, bulletin board systems, E-Mail, Compuserve or anything related to computers and telecommunications. Contains two disks with useful programs such as Telix, CED, Shez, PKZip, Modem Tutor, and others which compliment the text section of the book. Appendix sections include the Hayes AT command set and hundreds of BBS telephone numbers plus discount coupons for products and services. The Joy of Computer Communications. William Cook. 1984 Dell Publishing. Inc. Magazine's Databasics: Your Guide to Online Business Information. 1986. Garland Publishing. The Complete Handbook of Personal Computer Communications: Everything you need to go online with the world. Alfred Glossbrenner. 1987 St Martin's Press. The PC Configuration Handbook. John Woram. 1991 Bantam Computer Books. The total guide to troubleshooting hardware related problems. A 768 page resource rich with notes on tests such as configuration of laser printers and other hardware setup needs. The Winn Rosch Hardware Bible. Winn L. Rosch. 1991 Brady Computer Books. A hands on approach to repairing and troubleshooting PC problems. Including printers, memory, keyboards, software settings and more. 628 pages. The Laserjet Handbook. Steven Bennett. 1991 Brady computer Books. 518 pages with a utility diskette for information on the care and feeding of the HP Laserjet printer. Using PFS: First Choice. George Omura. 1988 Sybex. A thorough beginners guide to mastering the First Choice integrated program which is popular with those needing a single program which contains a word processor, spreadsheet, database, report generator, graphics and telecommunications package. Using Wordstar. Steve Ditlea. 1988 Que. Wordstar users will delight in over 600 pages of tips on this classic word processing package. Covers installation, editing, printing, command structure, mail-merging techniques, spell-checking, macros and much more. Also includes tips on using this classic word processor with other packages such as 123 and PC-Outline. Recommeded Wordperfect Resources: Wordperfect 5.1 Tips, Tricks and Traps. Charles Stewart III Wordperfect 5.1 made Easy. Mella Mincberg Wordperfect 5.1: The Complete Reference. Karen Acerson Wordperfect 5.1 Macros and Templates. Gordon McComb Wordperfect Desktop Publishing in Style. Daniel Will-Harris Wordperfect 5.0 Instant Reference. Greg Harvey Computer Viruses, Worms, Data Diddlers, Killer Programs and other Threats to Your System. John McAfee and Colin Haynes. 1989 St Martins Press. Written by the chairman of the Computer Virus Industry Association, this book presents a chillingly detailed look at viruses. Includes actual programming code for two virus samples as well as detailed reviews of software protection programs, computer security methods and historical anecdotes about virus infections in corporate and university settings. Computer Viruses. Ralph Roberts. 1988 Chilton Books. Discusses many known viruses, how they work, telephone and sources for help and virus antidotes. IBM XT Clone Buyers Guide and Handbook IBM AT Clone Buyers Guide and Handbook 386 Buyers Guide and Handbook By Edwin Rutsch. 1988. Modular Information Systems. This trilogy of books cover computers of all major categories in the IBM clone world. Buy an edition which is six months or less old; frequent updates are common. Back issues of PC Magazine also review computers and recommend "editor's choices" and best buys in most classes of IBM clone computers. Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware by Michael Callahan and Nick Anis. ISBN: 0-07-881646-7. A book and disk package teaching you how to find and use the best in shareware. Learn about disk vendors, computer club sources, the best shareware in 20 categories. Includes such popular programs as Qmodem, Dos line editor, Anarkey, MackMail and more. Two additional disks available upon submission of a postcard contained in the book. Writing & Marketing Shareware - a book and companion cassette tape by Steve Hudgik, HomeCraft, P.O. Box 974, Tualatin, OR 97062. Tel 503/692-3732. The best book in the industry for learning about programming, designing and MARKETING shareware for maximum financial return. Shows you how to become a successful shareware author who develops WINNING shareware for maximum income. Includes mailing list of distributors, equipment suppliers, service providers, how to design your shareware and more! $hareware Marketing $ystem. Two disk set containing tutorials and quarterly marketing newsletter for shareware authors plus dBase format mailing list on disk of over 4,000 addresses for industry contacts: computer clubs, disk vendors, magazine writers and more who use, distribute or review shareware. The mailing list on disk is ready to import into many database software packages and print mailing labels directly. By Jim Hood, the author of THIS tutorial! POB 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. 206/236-0470. Alfred Glossbrenner's Master Guide to Free Software and Shareware, c/o FireCrystal Communications, 699 River Rd, Yardley, PA 19067. One of the largest and most respected guides to shareware in the industry. Editor is a contributor to computer industry magazines. Tips and Techniques for Using Low-Cost and Public Domain Software. John Gliedman. 1988. McGraw-Hill. A thorough guide to low cost, effective shareware and public domain programs including RAM disks, word processors, batch file systems, hard disk managers, tutorials and other topics. Fire in the Valley, Paul Freiberger and Michael Swaine, Berkeley California, Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1984. The classic pre-history of the early days of personal computers. Colorful, animated and witty discussion about the makers of the personal computer revolution. Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution, Steven Levy, New York: Doubleday, 1984. A fascinating look at the early computer hacker culture in the days at MIT. A great book to curl up with on a long rainy weekend! The Joy of Computers, Peter Laurie, London: Hutchinson, 1983. The Computer Glossary, Alan Freedman, 1989, AMACOM. Find out exactly what determines the difference between a pixel and a TSR. Thousands of terms explained in a savvy and witty manner. The Elements of Style, William Strunk and EB White, 1979, Macmillan. This little book is a classic for writers and communicators alike. For those who aspire to write simply, cleanly and well, the is the little book which should accompany all word processing packages. Learning the precepts of this book requires a lifetime of practice and rewards you with text which explains, delights and clarifies. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig, 1977, Bantam Books. Understanding how YOU fit in with computers means understanding the philosophy and history of computers. A non- technical look at using high technology to tinker effectively and adapt to the pleasures of life in this electronic age. History of Programming Languages, Richard Wexelblat, New York: Academic Press, 1981. The Elements of Spreadsheet Style, John Nevison, 1987, Brady Books. The essentials of proper construction and use of spreadsheets. Years later you can come back to the spreadsheet you designed for a complex budget report and know WHAT and HOW it works plus WHERE the formulas are. Packed with exceptional techniques for using these marvelous number crunching programs. Home Businesses Under $5000. Joyce Lain Kennedy. Sun Features Inc. POB 368, Cardiff, CA 92007. (cost: $4.50). Everyone who owns a computer wonders if there isn't a way to start their own small business out of the den or garage and use the computer to make money rather than punch a time clock for the boss. This 36 page booklet is a practical guide with tips for starting everything from a mail list maintenance business to a pet portrait business. $4.50 and a self stamped (75 cents) self- addressed envelope. ---------------------------------------------------------------- WINDOWS RESOURCE BOOKS/MAGAZINES ---------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 3.1, The Visual Learning Guide. David Gardner and Grace Beatty. 1992 Prima Publishing (tel 916/786-0449). Beginner- oriented color illustrations and step-by-step instructions guide novices through routine Windows features. You can read this in an evening and be reasonably proficient in Windows basics the following morning. The Windows 3.1 Bible. Fred Davis. 1993 Peachpit Press. If you want to buy only one fat book about Windows, this is it. Over 1,000 pages of Windows tips, tricks and power user secrets. Written in a surprisingly comfortable style that novices will find palatable. Among the dozens of oversized Windows books, this stands out as the best resource/best value. Windows 3.1 Power Tools. Geoffrey LeBlond and William LeBlond. 1992 Bantam. Another massive 1,000+ page Windows tome which includes a software diskette of Windows utilities and accessories plus a written extravaganza which delves into the deepest recesses of Windows customization and power user adjustments. The software disk and massive amount of detailed information make this book is a genuine value. Probably better for the intermediate to advanced user rather than beginning Windows user. Mastering Windows 3.1. Robert Cowart. 1992 Sybex. Well organized beginner/intermediate introduction to Windows. Covers all the basics plus quite a few power user tips. Written in a style which avoids jargon. Illustrations supplement the text in a sensible manner. Take a trip to the library and check out these two back issues of PC Computing Magazine: November 1992 and November 1993. These twin Windows Superguide editions are classics - packed with an overwhelming amount of information about configuring and using Windows. Includes complete breakdowns of critical INI file contents, Windows hidden features, common questions and uncommon answers. A treasure trove of Windows information you won't find in the official instruction booklet. While at the library, likewise investigate four additional magazines you can't do without. PC Computing for the months February 1992 and February 1993 contain the famous "201 Windows Secrets" articles detailing tips and tricks for those using Windows applications such as Wordperfect, Excel, Visual Basic, Pagemaker, Word, and many additional popular Windows software packages. Two additional classic magazine editions are also of interest: PC Magazine, April 28, 1992 (Volume 11, Number 8) and the April 1993 issue of Compute Magazine. ---------------------------------------------------------------- FREE TECHNICAL TRADE JOURNALS ---------------------------------------------------------------- Magazine subscriptions you can receive for FREE if you fill out and qualify on a reader professional subscription card. Electronic Products, 645 Steward Ave, Garden City, NY 11530. The latest chips, power supplies, motherboards, circuits and more. Mostly for manufacturers but you get a fascinating glimpse of the components and toys of the next decade. One note from a recent issue: NEC Corporation is starting to release engineering sample of their new 64Meg DRAM. Also news on three secret models of the heat sinks used in Pentium processors. Stuff you will not read about in ordinary PC Magazines for about six months, if ever! Another good read for free if you qualify via the reader subscription card: Electronic Buyers News, POB 2020 Manhasset NY 11030. Or write to CMP Publications, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset NY 11030. News stories about chip manufacturers, board fabricators, offshore suppliers and vendors, industry scuttlebut on motherboard sales volume and more. Teleprofessional (209 W. 5th St, #N, Waterloo, IA 50701-5420) Offers a variety of advanced marketing ideas and technology for tele-marketing. Offers tips on conducting telephone surveys, marketing by phone, order fulfillment and more. Monthly magazine which is always worth a good look. AVC Presentation (445 Broad Hollow Rd, Mellville, NY 11747) Trends and technology in audiovisual and computer generated graphics. Electronic Products (POB 5317, Pittsfield, MA 01203-9899) Core components and technologies of the computer industry. This is the magazine electronic component suppliers, VARS and computer resellers always read. Reseller Management (Box 601, Morris Plains, NJ 07950-9811) Computer resellers and VARS read this mag religiously to see what their distribution channel is up to. However hardcore marketing articles about channel management, customer satisfaction, new products, niche marketing, financing methods and more always give me new ideas. The deeper you get in someone ELSE'S backyard the more you learn about your own. This is one cool magazine which has only one focus: SELLING. Next, a list of still more free subscription computer trade magazines. I always garner one or two jewels of marketing wisdom from these computer related periodicals. Just be sure to request a reader qualification form: Automatic ID News. POB 6170, Duluth, MN 55806-9870 California Business, POB 70735, Pasadena, CA 91117-9947 Communications Week, POB 2070, Manhasset, NY 11030 Computer Buying World, 401 Edgewater Pl., Ste 630, Wakefield, MA 01880 Computer Design, POB 3466, Tulsa, OK 74101-3466 Computer Products, POB 14000, Dover, NJ 07801-9990 Computer Reseller News, POB 2040, Manhasset, NY 11030 Computer Systems News, 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030 Computer Technology Review, 924 Westwood Blvd, Ste 65, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Designfax, POB 1151, Skokie, IL 60076-9917 Discount Merchandiser, 215 Lexington Ave, NY, NY 10157 EE Product News, POB 12982, Overland Park, KS 66212 Electronic Manufacturing, POB 159, Libertyville, IL 60048 Electronic Publishing and Printing, 650 S. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605-9960 Electronics, POB 985061, Cleveland, OH 44198 Federal Computer Week, POB 602, Winchester, MA 01890 ID Systems, POB 874, Peterborough, NH 03458 Identification Journal, 2640 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614- 9962 InfoWorld, 1060 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025 LAN TIMES, 122 East, 1700 South, Provo, UT 84606 Laser and Optronics, 301 Gibralter Dr, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Machine Design, POB 985015, Cleveland, OH 44198-5015 Manufacturing Systems, POB 3008, Wheaton, IL 60189-9972 Medical Equipment Designer, 29100 Aurora Rd, Ste 200, Cleveland, OH 44139 Mini-Mico Systems, POB 5051, Denver, CO 80217-9872 Modern Office Technology, 1100 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44197-8032 Office Systems 90, POB 3116, Woburn, MA 01888-9878 Office Systems Dealer 90, POB 2281, Woburn, MA 01888-9873 PC Week, POB 5920, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Photo Business, 1515 Broadway, NY, NY 10036 The Programmers Shop, 5 Pond Park Rd, Hingham, MA 02043-9845 Quality, POB 3002, Wheaton, IL 60189-9929 Robotics World, 6255 Barfield Rd, Atlanta, GA 30328-9988 ---------------------------------------------------------------- LAPTOP AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS ---------------------------------------------------------------- August 1992 edition of PC Magazine. Comprehensive laptop and portable computer edition. Available at most public libraries. A classic, MASSIVE edition providing consumer purchasing tips, detailed reviews concerning specific portable computers and a surprising amount of software information for laptop users. On the Road. The portable Computing Bible, by Jim Seymour. Detailed laptop and portable use guide. Clever tips and tricks the manufacturer forgot to put in your insturction manual! Jim has been a writer for PC Magazine for years and shares some surprising information for laptop users and buyers. Tips and tricks from a laptop guru. The Complete Laptop Computer Guide: How to Choose and Get the Most Out of Your Portable PC or Mac, by David H. Rothman. 384 pages. Large and quite detailed. Covers both hardware and software resources for portable computer users. The Little Laptop Book, by Steve Cummings. Peachpit Press. 186 pages. How to use, buy and travel with laptops. Extensive software recommendation and research is offered. PC Magazine Guide to Notebook and Laptop Computers, by Bob Howard. Hundreds of productivity tips, purchasing suggestions and a disk of shareware and public domain software round out this comprehensive book. The software disk alone is worth the price of the book. ---------------------------------------------------------------- DOS OPERATING SYSTEM BOOKS ---------------------------------------------------------------- PC Magazine DOS Power tools, 1991, Bantam - includes 2 disks with utilities. Probably the ultimate DOS book for those willing to roll up both shirtsleeves and crawl under the hood for a "nuts and bolts" understanding of the PC. Batch files, DOS, DEBUG, the works! $40 but available at discount from many bookstores. The disks of software utilities are worth the price of the book. 1251 pages! Running MS-DOS (2nd edition), Van Wolverton, 1985, Microsoft Press Quick Reference guide to MS-DOS, Van Wolverton, 1987, Microsoft Press Peter Norton's DOS Guide (rev. edition), Peter Norton, 1987, Brady Books Also responsible for the essential software utility toolkit of the same name, Peter Norton takes you on a friendly and detailed tour of setting up shop and getting results quickly. Tricks of the MS-DOS Masters, John Angermeyer, 1987, Howard Sams & Co. MS-DOS Bible, Steven Simrin, 1985, Howard W. Sams and Company (Division of Macmillan Inc. Publishers) ---------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTER MAGAZINES ---------------------------------------------------------------- PC MAGAZINE (at most newstands) The preferred magazine for businesses and serious hobbyists. This is the one to subscribe to if you can afford the financial and time committment to only ONE computer magazine. The best and most detailed equipment and software reviews in the industry. Back issues at most libraries are ESSENTIAL goldmines for beginner and advanced alike. Software utilities published by PC Magazine and available through most computer clubs and PC Magazine MagNet (modem service) are instant classics. SHAREWARE MAGAZINE. Published by PC-SIG, 1030-D East Duane Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Voice telephone: 408/730-9291 FAX: 408/730-2107. Included with membership in PC-SIG, one of the largest shareware disk distributors in the world. A bimonthly, "light and lively" guide to the shareware market featuring reviews and articles on the best and latest. COMPUTER SHOPPER (at most newstands) A monthly review of mail order and deep discount computer sources. The largest and most detailed pc purchasing guide in existence. Contains updates on new software, discount computer reviews, news articles, listings of local computer clubs and mail order sources for shareware. Page after page of mail order ads offer tremendous diversity and equipment choice. HOME OFFICE COMPUTING combines computers with topics and techniques for working at home including equipment and software reviews, new ideas for making money with a computer in a home office environment, using a modem, money management for the work at home computerist, new business ideas, time management, interesting franchise ideas, and more. 730 Broadway, NY, NY 10003. 212/505-3580. LOTUS MAGAZINE (circulation office: PO Box 9123, Cambridge, MA, 02139-9123, telephone (617) 494-1192) The ultimate spreadsheet periodical. Back issues at some public libraries and many university and college libraries are essential resources. The spreadsheet is the ultimate number crunching engine as well as an adequate database and even a poor man's word processor. Lotus magazine shows you how to turbocharge your spreadsheet via detailed and interesting examples. PC RESOURCE MAGAZINE. No longer published, but back issues in library archives are ESSENTIAL reading for computer beginners and novices. UNCLE HANKS SHAREWARE REVIEW Magazine is a Bi-Monthly collection of reviews of some of the finest Shareware Programs available today. A great little magazine discussing low cost quality shareware programs for beginners and advanced computer users alike! For a sample copy, send $1 to: Uncle Hank's Shareware, 8 Hendricks Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. ---------------------------------------------------------------- RECOMMENDED READING - EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE CATALOGS ---------------------------------------------------------------- Below are listed several reputable software and hardware vendors who provide interesting catalogs and reasonable service. This does not suggest an endorsement, simply a resource with printed catalogs which are of good educational value. Selective Software Catalog (903 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95060) Power Up Software Catalog, POB 7600, San Mateo, CA 94403-7600. 1-800-851-2917. US Micro Inc 1-800-874-5505 or (206) 453-4046 CompuAdd Computer 1-800-627-1967 or 1-800-666-1872 Dell Computer 1-800-283-1290 Austin Computer 1-800-752-1577 Swan Computer 1-800-468-9044 Northgate Computer 1-800-548-1993 Zeos Computer 1-800-423-5891 PC-Brand 1-800-PC BRAND ---------------------------------------------------------------- SELECTED MAGAZINE ARTICLES ---------------------------------------------------------------- 55 Word Processors tested and evaluated, PC Magazine, February 29, 1988 Advanced accounting packages evaluated and rated, PC Magazine, September 15, 1987 Spreadsheet review, PC Magazine, April 24, 1988 Best low end integrated packages including Microsoft Works, PC Magazine, December 26, 1989 Basic programming language compilers, PC Magazine, October 31, 1989 Desktop publishing, spelling checkers PC Magazine, October 13, 1987 Databases, expanded memory, graphics packages, 80386 computers, Personal Computing, January, 1988 Portable computers, worms, PC Magazine, March 29, 1988 Database package evaluation, Desktop publishing software, PC Magazine April 12, 1988 Top charting and graphing packages, Projection screen systems, integrated word processors, PC Magazine March 15, 1988 Tutorial finished. Have you registered PC-Learn to receive your bonus disks? Registration is encouraged. Shareware works on the honor system! Send $25 to Seattle Scientific Photography, Department PCL6, PO Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Latest version of PC-Learn and two bonus disks shipped promptly!