Introduction -- PART I: YOUR COMPUTER WILL NOT EXPLODE: A painless introduction to computers -- The nerd's-eye view -- PC setup -- The most powerful button (on-off) -- Window rules -- PART II: COMPUTER GUTS: Mysteries of the console -- Jacks on the box -- Temporary storage (memory) -- Permanent storage (disks and media) -- Glorious graphical goodness -- Imput buddies: keyboard and mouse -- The printer's the thing -- Sounds good -- Mighty modems -- Positive PC power management -- PART III: IT'S A DIGITAL LIFE: Picture this -- PC TV -- The digital ear -- PART IV: NETWORKING AND INTERNET-WORKING: N is for networking -- I've been working on the network -- Cowboy Dan's internet roundup -- Flinging files freely -- Internet and PC security -- PART V: THE SOFT SIDE OF COMPUTING: Files: the key to understanding software -- Organizing your compu-junk -- File control -- Software, programs, applications -- Making your own discs -- PART VI: THE PART OF TENS: Ten common beginner mistakes -- Ten things worth buying for your PC -- Ten tips from a PC guru.