NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, February 2011
Is This Thing On? – Book Review
By Beth Pickering, President, Sonoma Valley Computer Group, CA
November 2010 issue SVCUG newsletter
http://www.vom.com/svcg
Bethpick (at) emailx.net (click to email author)

I finally read one of those books for Dummies (the one for Seniors). Actually I only read parts of it. I definitely have trouble with the title. I know it says a manual for the rest of us - and it definitely reads like a manual - but self talk is important and I’m not a dummy. It was part of my due diligence for reviewing Abby Stokes’ new beginners’ book, “Is This Thing On?” There really is no comparison. A manual is a manual. Abby’s book reads like a chat between friends. It is also generic - this helps the how-to instruction teach concepts and builds confidence in venturing into new areas. Abby also has a website (http://www.abbyandme.com) that she encourages her readers to use. There are tutorials, practice areas, and website links, as well as part of the first chapter of her book. That Abby has hands on experience in teaching computers to seniors is very evident. She compares using a computer with using other complex machines (like a car). You don’t need to understand how they work to use them. If you know someone who is new to computers, this is the book they need. There are now three copies in our library system. Sonoma has one and it was checked out within an hour of being placed on one of the new book shelves.

One of the best things about Abby’s book (Is This Thing On?) is that she doesn’t try to have something for everyone. She has a target audience (adult first-time computer users) and writes for them. Reading this book felt more like a chat with a friend than an instruction manual.

The other thing that sets this book apart is that it is the most generic computer book I have read. Abby gives directions for both Windows and Mac operating systems because the computer you buy will have one or the other. There are pros and cons for both systems.

Her advice on buying a computer is to try several models with an idea of what you want and a “Test Drive Form” to have filled out on the day(s) you take your test drives. She also suggests you check with your support system. You will get better help if the person you call on a Sunday afternoon has the same operating system.

Adaptability is a major theme in Abby’s book.

To help readers be flexible with what they find, she uses different examples for the same computer task. In each one the steps or sections have the same numbers. She explains that there are different versions and the reader’s computer screen may not look exactly like her examples. She also makes clear that things on the Internet (i.e. websites or browsers) often look different after they are updated.

Variety is always highlighted. When discussing the Internet, Abby gives instructions for Firefox, Explorer, and Safari. In email the examples are from Yahoo, Gmail, and AOL. Search engines used are Google, Yahoo, and Ask. The section on surfing the Internet has examples of different websites for areas like shopping, auctions, travel, and banking. There are also multiple pictures of hardware such as computers, mouse devices, printers, scanners, cell phones, PDAs and iPhones.

There is also a hand holding website – http://www.abbyandme.com - with more information, tutorials, and links. Throughout the book, Abby encourages her readers to visit her website and to try their new skills out with her.

It was very clear to me that Abby has worked with and understands the audience she writes for. She includes comments and questions (with the answers) from her students. She encourages the beginner to look on using the computer as an adventure and not to worry about the mistakes they will be making. She advises learning in stages and taking breaks.

“Is This Thing On?” would make an excellent gift for anyone who is interested in learning computers. After saying how good this book is for newbies, I will have to admit I picked up some pointers myself. I also had a veteran computer using friend buy a copy of this book for herself after looking at mine.
List price: $15.95

Click here to return to top



==================================================================