My dad can barely manage to turn the computer on, let alone perform any basic functions. (Okay, that's hyperbole, but no that much.) My problem is that he calls me when things go wrong on the pooter and because his knowledge base is so small, I find it next to impossible (and incredibly frustrating) to walk him through things. Can anyone recommend a book that teaches basic Windows skills? I'm talking about understanding file structure, how to cut/copy/paste, right-clicking, getting around in Windows Explorer, just the basics.

Thanks in advance.

I have a better idea: get your dad to sign up for a summer computer course at the local junior college. That way he will get the hands-on assistance he so desperately needs.

get your dad to sign up for a summer computer course at the local junior college.While I agree that's a better solution, it is not viable in this situation. :(

Do you think that he will actually use the book?
I have an 80+ year old neighbor who's kids lovingly bought a computer last year. I must be there every other day, or at the very least on the phone telling her how to download a file, or how to open the pictures she saved last time.
My son is edging onto 6 now.. he takes care of most of the calls for me now.

ANYWAY...I dont have one in my overhead right now to tell you the name... but I bought for her was the book that say "in Full COLOR" it's part of this series's pitch. I wish I had one cause I know that sounds dopey as it stands.

But they have full color pictures of the windows screen, or aol, or photshop, whatever...
That way i dont get the calls that say, it doenst look like it does in the book! As I did at first.
I'll try and find the name, but they are mass market titles. I have bought them at Barnes and noble, compusa, and other places.

** Found it on Amazon. Teach Yourself Visually Windows XP. There are others in the same 'genre'. search by just Teach yourself visually. The company that produces the books is: MaranGraphics (http://www.maran.com/series/) . They also make a "simplified" series.
Hope that helps.

Do you think that he will actually use the book?I think so, yeah. He has expressed many times that he wished he knew more and feels bad when he can't explain whats happening on screen.

Check those titles out then, I bet they'll aid you in your quest. :geek:

If sending him to a class isn't an option, you might want to look around for some sort of interactive tutorial instead of just a book. Either a CD-ROM (if he would be able to figure out how to run it) or a videotape/DVD course would likely be more effective.

-Jeff