Please recommend a book or DVD for my Dad wants to learn to use computer basics. My dad recently started using computer (windows XP) for the first time ever in his life. He is 60 yrs old and retired. He can open firefox, type in web address (of the few websites that he knows) and click on links in order to surf news website. Beyond that he pretty much doesn't know anything about computers. [more inside]
posted by tvjoshi on Jul 1, 2009 - 7 answers

What are the best resources for computer novices? I often find myself in the position of helping friends and family figure out how to operate their computers (typically Windows XP or Vista, but OS X tips are welcome too.) While I realize there's no substitute for face-to-face instruction, my time is not infinite and I'd like to be able to set them up with some bookmarks or documents that will give them guidance when I'm not around. [more inside]
posted by contraption on Apr 12, 2009 - 2 answers

Explain windows Live Messenger to a luddite. [more inside]
posted by ricochet biscuit on Mar 24, 2009 - 3 answers

How much should I budget to both equip myself and my wife for snowboarding and get us enough instruction so that we enjoy it? I mean, we own nothing with the possible exception of some gloves we could use, and we want to get ourselves outfitted and capable of boarding happily all day at places like Heavenly or Whistler. What will this cost, or, barring that, what do we need to budget for?
posted by scrump on Feb 13, 2009 - 19 answers

Which lenses/accessories should I have for my Nikon D60 for my trip to Africa? (no there will not be safaris!) [more inside]
posted by urbanette on Nov 12, 2008 - 32 answers

My company recently switched from a standard POP mail server to having GMail as our MX server and hosting all our business accounts. Overall the benefits are quite positive, but I'm having some usage issues that bug me. Can you help me use gmail better? Specific questions inside. [more inside]
posted by arniec on Aug 28, 2008 - 16 answers

I have DSL but am continually prompted to dial-up for a connection. Plus, how do I learn to manage my wireless home network myself? [more inside]
posted by Northwest on Feb 23, 2008 - 5 answers

Image Management: 21 year old female wants to be able to ease into the girly arts without killing her bank account, with near zero starting knowledge. (May be long, this is several questions around one theme) [more inside]
posted by Phalene on Jan 22, 2008 - 45 answers

I'm creating a very simple web page and inserting images into the cells of a table. However, I can still see faint lines around the borders of the images. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe on Oct 15, 2007 - 11 answers

I got a bike. Now what do I do? [more inside]
posted by mustcatchmooseandsquirrel on Jun 2, 2007 - 24 answers

As a recreational baker, am I crazy to make my best friend's wedding cake?? [more inside]
posted by nataliecay on May 10, 2007 - 44 answers

I've been inspired by t-shirt surgery and am thinking of getting into sewing. However, I've never sewed something in my life. Where do I begin? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Apr 7, 2007 - 24 answers

Help this ignoramus understand his netgear admin log. [more inside]
posted by popcassady on May 28, 2006 - 9 answers

Dumb question about curl and setting up Ruby on Rails from an extreme novice. [more inside]
posted by lackutrol on Jan 14, 2006 - 16 answers

eBay newbie help. What pointers do you have for selling on eBay? Favorite websites and tutorials? How to list effectively? How to get started and build up a positive rep? Negative experiences? Positive experiences? [more inside]
posted by loquacious on Jan 10, 2005 - 18 answers

Help needed for a complete programming novice. I'm trying to design a simple web page to help out a colleague.. (more inside) [more inside]
posted by ascullion on Oct 2, 2004 - 5 answers

I'm planning a ski trip (North American) for myself and 3 friends for the week before Christmas. Problem: we know nothing about skiing. Help! [MI] [more inside]
posted by gatorae on Jun 1, 2004 - 20 answers

Question from a very beginner guitar player about chords and strumming. [more inside]
posted by Seth on Mar 30, 2004 - 10 answers