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Introduction
Windows 11 is the latest generation of Microsoft’s operating system, the master program that makes a computer useful and provides support to other programs, including word processors, photo viewers, and web browsers. Much as an education equips you to read a novel or play a game, Windows 11 equips your computer to perform a wide range of activities. You can use Windows 11 and other software (or apps) to read or write a novel, play games or music, and stay in touch with friends and family around the world.
As Windows has evolved over the past 30 years, so have computers — the hardware. Today, you can buy a computer as small as a paperback book, and even such a little computer is unimaginably more powerful than (and a fraction of the cost of) computers just 10 years ago. The hardware consists of the screen, as well as optional components such as a keyboard and a mouse.
You don't need much time with a computer to conclude that there has to be an easier way to do things. At times, computers seem overly complex and inscrutable. Have you used a smartphone lately? Or a TV remote control? Why are the controls on every microwave oven different? Why does every new tool offer countless options you don’t want that obscure the ones you do want? Well, we don’t have the answers to those questions, but we do have step-by-step instructions for many tasks you want to perform using Windows 11.
After many years of working with computers, we find that they reward patience, curiosity, and a little methodical exploration. Seniors, in particular, know that learning never really stops and that learning new things keeps one young, at least figuratively. By the end of this book, you may be a multitasking computerist performing virtual gymnastics with Windows 11. On the other hand, if this book helps you do only one thing — use email, browse the web, or enjoy photos or music — that one useful thing may be all you need.
About This Book
Age is just a number. This book is intended for anyone getting started with Windows 11 who wants step-by-step instructions without a lot of discussion. Numerous figures with notes show you the computer screen as you progress through the steps. Reading this book is like having an experienced friend stand behind you as you use Windows 11 … someone who never takes control of the computer away from you.
Windows 11 is a work in progress. Microsoft updates the Windows 11 operating system from time to time to make it more secure and agreeable to the people who use it. (Chapter 3 explains how to check for updates to Windows 11.) Because the operating system is continuously updated, the screen shots you see in this book may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Conventions Used in This Book
This book uses certain conventions to highlight important information and help you find your way around:
Different methods for performing steps: In general, you can complete a step in three ways. We list the choices as follows:Mouse: If you have a mouse, follow these instructions.Touchscreen: You may be able to touch your screen to perform tasks.Keyboard: Keyboard shortcuts are often the fastest way to do something.When you have a choice between these methods, experiment to determine which is easiest for you.
Tip icons: These point out helpful suggestions related to tasks in the step lists.
Bold: We use bold for figure references as well as for when you have to type something onscreen using the keyboard. Many figures have notes or other markings to draw your attention to a specific part of the figure. The text tells you what to look for; the figure notes help you find it.
Website addresses: If you bought an e-book, website addresses are live links. In the text, website addresses look like this: www.dummies.com. See Chapter 6 for information on browsing the web.
Options and buttons: Although Windows 11 often uses lowercase in option and button names, we capitalize the text for emphasis. That way, you can find a button labeled Save Now, even though onscreen it appears as Save now.
How to Read This Book
You can work through this book from beginning to end or simply look at the table of contents or index to find the instructions you need to solve a problem or learn
