Even if you're not a dummy, the sixth edition of The Internet for Dummies is one of the best user's guides to the Internet now available. Many so-called Internet books are nothing more than printed collections of Web addresses, but John Levine, Carol Baroudi, and Margaret Levine Young recognize that deciding to use the Internet involves financial commitments and computer-hardware decisions as much as it does looking at neat pictures. That said, don't expect to set up your own e-commerce site with this book, and don't expect to find step-by-step instructions for starting your computer. But do expect to get some good advice about picking an ISP (Internet Service Provider), protecting your privacy (and your kids), and connecting with Windows or a Mac. The authors also do an exceptional job of explaining such terms as PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) and what it is for, and they even talk about the old Unix shell account (with a Lynx text browser) for those not getting a PPP account. You'll find tips for optimizing your browser for speed, building your first Web page, managing e-mail, subscribing to mailing lists, and, yes, shopping. What is most impressive, however, is the balanced approach the authors take in evaluating Web sites (they do give some Web addresses), online services, and browser software. They offer the pros and cons and let you sort it out. They also include their own Web address so you can look for updates to the book and check on their latest favorites. --Patrick O'Kelley

Have you ever wanted to know how data travels from computer to computer, around the world? Have you ever wondered how web sites can track users or how newsgroups work? How the Internet Works is a great book for users of all levels. It shows you how with easy-to-follow, four-color visual spreads tracking the path data flows and the hardware involved. Now entering its fourth year, How the Internet Works helps you understand the latest in Internet and networking technology from cookies and data tracking to Web sound and video. Its intelligent visual approach demystifies the technology in a format that appeals to readers of all levels. Content includes explanations of digital certificates, extranets, Internet telephony, and meta-searches and scripting languages such as XML and dynamic HTML.

• Explains the latest in Internet technology--Instant Messaging, blocking Spam, data tracking and HTML enhanced email
• Shows you how data travels over the Internet
• Full-color, detailed graphics explain to users of all levels the terms and technologies

How Computers Work is a sort of picture encyclopedia illustrating the various technologies that make up the computer on your desk. It will appeal to anyone who's curious about how a disk drive stores a word processing document, what is actually happening when your PC runs through its lengthy startup process, how a modem transmits data, or how a sound card turns your voice into a data file.

You could of course lead a long and productive computing life without ever knowing how data moves across the Internet, what happens when a computer is connected to a network, or what RAM is. You might have no interest in how fonts work, what's laser about a laser printer, or how e-mail moves your messages around the globe. You could still have a computer and not know what SCSI is, how a scanner scans, or how your graphics adapter creates accelerated 3-D graphics. And sure, you may have been blasting away at tanks without knowing how that force-feedback joystick works. But where's the fun in that?

It's here -- the newest upgrade to the popular Windows operating system for PCs around the globe. Windows 98 is the next step in computing, with powerful features for everything from basic file management to surfing the World Wide Web right from your desktop. Whether you're a newcomer to Windows or are just upgrading from Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, here's your all-in-one-reference guide to all things 98. Windows 98 For Dummies delivers the goods on mastering the basics of Windows 98.

Widely regarded as the greatest thing to come out of Apple Computer since the original Macintosh, the iMac is drawing thousands of new people into personal computing with its easy setup and friendly interface. While it's loaded with useful information, this guide doesn't overwhelm new and tentative iMac users. The book assumes that readers know nothing about the iMac and teaches skills that will allow them to explore the computer's capabilities without assistance--all while spouting wry humor.

The book begins its instruction by helping you pull the iMac out of its shipping box, hook up its cables, and turn it on. The author briefly but thoroughly explains how to use the mouse, how to identify and use various interface elements, and what various computer components (such as disk drives) are for. Slightly more complicated features, such as cutting, pasting, and printing, come next, followed by an explanation of the software that ships with the iMac and a good introduction to the Internet. Author David Pogue has a ton of experience writing about the Macintosh--he writes for MacWorld and is the author of the highly regarded Macs for Dummies. Pogue's light, welcoming style is perfect for newcomers. --David Wall

The whole world is watching! In the past few years, the Internet has given us unprecedented publishing opportunities, and Microsoft has made it easier than ever to reach like-minded souls across the Web with FrontPage, its Web publishing application. If you're new to the world of Web design, FrontPage 2000 for Dummies can walk you through each step of the process with grace and good humor--though you may need to get a more comprehensive reference if you want to explore the intricacies of HTML.

The book's accompanying CD-ROM is packed with shareware and trial software: Netscape 4.05, Paintshop Pro, WinZip, and plenty more. You'll also find sample files, bonus chapters, and the URLs mentioned within the text. FrontPage 2000 for Dummies is a good, basic introduction and a refreshing supplement to the often dry text found in other Web publishing books--but even the dumbest FrontPage user will probably need more than this. --Rob Lightner

Beginner guide to using Microsoft FrontPage 2002 to create Web pages with graphics, hyperlinks, hit counters, and other functional elements. The CD-ROM features a bonus chapter, trial software, and free custom art. System requirements: Windows 98+, sound card, 256 color monitor, 100MB hard disk space, 16MB RAM, 2x CD-ROM drive, and 14,400 modem. Softcover

Microsoft FrontPage 2002 is a Web site creation-and-management solution that gives you the tools you need to create and control professional-quality Web sites. FrontPage version 2002 has been designed so you can create exactly the site you want. You can use new PowerPoint-like drawing tools and automatic web content to make your Web site more exciting and dynamic. If you're familiar with HTML editing, you can also use FrontPage to save time with the new paste options smart tag, a new streamlined user interface, and new optional HTML and XML reformatting. You can also manage your Internet or intranet Web site more effectively by using the new usage-analysis tools, top 10 lists, and enhanced reporting capabilities. And you can use the new technology in the SharePoint Team Services team Web-site solution to create customized team Web sites to store, find, and communicate information.