Is This Thing On?: A Late Bloomer's Computer Handbook,   ISBN:9780761146193

Customer Rating: 

I love this book! I teach a class for adults who wish to learn about computers and new technology! Most of them have ordered this book and love it! Thanks for putting it into a language that is understood by my 'kids'!

Customer Rating: 

My first thought was, :Why do I need to read this book? I've used computers for years." Well, we all can learn a new shortcut, something we thought we knew & didn't, or a different way of doing. Two big things stand out--I really like the way the author sets chapters & methods up & do find I end up teaching someone else occasionally who's a little fearful of using a computer. Since using this book, it's been easier to help someone else.

Customer Rating: 

Remember when you first began using a computer? Those balky moments of exploration, the repeated steps and frustration that culminated in your calling a friend to explain where you were, how you got there and what you needed to do to get out?
Over time, we learn to unconsciously accommodate the quirks of our software and applications, but the process isn't as intuitive as it might be -- there's a lot of adaptive learning along the way. How do those grade school kids pick it up so quickly?
They collaborate with a knowing and patient friend along the way, and that's precisely the role Abby plays in "Is This Thing On?". Her approach works: Abby starts at the beginning, speaks in conversational English, and is gentle and funny and encouraging as she expands the basis of why someone would be compelled to use a computer in the first place.
My hope is that those who would most benefit from this book (including those who have yet to buy a computer -- Abby has plenty of sage advice on this topic, as well) have a caring mentor like Abby on hand to steer them to it. I can think of several folks in my circle who deserve a copy of their own.
A large audience with an unmet need, a sound concept and a very successful execution = a timely and essential book.

Customer Rating: 

Full disclosure: Abby is my sister and I have been using her books in my computer classes since 2001 - I teach at a regional senior center and adult education through the local high school. Over a thousand students have been taught using her books as a teaching guide and the feedback has been fantastic - no kicking and screaming when they are done and many continue on to e-mail, internet, word processing, spreadsheets, digital photography, and more! The students' only request after using the "It's Never Too Late To Love A Computer" book was, "when is she going to expand it?" Well, Abby has made a really good book even better! "Is This Thing On?" has more detail, more topics, newer screen shots, and, as always, is written in "Abby's language" - no geek speak. It has been a winner for even the toughest of my students and many students request one as a gift for their friends. Kudos, Abby - thanks for making the cyber leap easier for seniors and other newbies on the CT shoreline!

Customer Rating: 

After moving halfway across the country, I was worried about staying in touch with my family - especially my mom. Abby's first book helped my mom to get over her fears with "the machine" and she began emailing. The second book has helped my mother expand her computer skills and venture further into the "scary techno world." She is now on Facebook and Twitter!!!! Not bad for a fifty-something woman who always says "I flunked typing in high school!" She has now bought books for her siblings to help them join the cyber world. Thanks for helping this family stay connected, Abby!