Datasheet

often), there are definitely good, better, and best ways. Before going there,

consider taking some general steps before you begin your word processing

odyssey:

1. Ensure that your computer is on and toasty.

Any computer that’s on is, in fact, toasty. The only way to make it

toastier is to insert bread, which I don’t recommend.

2. Prepare yourself physically.

Make sure you’re seated, with a nice, upright, firm posture. They tell me

that your wrists should be even with your elbows and that you shouldn’t

have to tilt your head forward. Shoulders are back and relaxed.

Close your eyes. Unwind. Breathe in, breath out.

3. Prepare yourself mentally.

Yes, you can do this! Hail the muse scribborrhea, the forest nymph of

electronics and typing. Think calm thoughts. Concentrate on letting the

thoughts flow from your brain and rush down your arms and into your

fingers as they dance upon the keyboard. Remember that you are the

master. Mutter that over and over: “I am the master. . . .”

If you need help starting your computer, refer to my book

PCs For Dummies

(Wiley Publishing) for quick and accurate turning-on-the-computer instructions.

You can stop muttering “I am the master” now.

The good, yet unimaginative,

way to start Word

Without fail, the place to start any program in Windows is at the fabled Start

button. It may not be the coolest way to start a program, but it’s consistent

and reliable — good things to have in a computer. Obey these steps:

1. Click the Start button.

Use your computer mouse to click the Start button, which is often found

on the left side of the taskbar, at the bottom of the screen, adorned with

the Windows logo and often (cleverly) the word Start.

Clicking the Start button displays the Start menu.

2. Choose Word from the All Programs menu.

Now, you may be lucky and see the Word program icon on the Start

menu. If so, click the Word icon to start Word. If not, you have to click the

All Programs menu and look for Word in that vast labyrinth.

Part I: Hello, Word!

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