Happy Holidays

This year, Microsoft introduced a new and improved version of Windows: Windows 7. Microsoft listened carefully to the reviews and feedback from its developers and test users and has made dozens of improvements to the popular operating system. Windows 7 is the most simplified and user-friendly version of Windows to hit the stores.
At the same time Visual Steps introduced two new books:
Windows 7 for SENIORS and Internet and e-mail with Windows 7 for SENIORS.
Many of our customers have switched to Windows 7 and are using the Windows 7 books.

In the coming year Visual Steps anticipates a large increase in the use of free online software. Google has become a very dominant player as distributor of a vast array of free web-based services and software applications. With its much improved Picasa photo management program or the easy-to-use online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that is Google Docs or even the online navigation tools such as Google Maps and Google Earth, it seems that Google's popularity can only increase further. Wouldn't you like to get to know some of these handy and free applications? In the coming months Visual Steps will be offering books that will take you step by step through all the basics of a number of Google's free tools and software.

We are pleased to announce our two newest titles scheduled for release in early 2010:

If you would like to be notified by e-mail when these new books are released, sign up today for our Notify me e-mail service. We will let you know immediately when the titles become available. Go to the sign-up page »

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A Gift to you from Visual Steps

Visual Steps has created a special gift for our Newsletter subscribers: the booklet Plan Your Trip with Google Maps. You can download this free booklet here »
Google is the company that provides the well known search engine application. They have also produced Google Maps. Google Maps is a free Internet application that allows you to plan a trip, get driving directions, view maps and satellite imagery. Trip planning applications such as Google Maps are not only very useful for preparing a long trip; you can also use it to find places of interest right in your own neighborhood.

In this free booklet you will learn how to use the most important features of Google Maps.
You will learn how to:

• find a location
• zoom in and out on the map
• move the map
• set a default location
• view satellite imagery of a location
• find businesses and organizations
• plan a trip
• view detailed maps
• print directions
• change a route

After working with this free booklet you will be able to plan a trip whether it be across town or on the other side of the globe!
Have fun exploring the World from your computer.

• Download the free booklet ( PDF file)

How can I view PDF-files?
You can download, open, view or print PDF-files with the program called Adobe Reader. Most computers already have this software installed, but if yours does not, you can download Adobe Reader for free from the Adobe website. Click the "Get Adobe Reader" graphic below to download the free Adobe Reader:

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Other available free downloads

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New computer tips on the website

As you might already know Visual Steps provides useful computer tips on the website. The tips cover a range of different topics such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Internet Explorer. As a subscriber to the Visual Steps Newsletter you have access not only to the computer tips but all of our free downloads as well.
You can find the new tips and tricks on the webpage www.visualsteps.com/tips

These are some of the tips that you can find on the webpage:

• Dragging and dropping files in Windows 7
• Moving Quickly through Text in Windows 7
• Changing the double-click speed in Windows Vista
• Customizing the sound in Windows Vista
• Safely removing a USB stick
• Adding a Quick Launch icon in Windows XP
• Making Hidden Files Visible in Windows XP
• Customize the mouse for left-handed users in Windows XP

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What computer topic are you interested in?

We would like to hear from you, our readers. If you are interested in a new computer program and don't see a Visual Steps book to help you develop this interest, you can use the form on the webpage www.visualsteps.com/interests to suggest a topic for a new book.
Let us know what computer related subject should be added to our product line. Please include any specific information that you feel is important for us to consider.

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Do you know an instructor of a computer course?

Visual Steps makes available special information for instructors or teachers of computer courses. Do you know anyone who is teaching a computer course? Let them know that there is a Visual Steps Newsletter especially for instructors. In this newsletter they will find information about new books, new guides for class preparation and other handy teaching aids.

For more information, visit our webpage: www.visualsteps.com/instructor

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Test your knowledge

Would you like to test your knowledge of the computer, software and other related items?
You can do that by taking one of the online quizzes available on our special website Computer Certificates for Seniors.

Visual Steps offers a series of multiple-choice quizzes covering a range of different topics created specifically for seniors. The questions embrace the knowledge and skills acquired by those who have worked through the Visual Steps books. There are quizzes about Windows XP, Windows Vista, Internet Explorer, Windows Mail and more.

If your score is sufficient, you can obtain our Computer Certificate by e-mail. You can than print your Computer Certificate or save it on your own computer to print or view later. Great to show to your family or friends!

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Where to buy our products

Our books are distributed by Independent Publishers Group (www.ipgbook.com) and are available in bookstores across the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. If a particular title is not available at your local book store, ask to have them place an order for you.

The Visual Steps books may be purchased online from any of the following booksellers:

in the USA
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

in Canada
Amazon (Canada)
Chapters Indigo

in the United Kingdom
Amazon (UK)

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Colophon

If you have any question, comments or suggestions regarding any of the information in this newsletter, please e-mail info@visualsteps.com

E-mail address changes
To change your e-mail address you first need to unsubscribe by going to the following web page www.visualsteps.com/newsletter. Enter your old e-mail address first to unsubscribe. Then enter your new e-mail address to resubscibe. You will receive shortly thereafter a confirmation e-mail. Open your e-mail program and check for new mail. Activate your subscription by clicking the link in the confirmation e-mail.
All Visual Steps books are available from the following online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Chapters Indigo (Canada). More information about where to buy our products is available on this web page: www.visualsteps.com/wheretobuy.php.

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