As a service to our customers, we provide several useful information guides available as free downloads. Subjects range from a short introduction to computers, quick reference guides to software programs and a short guide to digital photo editing. We add new documents regularly, so check this webpage back often! Here follows a few examples.

Adobe Reader 8

The Tips, Table of Contents, Sample Chapters and other how-to articles found on the Visual Steps websites are in the PDF format. PDF (Portable Document Format) is a universal file format that preserves the fonts, images, graphics, and layout of any source document, regardless of the application and platform used to create it. You can open, view and print these files with the program called Adobe Reader.
We have created the Adobe Reader 8 Guide to help you learn about this program. The guide illustrates in an easy, step-by-step manner how to download and install Adobe Reader 8. Learn how to zoom in and out within the document, search for text, how to use bookmarks and how to print.

Adobe Reader 8 is available for Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Do you already have Adobe Reader installed on your computer but you know someone who doesn't? Share information about this program with someone you know by printing this PDF document.

Download » ( PDF file - 34 pages - 1.8 MB)
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A Short Guide to Windows Internet Explorer 7

In October 2006, Microsoft released a new version of Internet Explorer for Windows XP users: Windows Internet Explorer 7.
Windows Internet Explorer 7 has been released as a Windows update. If you've set up your computer to automatically install Windows updates, then you've probably already received Windows Internet Explorer 7.

The new version 7 contains extra security measures to better protect your computer against hackers, unwanted pop-up windows, and phishing websites. There are also a few changes to the way the program works. For example, some icons look a little different, and some features have moved to a new location. This booklet covers the following topics:

• the similarities between Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7
• the most important new features in Internet Explorer 7

This guide is suitable for everyone who is already familiar with version 6 and wants to upgrade to version 7. You can use this guide as a supplement to your Visual Steps books that cover Internet Explorer 6.

HELP! I don't know how to use Internet Explorer version 6 yet.
If you don't yet know how to use version 6 and you have a Visual Steps book that covers Internet Explorer 6, then work through your book with version 6 first. You can check which version of Internet Explorer your book uses under the heading "System Requirements" on the back cover.
Do you have a book that uses Internet Explorer 6, but your computer already has version 7?
The tip Reverting to Internet Explorer 6 on page 33 at the back of this booklet describes how you can remove version 7 from your computer. Then version 6 will be active again, and you can work through your book to become familiar with the program.
After that, you can use the tip Downloading and Installing Windows Internet Explorer 7 on page 34 to put version 7 back on your computer. Then you can use this booklet to learn about the new features in version 7.

The guide contains 38 pages. You can open and print this PDF file using the free program Adobe Reader.
You can read more about Adobe Reader here.

Download » ( PDF file - 38 pages - 3.10 MB)
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Working with a touchpad in Windows XP

Do you have a laptop? Would you like to learn more about using the touchpad on your laptop?
You can read about pointing, clicking, double-clicking, scrolling and more by downloading this free guide.

This is a supplemental chapter to Windows XP for SENIORS.

Download » ( PDF file - 8 pages - 1.9 MB)
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A Short Guide to Digital Photo Editing
An introduction to the world of digital photography and photo-editing software

Digital photography has grown enormously in a short time. This success is not accidental. The digital camera's ease of use and the ability to edit photos on the computer and share them with others over the Internet or e-mail have won over many new enthusiasts. You can digitize your old slides or printed photos by scanning them. If you want to keep using your regular camera, you can have your photos stored as digital files on a CD when you get them developed.
To work with digital photos, you'll need software. This booklet provides you with information about a very popular photo editing program: ArcSoft Photo Studio.

Download » ( PDF - 23 pages - 7.80 MB)
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Computers: What Can You Do with Them?
A useful Guide for Seniors

This digital world is accessible to everyone of all ages. This short guide provides useful information to prepare you for the moment when you actually sit down in front of a computer.
First you'll read about what people do with computers. Popular applications include word processing, photo and video editing, using e-mail and surfing the Internet. You will become better equipped to analyze actual advertisements and learn how to purchase a computer on your own.

This guide was created for seniors who have had no prior experience working with a computer, in other words, an absolute beginner.

Are you already comfortable working with a computer but have a friend or relative who isn't? Print this handy guide for them to help them get started.

Download » ( PDF - 33 pagess - 4.44 MB)