A REALLY helpful book for computer beginners
By Jayne Warren - 30/04/2008
Many readers tell us they want to become computer literate - but find that most courses and manuals leave them feeling confused or even despairing of modern technology. So we are happy to report that one computer booklet called "What You Should Know About Your PC keyboard" has been highly praised by readers - and its free! Even better, for those who liked that, they then joyfully progressed to the full book 'Computers One Step at a Time' (complete with CDROM) which is available on a totally free trial - in other words, you only pay the modest sum if you want to keep it.
Both computer aids are published by The Helpful Book Company, and I asked the founder, Tim Wakeling, about his company's ethos, and why their books are, well, so helpful! He said: "When I moved away from the town where Mum and Dad live, they kept telling me they wished that I'd write down how to use the PC in the way I used to explain it to them. So that's why I wrote Computers One Step at a Time.
"Most books you can buy about computers seem to assume you already know what you're doing - which is fine for some people but no use for real beginners. So I make sure that every book we publish starts right at the beginning and uses plain, ordinary language instead of jargon. We also use lots of pictures of the computer screen to show people exactly where to point the mouse and where to click.
Many people who've used the booklet and book took the trouble to write in and tell Tim just how useful it was. Comments include: “At last! - a book written for ‘computer illiterate idiots’ like me. At the age of 70 I need things to be simply explained. Many thanks I will certainly recommend these books to anyone.”
“My husband and I are delighted with the books – we have had a PC for several years but have never managed to come to grips with it!”
“After three hours I’ve learnt more about my computer than the last five weeks I’ve had it. I’m 61 and not having used a keypad before my knowledge was absolutely nil. Thank you!”
"Every minute at the computer is a delight and I am learning something useful every day. I am 87! Many thanks for skilful assistance."
Tim is also very thorough in making sure his readers are satisfied, and runs an ongoing survey to see how people rate the books. Needless to say the results are outstanding - but he watches the ratings whenever they launch a new book to make sure it's up to scratch.
The Helpful Book Company have books on a variety of subjects, including Digital Photography and Desktop Publishing, and one of their most popular freebies is a monthly email newsletter, with tips, advice and answers to reader questions.
Tim added: "As a business, I believe we can be successful and offer good customer service. We aim to send out all orders the day we receive them - or the next day if you phone after 3:30pm. And if you ever want your money back, you'll get it without having to fill in huge long forms or call us up umpteen times. Oh, and the phones are answered by actual human beings not machines.
"It seems obvious that's the right way to be - I don't know why more businesses aren't like it really."
For more information and to sign up for the newsletter, visit the website below. Alternatively call 01229 777606 or write to: The Helpful Book Company, Unit 8A, Devonshire Road Estate, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JS.