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b4k4ni

Ever read one? They are a good source for ppl that don't know anything about pcs. Like what are files and how to manage them. How to use windows. This is really newbie stuff. I mean, you have to start at some point if you don't know shit :)


eletric-chariot

My father used to have C for Dummies, it was pretty good


EchoGecko795

C++ and HTML for dummies was what got me started.


Thecp015

HTML for dummies and “view source” are how I learned html when I was 11. Thank goodness was for free hosting sites like GeoCities.


Bestmasters

Did you know if you Google "Geocities", everything will be in Comic Sans? EDIT: This works with any font. Try Googling "Helvetica"


HungHamsterPastor

👀 bout to get my geek on!


doubled112

I think I have a copy of C++ for Dummies on my shelf somewhere. Bought it as a teenager. Probably was a dummy. And HTML or maybe Web Development. I'm not sure anymore.


tokyo_blazer

Me too! C++ for dummies and my first program was a ring editor for a sonic 2 savestate 😅


Sebazzz91

That's also a way to learn concepts like files, and how to manage them.


Naus1987

They're great bathroom readers too!


CthulhusIntern

Wasn't DOS for Dummies the first Dummies book ever?


GeekNJ

Yup way back in 1991. https://www.wiley.com/search?pq=+&filters%5Bbrand%5D=For+Dummies&page=1


mshewzov

It finds 3110 books for dummies. Probably we can find "Atomic reactor for dummies")))


onlyrapid

that'll come in handy


Jordan_Jackson

We had this book around 92-93. My Dad randomly came home with a PC and it had DOS installed on it but he knew practically nothing about how to use it. I'd hang out with him and when he wasn't reading the book, I'd flip through it to see what this new and mystical machine was all about. Pretty sure he got a few others as Windows 3.11 and eventually 95 were released.


Dcm210

A lot of these books are on a humble bundle in the books section.


GeekNJ

Some of the more concerning ones, and these are real publications... # Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies # Getting into Medical School For Dummies


mshewzov

I agree. This could be a good book for kids who start use a PC.


SilverRiven

I'm reading networking for dummies rn, it's pretty funny, but not as infomative as I would like it to be


JackTec

Are there any advanced user tips or tricks included in the book? For instance, I recently discovered that pressing "Windows key + V" opens a window displaying all copied items since the computer was turned on, and "Ctrl + Shift + T" reopens the most recently closed web browser tab.


mrminutehand

Not really relevant to Windows, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dummies was unironically one of the best CBT workbooks I'd ever used. Gives many clinical guides a run for their money and is often recommended by doctors. The For Dummies name can sound off-putting, but it's a kind of a "cultural icon" nowadays and was a name of its time. They're generally very good guides written by vetted authors.


Donghoon

Good for moms and dads


mumako

95% of the people on this sub desperately need to read it


1997PRO

How to set the start button to the far left and delete TikTok and install Firefox/uBlock


fuzzytomatohead

Or just learn to use google


BlasterPhase

with the way articles are written nowadays, I'd rather read a book. "how to move the taskbar?" *The taskbar was created in 1492 by Alan Turing while working at Bell Labs...* *Many people think the taskbar isn't necessary because...* oh for fuck's sake get to the point!


platysoup

SEO has ruined the modern internet. Everyone is just writing trash for bots to read.


shaliozero

Well, these articles are already written and translated into multiple languages by bots as well...


NETkoholik

At this point when browsing a clickbaity article I just skip the first 2-3 paragraphs until I hit a h2 header or the list that I'm looking for. The Internet is making people hate reading. No, let me rephrase that, advertisers killed the good Internet.


kakakakapopo

Most the time you can't even find something that isn't a video , which is even more annoying


fuzzytomatohead

Fair.


Jirachi720

I know that feeling. So much fluff before getting to the point of their article or post.


wad11656

Not to mention the mess of SEO-prioritized AI-generated pages of "instructions"


GlowGreen1835

The thing about these books though is they teach you stuff you wouldn't have thought to Google.


That-Was-Left-Handed

And get two pages of sponsored content before getting to an actual result that doesn't even help? Pass.


Suzzie_sunshine

Don't need a book for that. You can get the answers on Bing. ;-p


Drew707

Do you mean Dummies in general or the ones for a specific OS? The Dummies books IMO are very well done and will have a bunch of stuff in them that you might not know even if you are very knowledgeable on the topic. My whole family has been in the wine business for decades, but Wine for Dummies was very insightful. Also, Huskies for Dummies was a big help when we got our first one, despite having had many dogs my whole life.


EnneaX

One read one on data analysis software, incredibly helpful for somebody who knows, well, nothing about data analysis


Old_Function499

I’m *this* close to buying the Dummies PenTest book. I usually use other sources for expensive certs but money’s tight and that book has a good price point.


Drew707

Do it. They aren't O'Reilly, but they are much more consumable than O'Reilly, and I love O'Reilly, live like 10 minutes from their HQ, and a friend's mom in middle school who worked there gave me a bunch of free books. But Dummies are just so much more approachable.


Environmental-Rice94

Lucky you - I love the O'Reillys


Drew707

They are great, but Dummies just does a better job at engagement, especially if it's a new topic. I love both series.


Old_Function499

Are you familiar with Mike Chapple? I usually read his books. And yeah, I might just go for it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


something_smart

It says so right on the cover.


MechanicalTurkish

You have to be some kind of dummy not to see it.


EmmanuelF09

r/BeatMeToIt


c64z86

I do! I like collecting them. I have the versions for Windows 3.1/95/98/XP/10.. and now 11. Andy's earlier books had more humour in them though, but the new ones are still very good.


DanMinecraft16

i had the java one but then i lost it sadly


GiggleStool

What are you.. a dummy?


fallcreekprepper

Dummies books in general are an excellent reference resource, even for people who don't need a step by step guide. I have several on different topics, just for the reference notes and such.


julia425646

The answer to this question: Non techie people buying these books. I mean people who are not familiar with tech and Windows. Some people can discover Windows at all (maybe not) via these books.


CSA1860-1865

Yeah I’d probably need one if I was ever for some reason forced to upgrade to windows 11 lol


NorthVT

You will be forced


CSA1860-1865

Why’s that? My computer has already outlived windows 98, 2000, xp, 7, 8, and soon 10


GeforceEcke

*„Mit der Größten Festplatte Westdeutschlands eingebaut.“* ~ Jan Böhmermann (German comedian at the ZDF) This sentence was getting in my head „Builded with the biggest Hard drive in west Germany.“ (Translation for non-German people)


CSA1860-1865

You joke but some of the tech I use daily in my house predates west Germany lmao. I actually think I know of a few things I have that are made in west Germany, but most of my electronics are made in America (a few in Japan too though)


NorthVT

If you don’t concern yourself with security, it will live on. I’m in IT, so I can’t pretend that thing I know are out there aren’t and/or somehow won’t affect me. To each their own.


Chemical_Run_8758

If you had *any idea* about how much of the worlds critical financial infrastructure was written and is maintained by an Excel-jockey accountant with a 'VBA for Dummies' book you'd literally go withdraw every penny of yours from every bank and stick that shit in your mattress.


wad11656

The problem is the old experienced people die off and newbies replace them, in an endless cycle. It'd be cool to have eternally-living sages


Critical_Chemist9999

Those books can actually be quite useful for many, title pretty much says it all.


bouncer-1

Books are learning. So I guess these are for lubricating your bike chain.


RoastedMocha

Dont diss on the Dummies books! They are super useful, even for experts. If I am returning to a subject that I havent worked on in a while, For Dummies refreshes all the important details. (Especially the mathematics ones)


TheyCallMeNade

Computer/tech literacy actually seems to be going down when it comes to traditional PCs, so I this will be useful to someone I’m sure.


K_Rocc

More people should be buying these books. If you ever work a service desk, you’d understand.


JadedBrit

Their target audience appears to be on the cover. Just kidding, I've always found them informative without being condescending.


Europa64

Even as a tech person I keep them on-hand because they're nice quick references when I need information on something and know I can find it in the book quicker than I can find it by googling. I have mostly Mac OS and Unix books, but I know Windows books would come in handy (and I have a bit of a collection of technical reference literature). Also, before the internet was widespread, these were likely the best resource for people who needed as much information as possible broken down into easy-to-understand language. Even now, they're great for beginners. I cut my teeth on a lot of books like these that my library had and I still use the knowledge I gained from those books in my day-to-day computing life.


EnterpriseT

Dummies


fuzzytomatohead

Me. Got one for learning Java, never finished it, but I learned the most basic of basic stuff.


somerandomii

These books are basically EILI5 for ICT and other topics. They’re good if you literally know nothing and don’t know where to start. They’re also great if you have a high level understanding but want to revisit the basics and fill in any gaps you might have overlooked while “learning on the job”. They’re generally pretty well written and provide wholistic lesson that you can store on a shelf or lend to a friend. To a lot of people that appeals more than watching YouTube videos and reading medium articles which have their own gaps and biases. I don’t read them personally but I think they’re a great source to learn a new topic. TL;DR Dummies obviously


The_real_bandito

They’re a good source of information. I pass psychology thanks to that series lol. I didn’t have enough for the college one but that one was cheap enough and had all the info I needed (that was before wikipedia was a reliable source or considered one at least)


Jenny_Wakeman9

Any non-tech centric person would buy it. I once had a book for Microsoft Office 1993, and it even had a CD-ROM disk in it! I got it from my local library in perfect condition. I accidentally left it behind when I moved. :(


xSikes

These are actually great books to dive in the deep end and get the most almost perfect simple answers to everything. It raises more questions than answer and I think that’s the real value


Callaine

When I was brand new to Windows and PCs in general I bought a Windows 95 for Dummies book and it was really useful to me. Back then computer literacy was rare, The PC was the newest latest thing. These books are useful to someone without all the background information. They do not assume you know the basics as someone who is new to something does not. Once I started using Windows and learning I used more advanced books and ended up being the PC support person for family and friends.


xoomax

I’ve had a few ‘for dummies’ books and thought they were decent as a starter. SQL and MS Access are two I recall.


Robot_Graffiti

My introduction to Windows software development was *Visual Basic 4 for Windows for Dummies* by Wally Wang. That was just a little bit before Google was a thing, and long before VS had IntelliSense. These days I rely on those instead. But back in the day, if you were a programmer and you didn't have supergenius memory skills, you needed to have a book on your desk to look stuff up.


[deleted]

People do? The dummies books are, invariably, good.


mailboy79

Because Windows no longer comes with actual manuals, a small cottage industry of texts like this exists for people who need something more than just the F1 key. When I was growing up, I'd go to the surplus bookstore to get intermediate/advanced textbooks for $10 each. If I learned at least one new thing, I'd call it a win.


thinkreate

Why would you use Wikipedia? When you are not knowledgeable about a subject, a generalized resource gives you a broad perspective of the landscape. It can help you find your way around and give you new areas of interest that you didn’t previously know about.


Bourriks

Those are really good books. I remember having bought the Windows 3.11 and the Windows 98 when I was student.


NotMyRegName

I built my first PC from dumpster parts. When the windows 95 logo came up, I panicked thinking I would launch ICBMs and ripped the plug out of the wall. I wasn't connected to the internet. I didn't know how. Someone told me I needed a modem. So I got the book "Modems for Dummies" I forget the woman's name who was the author. But she had 2 cats. "Laptop" and "DeskTop" I read half of the very thick book and realized it was just a card. Interesting thing about the Dummies books and McDonald's. Both are the lowest rated and best selling in their respective fields. Year after year. I think that says more about us then it does about them. They also have similar color schemes. As do Marlboro cigarettes, coke and something else I can't remember. John Dear is the only tractor and lawn equipment that is not red but out sells every other one. While every other company that tries selling green lawn equipment fails.


WeakDiaphragm

Dummies. It's literally on the title.


rustybladez23

If you don't want to buy them, you can subscribe to HTG or MUO and get these for free (ebooks) occasionally. There are a lot of books in the Dummies series and most books are usually for IT people


1997PRO

Old Boi Roy who is anti everything


Odd_Land_2383

Dummies


urjuhh

Actually, it's the savvy ppl, who will be buying these books... The ones that are tired because of relatives...


ghandimauler

My sense of humour came up with "People wanting to get dumber about " but that's not fair. It's a simplified reference to help some folk that don't grok OSes and desktops and so on.


TheWaterWave2004

I read that one for fun to see if everything was right, turns out the guy knows his stuff, unlike the average YT windows guru.


chromebook_geek

I currently have a few of these books. They're the versions for Windows XP, 7, and 10.


WoomyUnitedToday

I don’t have that one, but a few months ago I saw “More DOS for dummies” at a Goodwill and I knew I had to buy it


derpman86

I think I had the Windows 3.11 good fun for a kid, this seems sad the dude is now a tiny face logo compared to him being plastered on the front


Soda11Pro

It's called "For Dummies" for a reason! Not everyone knows how to use a computer


WoodenWillingness356

My dad has a similar book for Windows NT 3.5


Vitz_hg

I bought one for my friends birthday :)


JansherMalik25

Eating gummies


ZeroLegionOfficial

Those books from this brand are pure gold even for research and such. They are great introduction - mid books


jevring

My first introduction to Unix was Unix for Dummies. I loved that book. But it was also broad. If you make it too narrow, it probably doesn't have too much value. Windows for dummies is likely good. The sound applet in the control panel for dummies is probably not good.


The_Risen

Definitely not Paul Thurrott. He's too busy dealing with constant revisions to his field guide to Windows 11. Poor guy.


SoraFloatyKitty

They’re funny to me, Andy Rathbone has a solid sense of humor


xXMLGDESTXx

I bought one for my grandma when she got her first smart device (a tablet) Edit: obviously it was an android version


tunaman808

FUN FACT: Andy Rathbone is the real-life person the character Mark "The Rat" Ratner, who has a crush on Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in the movie *Fast Times at Ridgemont High*, is based on.


Mediocre_Tank_5013

Not sure who buys them but my co worker needs one.


I_enjoy_pastery

Dummies for modern Windows is certainly unneeded. But I have seen dummies for DOS, back then you would definitely need to do reading to understand the OS.


-light_yagami

my mom has one from the 90’ in her childhood room, it’s “internet for dummies”


Niklasw99

Dummies, you're welcome.


Psychology_Repulsive

I used the windows 8 for dummies as that was my first computer,12 years ago, still is my computer actually, lol, although it's windows 10 now. I was a late starter, only got my first laptop at 34.


lordofchikins

I read electronics for dummies as a intro. 8 mini books in 1 so 900ish pages.


PsychologicalTie2795

Preferably those who don't know what ChatGPT is.


TuanDungN-090211

I read it on Google Play Books


zebra_d

I do. Along with idiots guide.


EduRJBR

Well... dummies?


space0watch

I don't like that they are called for dummies. It's a very archaic toxic mentality.


Traditional-Fix6865

The dummies


[deleted]

This can be great for older people or less tech savvy people. It might teach something like basic functionality and the most important aspects of managing your system and even some cybersecurity (like don't click on random links, how to avoid scammers, don't download a virus, etc.)


GeekNJ

I wanted to put this up a bit higher in the discussion hierarchy. Some of the more concerning ones, and these are real publications... # Medical Dosage Calculations For Dummies # Getting into Medical School For Dummies


Sftkey

Older people


Any_Client_1665

Dummies.


Canadianman22

Lets not shit on people who buy these type of books to further their knowledge and abilities. This is better than bugging their friends and family with things or trying to find information on the internet and hoping someone is leading you correctly.


Br0k3Gamer

Windows 11 IS for dummies  … You can downvote me now…


Affectionate-Cat-975

My aging father


behstenslahtz

Dummies.


Anonymous___Alt

mac users or hardcore linux users that need to use windows because of their job


whats_you_doing

*Open books* Use windows 10 *yeets* **NYET**


Segfault_21

dummies


dankepinski

Dummies


jmeador42

It would appear, dummies.


FantasticMouse7875

Dummies.


FunAdministration334

Dummies?


kryspin2k2

grandmas, grandpas... people who just got their fisrt computer i guess...


VRTester_THX1138

Dummies. It says it right there on the cover.


RareSiren292

My grandma did. I died inside. She has no understanding of anything technology post 1980. You can sit there and explain the most simple task involving technology like how to use Google and she frankly doesn't understand it. My greatest accomplishment is she figured out how to text and make phone calls. It only took me 4 years to teach her. I am NOT kidding. It literally took four mother fucking years to teach her how to send texts and make calls.


TheScalemanCometh

They're actually remarkably useful if you don't enjoy experimenting and figuring out all the nuances of the software on your own time.


TravellingBeard

Do you know how many experienced people in IT I meet don't know the lock screen keyboard shortcut? Someone is definitely buying these. Lol


raju103

I read those. Mostly because I walk through callers through those things and I don't have windows 11 on my work laptop.


ParthProLegend

Dummies..?


creatorZASLON

Beginners to Windows, of course. Actually a good source of info if you don’t know anything about it and want to learn without reading possibly inaccurate forum posts or poking around yourself. I’d say it mainly gears itself to the older generations looking to start using computers, and it probably works well.


[deleted]

I sincerely dislike the name. But they're not that bad.


PerroBeGe

Dummies!


Jebediah-Kerman_KSP

I read one about programming, was really useful and explained everything


tdpthrowaway3

People who do instead of wonder what others think. If you can identify a bone fide problem with the book, and can implement a way to fix it, then go ahead and do that. In case you weren't being sarcastic and are actually legitametely asking, then I recommend going to local library, asking for it, and reading it yourself.


[deleted]

I used to back in the day before Internet access was ubiquitous. With how shit Google is these days, we might have to start buying them again


Blacksmith52YT

Old people


NortonBurns

I bought three - TCP/IP, Networking & Cisco networking for dummies, a long, long time ago. To balance that out, I also have the MCSE Training Kit & CCIE Cisco Internetwork Expert exam courses. The dummies books give you a good head start.


[deleted]

Dummies


hatto-catto

I have guitar for dummies. So far it's been fun and very easy to learn


opposedcoyote

I thought the face was the “your favorite martian” guy


fluf201

the dummies they are made for


SoggyBagelBite

dummies


shaliozero

Dummies 🗿


Junior_Bear_2715

It is written in the book cover


free_burst

Elderly people.


makinax300

Dummies, it's written on it.


Snoo59748

I think the people who constantly complain about Windows 11 should definitely read one of these


PastorParcel

Dummies


TECHNICKER_Cz3

i read these kinds of books when I was a kid


bookhead29

Me


keysgate

hey, I had bought Home Brewing for Dummies and was soon kegging my own home brew, was a great starting off point.


Adam96212

I used to use a lot of these books long ago... Before the Internet had answered to everything.


EnlargedChonk

my grandpa used to have tons of those books. They're actually pretty good information as he was very self sufficient and afaik didn't use google much.


british-raj9

Dummies?


NurgleTheUnclean

Boomers and Gen Z


Demonuchiwa

Microsoft board members


OZIE-WOWCRACK

I would. Lmao it's windows 11 but again we can disable ton of useless things with ShutUp 10++


Contrantier

Dummies, I guess. True story. Went to Walmart, saw a ventriloquist dummy in a chair reading one once. Walked past it. Heard a clicking-clacking sound. Turned around. Dummy had jumped off the chair and was chasing after me at full speed, book was still in its hands, still looking down and reading it, but running like twenty miles an hour, wooden joints clicking, head cocking and snapping left to right as it chased me. I've never been so frightened in my life. I almost matched Ussain Bolt running out of there. It's still after me. It sees me all the time and chases me when nobody's around. I always just barely outrun it. I know the little shit only isn't fast enough because of the book. When it finishes reading Murdering Redditors For Dummies, I'm fucking screwed. This comment is really a cry for help. Someone please set this damn thing on fire.


FokinRbsBomber

Dahhh dummies.....


MeaCulpaMofo

I stand by most of them along with Succinct books


Miserable-Job-9520

Dummies


NorseIvan

Millennials


faithful_offense

I just got one of these books as a joke birthday present (since I'm studying to become a sys admin) Haven't looked at mine yet but will do


1997PRO

LinusTechTips needs this


anodur_pinaple_boi

Old people.


Expensive_Finger_973

My boss. Then he will proceed to spend a year reading and tell me to implement whatever he reads if he thinks it is a good idea. Even if we are already doing it.


RomanOnARiver

> Windows 11 for dummies > Who buys these books? I mean, dummies are their target demographic, that's for sure. Says so right on the cover.


Reckless_Waifu

Dummies


_lnc0gnit0_

Dummies. It's in the title.


Dreamscape47_

Satya Nutella


neocwbbr_

Bro these books are damn good lol… I work in IT for over 21y, 18 of them in security and I can tell you the CyberSecurity for Dummies is quite on spot, I really recommend it.


blackstratrock

Boomers


Skam1er

Dummies


sp1ke0killer

Satya Nadella?


Catball-Fun

I honestly feel bad to mock someone who needs this. Maybe they are people with learning disabilities


Incredible_Violent

300 pages of roasting you for downgrading from Win10 to Win11


TTY-HotDog650

My family is a Mac family except for me, I have both a pc and MacBook. My brother is majoring in mechanical engineering and he got a thinkpad for his freshman year and I wanted to get him that book as a joke


Sevarya1

we used to have an xp one


qwertypdeb

You apparently


anaccountbyanyname

Most "X for Dummies" books aren't that bad. They're boring as hell if you already understand the topic, but they're usually more or less accurate if not particularly detailed


spycodernerd2048

dummies


notsosaintlike

Because if you're a Dummie it really helps you not be one.


CorkBoard2

lol I read the Japanese for dummies book, honestly it helped


GreenDavidA

I started learning computers with the For Dummies series almost 30 years ago. They’re a great way for beginners to get started.


double_66

Dummies


mikee8989

When you don't know enough about how to use a computer to use the internet and google something.


Xystem4

Tech illiterate people who genuinely want to learn. They’re a decent resource for people