Have you noticed that there's always been something missing when you purchase software or a computer? There's no start button!

Well, the prolific David Pogue, who created the Missing Manual series for his Pogue Press division of O'Reilly Media, came, saw and conquered that problem with a new series of books aimed at computer neophytes.

"Windows XP for Starters: The Missing Manual," by Pogue ($19.95); "Excel for Starters: The Missing Manual," by Mathew MacDonald ($19.95); "Access 2003 for Starters: The Missing Manual," ($19.95) by Kate J. Chase and Charles Palmer, and "Quicken 2006 for Starters: The Missing Manual," by Bonnie Biafore ($24.95) take aim at those of us that are as comfortable with new pieces of software as housewives are with jackhammers.

This new series of books guides us through the maze of technospeak and takes its readers through the basics of using their computers to set up budgets, create their first spreadsheets, or databases or simply become comfortable with using Windows XP.

Here's a quick synopsis.

"Windows XP for Starters"

• It gives you a clear concise overview of everything that confronts you when you turn on your computer, including icons, menus and the scroll bars.
• 7A guide to working with XP applications.
• 7Learn how to use the calculator, Windows Media Player and WordPad.
• 7Get a clear understanding of all of Windows XP's Internet features, including setting up an account, using Outlook Express and using Internet Explorer.
• 7An easy to follow guide to setting up all of the peripherals for your computer and a guide to setting up a home network.

"Excel for Starters"

• The basics of using Excel's interface and for setting up your first spreadsheet.
• Formatting data to make it more presentable.
• Creating impressive printouts.
• Learn how to perform calculations and create formulas.
• Learn how to take advantage of templates that come with the program and how to use various charts available to Excel users.

"Access 2003 for Starters"

• An overview of the fundamentals of using a database, including using wizards, designing your own tables and forms and how to make a relational database work.
• How to manage information by sorting and filtering and using queries.
• Tips for getting the most productive use from the menu bar.
• How to post your data in the Internet and how to generate reports to share your data.

"Quicken 2006 for Starters"

• Setting up Quicken to meet your needs.
• How to create data files, accounts, categories, configure preferences and protect your information.
• Learn how to track investments and cash flow, make deposits, pay bills and perform other financial tasks online.
• Learn how to create and use budgets and track investments.

More information on this new series of books can be found at www.oreilly.com.

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