About the Author Alan Simpson is a freelance computer/Internet consultant and veteran author of digilit (digital literature). He's the author of more than 80 computer books, published in many languages throughout the world. Alan is best known for his light, conversational writing style and clear jargon--free approach to dealing with technical topics. Prior to writing books full time, Alan taught introductory and advanced computer programming courses at San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego Extension. He also worked as a freelance programmer and computer consultant. He maintains the www.coolnerds.com Web site (when time permits), and can be reached at
[email protected]. Brian Underdahl is the best--selling author of more than 50 computer books, including several current titles from IDG Books Worldwide: Pocket PCs For Dummies, Opera Web Browser For Dummies, Windows 98 One Step at a Time, Internet Bible, 2nd Edition, Teach Yourself Office 2000, Teach Yourself Windows 2000 Professional, and Teach Yourself Windows Me. Brian spends most of his time at the keyboard, writing about personal computing. When he finds the time, he enjoys taking in the view from the home he and his wife, Darlene, built in the mountains 2,000 feet above Reno, Nevada. He tries to find the time to attend Mensa meetings whenever possible, and he has become a fairly decent gourmet cook in the recent years, too.