Another highlight is the chapter on safety and security. The author's checklist provides guidelines as to how much information to share, and she gives suggestions such as establishing a separate email address for your Facebook account. She humorously promotes the "mom or boss" check — in other words, do not post information that one's boss or mother should not see. Including screenshots and easy-to-follow instructions, Vander Veer demonstrates how to control privacy and access settings. Every user, from beginner to more advanced, would benefit from reading this chapter; it succinctly untangles the often confusing settings and alerts readers as to which are most important. This chapter alone is worth the purchase price.
In general, beginning Facebook users should keep Facebook: The Missing Manual by their computers as a handy reference tool. Even though the site is user-friendly, certain aspects can still confuse. Vander Veer effectively clarifies various elements of the service, using copious illustrations and providing simple instructions. Advanced Facebook users may find some chapters too simplistic, although Vander Meer offers novel ideas for business applications, job seeking and hiring, and advertising. Because of ongoing security and privacy concerns, her chapter on security settings obviously applies to all users. The chapters are clearly outlined and organized so readers can skip to particular sections that are most applicable to individual skill level. Facebook fans at all levels can benefit from The Missing Manual, and the book serves as a classic example of how simple language, numerous graphics, and a touch of humor appeal to various learning styles.
Article comments
1 - Paul Burns
For a social network.. I agree very confusing and I don't know how many times I have people asking me simple things like how do I see my full list of friends.
2 - Hilary Topper
I also wrote a book about social media. It's important for those who never grew up with social networking to learn how to utilize it... Nice job!
3 - Kit O'Toole
Thank you all for commenting! Stephen, I think you'll find some interesting business uses for Facebook in this book.