15 Free Guides for Practical Skills & Knowledge
A Collection of Free Guides & Manuals
Throughout 2010, we developed a series of new PDF manuals covering a diverse range of topics, from Facebook privacy settings to helpful Dropbox techniques.
Having recently released 15 new manuals, resulting in hundreds of thousands of downloads, we felt it was an opportune moment to revisit and showcase them. Readers familiar with our site may recall a similar compilation from the previous year.
All downloads are completely free and require no registration. You can easily access a PDF of your chosen guide with a single click, even if you aren't a regular MakeUseOf subscriber.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would share these manuals with your network of friends and colleagues!
1 - The (Very) Unofficial Facebook Privacy Guide
It's crucial to secure your Facebook settings. Facebook’s design doesn’t prioritize this, as features are frequently added with default settings leaning towards public visibility.
This guide comprehensively details everything you need to know to maximize your privacy on Facebook, including aspects you may not have considered.
Understanding the extent of your public information on Facebook is essential, making this guide a valuable resource for all users.
Download NOW
2 - The Awesome Automation Guide for Mac Users
The principle of working smarter, not harder, is central to Mac Automation, a powerful technology integrated into Apple’s OS X but often overlooked.
From automating email sorting to document searches and playlist creation, numerous tasks can be automated instead of performed manually – provided you know how to begin.
This guide explains how to automate tasks on your Mac, eliminating repetitive actions without requiring any programming knowledge.
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3 - Using The Magic Pocket: A Dropbox Guide
Dropbox functions as a readily accessible "magic pocket," storing your files and making them available across all your computers and mobile devices.
Beyond simple storage, Dropbox offers features like file sharing, data backup, file synchronization, and even remote computer control.
If you haven't yet adopted Dropbox, now is the time. This guide provides everything you need to get started, offering clear instructions and being entirely free.
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4 - The Office Worker's 101 Guide To A USB Flash Drive
Modern flash drives are versatile tools, capable of not only storing files but also running programs and even entire operating systems.
This guide explores the full potential of USB flash drives, helping you choose the right drive for your needs.
Learn about data backup, security, privacy, and installing software on your flash drive for use on any computer.
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5 - The Ultimate Windows 7 Guide: From Newbies To Pros
This 8-chapter guide facilitates a smooth transition to Windows 7 from your current operating system.
It covers everything from verifying system compatibility to utilizing the new features exclusive to Windows 7, along with helpful tips.
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6 - The Ultimate Guide To Gmail
This 34-page eBook delves into the history of Gmail and provides expert tips for managing and organizing your emails.
The guide assists in switching from your current email provider to Gmail and maximizing its capabilities.
Even experienced Gmail users will find valuable insights in the later chapters.
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7 - How To Build Your Own WordPress Site
WordPress is a highly efficient, versatile, and accessible platform for creating and managing websites – it’s the platform we use at MakeUseOf!
This guide provides everything you need to launch your first, second, or tenth website successfully, from selecting a web host to designing a simple banner.
Download NOW
8 - The Essential Guide To Digital Photography
MakeUseOf presents this comprehensive 59-page guide, packed with valuable information for photographers of all skill levels.
Discover what digital camera suits your needs, learn about key features and settings, and complete five beginner exercises to enhance your skills.
The guide also provides instructions and information on editing your photos to achieve stunning results.
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9 - How To Create Professional Reports and Documents
Crafting a well-structured report or document can be surprisingly challenging. Many documents suffer from unnecessary spacing, inconsistent fonts, and poorly positioned images.
This guide dissects the elements of a good report, reviewing structuring, styling, and finalization techniques. It’s a valuable resource for both beginners and experts.
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10 - The Complete Beginners Guide To Joomla
Do you aspire to create your own website but lack confidence in your technical skills?
MakeUseOf proudly offers The Complete Beginner's Guide To Joomla, available for free download.
This 40+ page guide empowers you to create a professional website within minutes, teaching you how to use Joomla CMS for various website types.
Download NOW
11 - The Complete Guidebook To Web Searching [No Longer Available]
This guide is designed for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity and discover new search engines.
It provides comprehensive information about search engines, covering everything you need to know.
Learn how to refine your searches, utilize special search commands, and explore a variety of specialized search engines.
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12 - The MakeUseOf Online Shopping Guide
This free guide is your ultimate resource for all your online shopping needs.
Learn how to find bargain sales online, identify the best websites for deals, and integrate online shopping into your offline experience.
The guide is filled with valuable tips and a curated selection of useful websites.
Download NOW
13 - The Incredible Guide to Ubuntu Karmic Koala [No Longer Available]
This guide is beneficial for both Linux beginners and intermediate users, offering over 50 easy-to-follow tutorials.
It aims to simplify your Linux experience, teaching you how to define command aliases for easier command-line usage.
14 - How To Build a Gaming PC
Gaming can be an expensive pursuit, particularly when it comes to hardware. Building your own PC can save you hundreds of dollars.
This guide familiarizes you with the various computer components from a gamer's perspective.
Instead of recommending specific products, it teaches you how to evaluate and compare individual components.
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15 - Your PC Hardware: Inside and Out [ Part 1 ] and [ Part 2 ]
Even the best free software is ineffective without compatible hardware, yet many of us lack a fundamental understanding of how our computers function.
In this guide, Lachlan Roy breaks down the computer into its core components, describing their function, explaining key specifications, and providing historical context.
He also recommends brands known for quality, performance, and value.
Download NOW: Part 1 and Part 2
Significant effort was invested in creating these manuals, with each one undergoing review by multiple individuals to ensure accuracy and quality.
Please help us share these resources! Download, share on social media, and spread the word!
Image credit: Daz*