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Testing Computer Software is written with the GUI tester in mind (Windows and Macintosh). It's a good overview of testing in this industry and has a nice Appendix with several test ideas. It's a really good start and covers the issues nicely.

How Computers Work
How Computers Work is easy to read with lots of pictures and diagrams. Helps to fill the gaps in knowledge of how computers, software and the internet work.

Recommended

Highly Recommended For New Testers

Jargon: An Informal Dictionary of Computer Terms
Confused and perplexed by all the terms used? Jargon is an extensive list of terms and easy to understand explanations. 32 bit, COM1, color separation, bad sector, algorithm, font conversion, kerning, paradigm shift, real time, reboot, resolution, SCSI, techno-babble and more are all explained.

Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with CD-ROM
Are you a new tester? Need some help with what all the parts are and how to use them (like the control panel, registry or system tools). Using Windows 2000 does an excellent job of teaching the new tester and jogging the memory of the rest of us. Testing a different version of Windows? Use the Barnes and Noble search box above and search on "Using Windows ….". There's a book for every version.

Recommended

Trusting Your Tester's Intuition:


The Design of Everyday Things
Have you ever walked up to a door and pushed, not pulled? This is an outstanding book that looks at the design and utility (the GUI and Usability) of tangible things in our lives. The Design of Everyday Things is amusing and delightful. It's a nice break from the technical books, yet relevant to software design.

Interpersonal Skills:


Dealing with People You Can't Stand: How to Bring out the Best in People at Their Worst
Dealing With People You Can't Stand defines 10 tough personality types (which one are you?). To deal with them it discusses how to readjust your attitude, define your goals relative to the difficult person and recommends an action plan. Quick, easy and fun to read.

Document Writing or Review:


The Mac is Not a Typewriter

The Pc is Not a Typewriter
PC Is Not A Typewriter covers spacing, special characters, kerning, fonts and typefaces. It's a quick read and a handy reference. For those who learned to type on a typewriter, this is an excellent little book about how creating documents on a computer differs. Click here for the Macintosh equivalent, or check out the companion book More Typographic Insights and Secrets.

Elements of Style
This is your high school grammar class rolled into a short, inexpensive reference. It describes when to use commas or colons, when to use lie or lay, and sentence structure.

www.dictionary.com
A quick, online reference for spelling and synonyms.