I had this recommended by my friend Lee Thorn who bumps along the bottom when it comes to actual ICT use. Actually, the team at Makeuseof.com make the point that these are learning tools, not just informational. 15 Free Guides That Really Teach You USEFUL Stuff A bit like an e-Engage Your Community workshop really. No sign up need, downloads are free, no strings attached, all they ask is that you spread the word.

1. Internet Guide for the Movie Addict
   Whether you want a quick heads-up, are looking for download and streaming possibilities, or even want to fix broken AVI’s — you’ll find it in there!
2. Internet Guidebook for An Audiophile
   Internet listening to music, streaming audio to your computer, and free download music sites... Learn how to share music with others and track a band’s performance and album releases.
3. The Incredible Free Manual for Every Mac User
   Based on Snow Leopard – the latest release of the Mac OS X operating system. Tips, tricks and free applications. Get the hang of the interface and discover what your Mac is really capable of.
4. The Underground Guide to the iPhone
   From basic user interface to a ton of lurking features.
5. Twitter: Best Practices & Tips
   Every Twitter feature and tips and tricks you can think of. Learn to work the interface, to Tweet from your desktop, cool Twitter bots and more.
6. The Ultimate Guide to your Windows Mobile Phone
   These devices are basically mini-computers and have endless possibilities — and thus endless possible difficulties. (re)discover the most basic features and applications of your device, extend it with new applications and tools.
7. A Computer Geek’s Smart Productivity Guide
   The most common productivity mistakes, as well as a number of applications to improve your touch typing, your time organization, and your global workflow.
8. Building a Media Center for your Home
   Read all about the different hardware components, software candidates and media extenders, in this manual for geeks AND the techno-deprived.
9. The Only Easy Guide To Computer Networks
   33 illustrated pages of networking knowhow, from Adapters to Zimbabwe-proxies. It’s a great place to start off as a newbie, or to pick up as an already more advanced user.
10. The Big Book of BitTorrent
    Saikat Basu takes newcomers by the hand and guides them in their first steps while more experienced users get their fair share of information.
11. A Newbie’s Getting Started Guide to Linux
    In this free ebook you’ll be introduced to the basics of the Linux operating systems. Get to know what it is all about, and familiarize yourself with the practical side. Basically, if you’re a complete Linux newbie and looking for a quick and easy guide to get you started – this is it.
12. The Idiot’s Guide To Photoshop
    This guide starts right at the very bottom, assuming no knowledge at all, and walks you through all basic aspects of the application. Comes with three full pages of shortcuts and cheat sheets covering all the application’s possibilities.
13. The Big Book of iTunes
    50+ pages of iTunes tips and tricks with illustrative screenshots.
14. The Idiot’s Guide to Building Your Own PC
    With the complete amateur in mind who has no technical knowledge whatsoever, this guide ‘holds your hand’ every step of the way. Nearly 50 pages full of screenshots, links to video demos and easy how-to instructions for every step involved.
15. Laptop Buying Guide for 2009
    A 20 page guide with an abundance of screenshots and links to video reviews to help buyers make an informed choice regardless of previous computer knowledge.

If you know of any other free resources for the total beginner that are as good or better, or if you want to rate this little lot, let me know in the comments

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