Microsoft Windows is the operating system that runs nearly 90 percent
of the world's computers. Windows 8 will offer new interface updates,
cloud-based services, and much more. This update of Andy Rathbone's
bestselling Windows guide covers all the basics, plus the enhancements
unique to Windows 8. Whether you're meeting Windows for the first time
or upgrading from an earlier version, this book shows you how to
navigate the interface, work with files, browse the Internet, set up
e-mail, manage media, and more.
Positive:
This is a good book for those who want an introduction to Windows 8. It contains some very good explanations of the new (and old) features of Windows. But, it does not go into how some of the deeper problems that someone would run into. For instance, it does not address how to migrate your email and contacts from another email/contacts program on your old computer. Overall, it is a good starter, but you will need another book to help with the deeper issues.
A very good manual that helps untie some nasty knots in the Windows8 interface. It takes some time to become used to the many tricks and wheezes, such as working out - premanual - of how to print, however the Charm button, once recognised-does a very good job. The difficulty in accepting important Changes was frustrating until Microsoft came up with the goods.
If you're not a tablet or touchscreen laptop user, Plan A should be to avoid Windows 8 at all costs. If it's already too late for you, this book is a must-have. While it's not possible to just "turn off" the new graphic interface, with the guidance in this book you can slowly beat it down and eventually minimize the amount of time you'll have to deal with it. These "features" and how to defeat them are not very "discoverable" even by an experienced Windows user so outside intervention is necessary to keep you from just sitting in front of a colorful screen, clicking on useless "apps" when all you want to do is check your e-mail or run your familiar Windows software. For those who know what they want to know, the Index is particularly complete and useful.
Negative:
Windows 8 is more for people who do not want to use their computers to 'compute', but rather to transfer data, pictures, stream data, and just communicate. Consequently, features like Microsoft Word and X-Cel, while included in Windows 8 capability, have some new controls that are not obvious, and certainly not where they were under Windows XP. This book will not help you with understanding or working with Word or X-cel spreadsheets.
- Combined editions of this book, all by Microsoft MVP Andy Rathbone, have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, making Windows For Dummies the #1 bestselling technology book of all time
- Covers all the basics of using Windows 8--core desktop components, managing files and folders, saving files, using Windows search, printing, and working in the cloud
- Shows how to get online, set up and use e-mail, use the latest version of Internet Explorer, set up security and virus protection, add music to the media player, organize photos, and edit media
- Includes coverage on using Windows 8's new start screen on both a desktop computer and a touchscreen device
Positive:
This is a good book for those who want an introduction to Windows 8. It contains some very good explanations of the new (and old) features of Windows. But, it does not go into how some of the deeper problems that someone would run into. For instance, it does not address how to migrate your email and contacts from another email/contacts program on your old computer. Overall, it is a good starter, but you will need another book to help with the deeper issues.
A very good manual that helps untie some nasty knots in the Windows8 interface. It takes some time to become used to the many tricks and wheezes, such as working out - premanual - of how to print, however the Charm button, once recognised-does a very good job. The difficulty in accepting important Changes was frustrating until Microsoft came up with the goods.
If you're not a tablet or touchscreen laptop user, Plan A should be to avoid Windows 8 at all costs. If it's already too late for you, this book is a must-have. While it's not possible to just "turn off" the new graphic interface, with the guidance in this book you can slowly beat it down and eventually minimize the amount of time you'll have to deal with it. These "features" and how to defeat them are not very "discoverable" even by an experienced Windows user so outside intervention is necessary to keep you from just sitting in front of a colorful screen, clicking on useless "apps" when all you want to do is check your e-mail or run your familiar Windows software. For those who know what they want to know, the Index is particularly complete and useful.
Negative:
Windows 8 is more for people who do not want to use their computers to 'compute', but rather to transfer data, pictures, stream data, and just communicate. Consequently, features like Microsoft Word and X-Cel, while included in Windows 8 capability, have some new controls that are not obvious, and certainly not where they were under Windows XP. This book will not help you with understanding or working with Word or X-cel spreadsheets.
