Read this book before you buy a Windows 8 computer or use it as a quick start guide for beginners. Clear the confusion about Windows 8 computers and tablets.
This updated Sixth Edition (released February 2013) now includes an all new Chapter Twelve, "Is the Surface with Windows 8 Pro Right for You? What you need to know before you buy Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with ...
Read this book before you buy a Windows 8 computer or use it as a quick start guide for beginners. Clear the confusion about Windows 8 computers and tablets.
This updated Sixth Edition (released February 2013) now includes an all new Chapter Twelve, "Is the Surface with Windows 8 Pro Right for You? What you need to know before you buy Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with 'real' Windows."
Deciphering the madness of Windows 8, the new operating system from Microsoft, while comparing it to Windows 7. Plus, details on Microsoft's Surface tablet computers--both the Surface RT without "real" Windows and the Surface Pro with "real" Windows.
Whether you're an old-line Windows user or merely curious about what Microsoft is up to, this book gives clear guidelines for understanding and tricks for using the new Windows 8 operating system. Jack Dunning, author of Getting Started with Windows 7 and other Windows 7 Secrets books, provides an objective appraisal of Windows 8 while comparing it to Windows 7.
Inside Misunderstanding Windows 8:
Foreword by Digital Dave
“Questions and negative reactions abound. Is it Microsoft's cunning plan or pure foolishness?”
With almost half the Windows community still using Windows XP, users wonder why Microsoft is replacing Windows 7 so soon. Dave highlights a couple of letters from readers with real Windows 8 concerns.
Chapter One: Misunderstanding Windows 8
“Deciphering the madness of Windows 8.”
Whether you're an old-line Windows user or merely curious about what Microsoft is up to, here are some thoughts to help you understand the Windows 8 operating system.
Chapter Two: Stop! Before You Download Windows 8 Upgrade for that Old PC!
“Using Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant: Even though it's only $39.99, the Windows 8 Upgrade may be a waste of money for your old Windows computer.”
The Windows 8 Upgrade download is here. You may have installed Windows 8 Consumer Preview on that old machine, but that doesn't guarantee that the final released upgrade will install. Plus, you may not find out it won't work until after you've paid for it.
Chapter Three: The First Look at Windows 8
“Windows 8 is here!”
Now that Windows 8 is here, Jack gives a framework for looking at the new operating system and some initial thoughts.
Chapter Four: Understanding Windows 8 Modern Start Screen
“How to do your favorite old Windows Start Menu tricks with the new Windows 8 Start screen.”
With the Start Menu now missing from Windows 8, there are new ways to find programs and search files with the Modern Start Charm.
Chapter Five: Organizing the Start Screen
“The Windows 8 Modern Start charm (screen) can organize apps by groups for easier location.”
Jack examines using the Modern Start screen in Windows 8 and how to reorganize the tiles in a manner that best suits you.
Chapter Six: The Windows 8 Explorer Ribbon Menu
“The new look of Windows 8 File Explorer offers more in view plus additional features.”
If you don't like the new Modern Start screen in Windows 8, you may find the ribbon menu in Windows Explorer equally distasteful. However, some useful Windows features are easier than ever to find and use. Let's have a look.
Chapter Seven: The Virtual Touch Keyboard, Plus, a Tip for Quick Access to Windows Tools
“Although designed for use with touchscreens and tablet computers, the Windows 8 pop-up keyboard also works with the Windows Desktop.”
Chapter Eight: Windows 8 for both the Desktop Computer and the Tablet. Really? Some Final Thoughts.
“Designing the new Microsoft OS for desktop and tablet computers is a bold move. Will it work?”
Jack's exploration of Windows 8 focuses on what's changed from Windows 7 and the usefulness (or not) of those changes for daily computing.
Chapter Nine: A Peek at the Microsoft Surface Tablet
“Microsoft doesn't wait for computer manufacturers to take the lead with new Windows 8 tablets.”
Chapter Ten: The Surface with Windows RT Tablet Computer, (Fifth Edition, Dec 2012)
“Pretending to be "Real" Windows: What You Need to Know about Microsoft's Surface with Windows RT Tablet Computer.”
Chapter Eleven: Windows 8 and Free Stuff, (Sixth Edition, Feb 2013)
"Windows 8 Modern Start Interface includes more free software."
Chapter Twelve: Is the Surface with Windows 8 Pro Right for You? (Sixth Edition, Feb 2013)
What you need to know before you buy Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with "real" Windows.
Afterword: Steven Sinofsky Just Got Fired . . . Or He Quit! (Second Edition - May 2012, Update December 2012)
Jack Dunning is the publisher of ComputorEdge Magazine. He's been with the magazine since first issue on May 16, 1983. Back then, it was called The Byte Buyer. His Web site is www.computoredge.com. He can be reached at .
Jack has written hundreds of articles and columns about computers and the Internet. He is updating those writings and converting them to e-books for public consumption. His current list of e-book titles can be found at www.computoredgebooks.com.
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Overview
This updated Sixth Edition (released February 2013) now includes an all new Chapter Twelve, "Is the Surface with Windows 8 Pro Right for You? What you need to know before you buy Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet with ...