Windows 8.1 For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle

I give this 5 stars because it is well written, easy to understand, to the point. I consider myself on the advanced side of an intermediate user, many years behind the keyboard, pretty well live on my computer, and been at it since DOS, Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista briefly, Windows 7, and now 8.1. Out of all of them I found the learning curve for 8.1 to be incredibly steep because it is essentially two operating systems intermeshed and I kept trying to use one while ignoring the other. I had used the 'For Dummies' series before and while they were more elementary that I needed in most cases, they way things are explained in them make the concepts and actions required so crystal clear they helped me through the slight changes in many basic tasks underwent. They helped with clarifying some of the differences when I went from XP to 7 which was maddening at first. 8.1 was initially like climbing Everest in tennis shoes during an ice storm so I grabbed this. In truth, I watched the DVD and it answered all the issues I was struggling with so that alone was worth the cost. I started to read the book but by then it was just too basic for me.The concept behind it, as the author describes and I paraphrase, is this book is for people who need to learn how to navigate around Windows 8.1 and learn the basic functions and how to do the most common things average computer users do with their PCs. While it does have some things of interest to more advanced users, there is not that much of it.This is truly for the novice and less experienced computer user who has no interest in developing a true Geek Streak. There's nothing wrong with that and no knock intended towards people who actually don't care about becoming computer gurus but do need some guidance. For them, I can't imagine anything more perfect could be found. For more advanced users as in folks more comfortable with computers and using them I would recommend the Missing Manual book on Windows 8.1 which I also own and reviewed.

A friend of mine recently upgraded his PC to Windows 8.1 and he asked me to help him figure it out. I've been using Windows since I was knee-high to a grasshopper but I was totally lost when I first booted his machine. I've always had great success using the "Dummy" series of books and I figured I was going to have to take the Windows 8 plunge before too long. I found the book very helpful as a good, general reference to refer back to until my friend could begin navigating on his own. My belief is that this book is probably best for newbies or the average user that is already familiar with Windows. The power user will likely find this book to be lacking in advanced details while providing an over abundance of unimportant details related to general, daily use. Well, the power user isn't likely to buy a "Dummies" book anyway, right?On the bright side... I have since made the transition from years of being a PC user to now being the happy owner of a Mac. If you're going to force yourself to stay with Windows then, by all means, buy the book to help you get through the maze of changes. Otherwise, go get yourself a Mac and learn to love computing again!

First, I hate the name, "For Dummies". I'm not a dummy and neither are you. I'm glad I got this book in spite of the name. It's a great start up guide and reference. I highly recommend this book..I've been using Windows since the first switch from DOS, but going to 8.1 is intimidating with the tiled Start screen and with all the junk that Microsoft tries to get you to buy. This book will instantly get you past the tiled Start screen to the Desktop, show you how to set Windows 8 to open in Desktop and how to gain control over your computer in spite of all that Microsoft does to wrest control from you. I've quickly grown to prefer Windows 8.1 over Windows 7: it boots up and closes down much quicker than Windows 7, navigation is quicker and easier, the Apps screen is easier to use than the old Windows key, all applications run quicker, the operating system uses less memory, and the list goes on.

After 30+ years of living in the PC world, I switched to a Mac a couple of years ago after Microsoft left Windows XP behind. It was a struggle at first, but the Apple OS is everything that was good about Windows plus SO MUCH more.A couple of months ago, I received a "fully-loaded" HP computer as a gift. It came installed with Windows 8, which has since updated to 8.1. I find the current version of Windows MUCH LESS user friendly than XP and struggle with it. Thus, I purchased this book/DVD.The first thing I experienced was the DVD would not play on the HP. Windows Media Player says the disk is blank and Power DVD just sits there and tries. Fortunately, my Mac will play the DVD and I have been able to watch the tutorials on the Mac while following along on the HP…..not a bad arrangement.What I have found is the lessons are OK but have not been much help. Topics verbalized are not always demonstrated on the screen. And, not explained in enough detail to do it myself. Hence, a lot of clicking around and making mistakes. The book is a decent reference but neither get you directly from point A to point B. I will continue to fumble through this but am more successful (although EXTREMELY frustrated) with trial and ERROR.It really makes me miss the C> prompt!!!!I will look for another book and/or DVD soon. Hopefully, one that is more logical and thought out.

My dad (65) loved it, now he’s a windows 8 wizard!

We purchased this book after advice from a relative, who had also moved from XP to Windows 8.1, so that it was available when our new computer arrived. We are regular and reasonably competent computer users, but not experts!The book has been a valuable source of help and advice. We have not read the book through, we use it as a source of reference as needed and have found the topics easy to find and the instructions and guidance clear. We have watched some of the video, also very clear and helpful. Once we have become familiar with the areas we need to know, we shall probably scan read the remainder of the book to pick up other useful hints and tips.This book saved us a lot of time and effort in getting to grips with Windows 8.1, including finding how to shut down after our first use!

I pity anyone who swallows the garbage that Windows 8 is intuative. You have to guess because there is absolutely nothing onscreen to guide you in this program. This book at least gives you a direction to go in. Windows 8.1 was a compete mystery to my wife. She says this book really helps.

I have recently bought a new laptop and was really happy with it driving back from the shop. When I had it all connected to the internet etc I discovered windows 8.1. What a nightmare. I couldn't cope with it, it seemed so speedy and if you lightly touch a key it sends you spinning around web sites.So I have bought this pack of a book and a DVD.Fantastic, I haven't even watched the DVD yet as I have managed well with the book.Well worth the money, everything is there for you in plain easy to understand instructions.Thank you ..... Windows 8.1 Dummy!

Great series that made understanding Windows 8.1 much easier.Switch from Windows 7 to this version a major change (not necessarily and upgrade).