Windows 8.1: The Missing Manual

Unlike in the past, software companies today -- every one that I have encountered, from the uncomplicated to the extremely complex -- do their customers a disservice by selling their products without manuals. They think they're saving money; what they're really doing is creating a generation of ignoramuses, who don't recognize, understand, or know how to use the features which their software manufacturers have spent so much time and money developing. I am amongst those who were very happy with Windows 95/98, XP and 7, but who strongly dislike Windows 8/8.1. I suspect that had Microsoft sold this manual with their product, they would have won over people like me, who have been long-time users but resent having to discard much of our past acquired knowledge about Windows because some developer thinks it's a good idea to do things his/her way. Pros *The author has done a great job in clearly explaining the operation of, and philosophy behind, Windows 8.1, with relevant explanatory images *Handsomely designed, easy to use book, with instructions to match *Book has a great index (a rare feature today) Neither Pro nor Con *I miss the CD, but the website has the information which would have been included on the CD, and it works well (therefore: no real loss) *The book is expensive, but worth the price *I have read David Pogue's New York Times columns, and found him a bit of a smart-aleck. There is some of that in this book as well, but I am the first to acknowledge that this is a matter of taste and, notwithstanding this comment, it does not affect the great value of this book. Cons *Book is heavy, but that offers the opportunity to build arm strength ;) *I wish there were books like this for some of the other software I use. Conclusion My initial purpose in using this book is to make Windows 8.1 operate as much as possible like Windows 7 on a recently purchased Windows 8 computer, and there are many ways in which one can do that (even down to the Gadgets, which Windows 8 developers chose to delete). Pogue explains that Windows 8.1 is actually 2 systems, Windows 7 and the Tiles, so this is quite within the realm of achievement and I have been very pleased with the results. In the future I may become interested in trying to understand why MS developers believe I would want to lean across my desk and put my fingers on my 2 monitors to perform an action, when I could instead achieve the same results with my mouse, without constantly leaning over. If I do decide to try and understand Win8, this is the book that will do the job. Bottom Line: Thank you, Mr. Pogue. Great job.

This is the second of author David Pogue's "missing manuals" that I've read. He does a great job in creating a readable, understandable guidebook for learning Windows 8.1 I migrated to windows 8.1 almost a month ago and have found this book invaluable. After reading most of it from cover to cover, I'm continually referring back to it as I increase my familiarity with the software. Usually I don't rely on manuals too much, but this really sped up my learning curve. Organization is great and the table of contents really supports use of this material as a reference manual after initial reading or skimming. The instructions and illustrations are well done. Whether using touch or mouse on Windows, you can easily follow Pogue's instructions. He even mixes some wit into the text, because let's face it, this is a Windows manual. In fact, I was surprised how enjoyable a cover-to-cover read was. Because of the Kindle price, I had considered the rental terms offered on this book. But in the end, I felt the purchase was well worth it as I am continuing to refer to this over and over again. This made life so much easier, I will consider using more of this "missing manual" series with future projects.

The title is an apt description...this is indeed the missing manual that should be included with this new Windows OS, especially in light of the drastic changes from previous versions of Windows. I like the author's down to earth style - he covers all the info you need to know in a conversational style, and not as a dry text to serve as a cure for insomnia. I keep this handy for the moments when I need to research a question about the new Windows.

I learn by doing, not necessarily by reading, but Windows 8.1 has so many features and sometimes a dozen different ways of doing the same thing that I have truly enjoyed reading this book. (I've even learned new tips that apply to my Windows 7 computer.) The concept I liked best was learning that the "traditional desktop" and the touchscreen "TileWorld" are two separate operating systems running as "Windows 8.1." David Pogue also describes the advantages of 8.1 over 8.0 and if you have not upgraded, you really should do so. All tasks are described with directions for doing them by touch, with a mouse or with a physical keyboard. David writes clearly for the lay person and includes power tips for the more technical user. I bought this book first as a Kindle version (which is great for searching for something which is not in the mostly very complete index) and then purchased a hard copy because I wanted to keep a copy at my elbow. I highly recommend this book.

Problem is it provides almost too much detail about the software and how it works. On the other hand, it's a good encyclopedic reference for down the road problems.

This is an excellent reference book. It is extremely comprehensive, yet very accessible and easy to understand. I recommend it highly for experienced users switching from Windows XP or 7, as well as for novice users. I found the options for performing various functions on different types of computers (tablet computers, desktops, notebooks, etc.) to be particularly helpful.

An absolute essential, Windows 8.1 is a worthy successor to Windows Me - the Missing Manual, Windows Vista - the Missing Manual, etc. There is nothing of Windows 8.1 that is not covered in this Manual, and the guidance and information are presented in clear, very readable form. A very useful inclusion once again is “The Missing CD”, through which, by logging on to the web site provided, every web address, practice file and piece of downloadable software mentioned in the book can be accessed. I have already downloaded the means of restoring to my Windows 8.1 the sidebar gadgets as were provided in Vista but not now in Windows 8.1. Whether new to computing or an “old hand”, this Manual is for you. It doesn’t cost the earth either. But by having it at one's side, the value-added to one's Windows 8.1 operating system is incalculable.

After being disappointed with Teach Yourself Visually I am quite satisfied with Windows 8.1: The Missing Manual. The book is detailed and well indexed.

It is great and one of the books that you will needed when you upgrade your next computer.

Microsoft never did explain Windows 8.1 as good as this! Chapter settings are clearly set out to inform and show you what you should know (if you really don't). The aptly-titled book is a mine of information about (almost) everything you might want to either just dip in and look up an item or description of a 'whats-it-do-then' category - often very wittily put, to lighten the mass of reading. You can put the book down if you want to take a breather and have a go! Downlaods are available via the Publishers sources given in the beginning and in various parts of the book; including erratas, to bring you up-to-date. Perhaps a little expensive for some tastes as WH Smith's overprice it, in my opinion, Worth it to and avoid the hassle of diving around in different magazines/books for the pot-pourri. BUY IT HERE!