Windows 8 Secrets 4th Edition

I passed on buying Windows 7 books. But I found Windows to be such a change that Paul's book seemed to be de rigueur to learn about the new features of the One Size Fits All Microsoft Operating System.Because I have been programming in various Windows based languages over 25 years, my review is biased. What I found clear and straight forwards in the book may not be as clear for someone else.Amongst the key values I found was the explanations of all the features which are truly Windows 8 generic.For example, the concept of Charms where one can, from most New UI applications (not Desktop's) Search, Share, Print, Manage. A unique concept that allows for much easier learning as the features are common, use common words, and act in a similar fashion.The book is also amazing in dealing with the dual personality of Windows 8. I am lucky enough to use Window 8 on both regular Intel systems and on the Surface. It was always clear what was Surface's limitations and what was the range of Desktop supported features.And this brings the second split personalities of this OS. It supports wonderful new features, like Touch Screen, Charms, a great new Internet Explorer. I note this because IE is now immersive (within the New UI) and simply makes Web pages look and feel differently. Paul's addresses the New UI quite well. (it probably deserves a book on its own!)The book also manages (on the Intel based systems) to support all Windows applications well. It is invaluable in dealing with complex picture of Windows 8. There are excellent chapters on Networking, Security, Gaming, the Windows Store. In themselves, each of those can a be a good excuse top buy the book.As I read every page, I thought that Microsoft should give it away for people buying Windows 8.The rating is 4 stars because I found a few instances where you could tell the book was written 'Just-In-Time' and I suspect the next edition will clean up and improve the current status of the Windows 8 eco system. I also suspect that given the new approach to Windows Updates (fast an furious), this book will need a more rapid update itself.If you own the book it, share it... If you do not, a MUST buy, you will not be deceived. In any event, Windows 8 is such a huge change, that reading this book will help you understand what is happening and be the source of a number of interesting discoveries.I forgot to say I read it on the Microsoft Surface. I highly recommend a powerful reader, like Surface or Kindle Fire, as the book is in full color and the screen shots are very useful.

I highly recommend "Windows 8 Secrets." I would have been very, very angry with Windows 8 if not for this book. Thanks to the authors and publisher for making my transition to this new operating system painless. Here's an idea: read the first four chapters of this book and then head down to your local computer store for hands-on experience using Windows 8.Windows 8 is the biggest single step-change in operating systems I have ever seen. It is, quite simply, a whole new operating system. This operating system is so completely different from previous releases of Windows that Microsoft should have given it a name other than "Windows." A great many functions of Windows 8 are not at all obvious or intuitive; therefore, one is forced to learn many "secrets." But do not worry: you can learn the basics of Windows 8 very quickly (in just one or two hours). However, because so much is hidden, most folks will need help: you will either need instruction from someone who already knows how to use Windows 8 or you will need a book."Windows 8 Secrets" was the only book I needed: with just two hours of reading, I was able to use Windows 8 with little hesitation or effort. Windows 8 can be extremely frustrating if you do not know the "secrets" (there is NO CLUE what to do - - - because all of the menus are hidden); but you can learn the "secrets" very, very quickly with this book. After a day or so, your Windows experience will become "automated" (like driving a car): you won't even think about it.If you do not like to read, there are some pretty good Windows instruction videos on a popular video website. Such video training is often better than the book, because you can see the system response along with a running narrative. However, be warned: there are some videos that are inefficient and misleading; in other words, some of the well-intentioned video makers don't know the best Windows 8 "Secrets." The "Windows 8 Secrets" book was better (more accurate and more efficient) than any of the videos that I watched.By the way, the Desktop is still there (just like previous versions of Windows). After you have setup your Desktop, Toolbars, and Start Screen, your computer will be (from that point forward) very quick and easy to use. Also, while the Start button (orb) is gone, it won't be missed: with the new features of Windows 8, it would have been entirely redundant. Any of your applications that run under Windows 7 should also run under Windows 8.I will tell you the most useful Windows 8 "secret" (for me): Memorize and use the "Windows Key" (Winkey) keyboard shortcuts! For example, if you hold down the Winkey and press C, the "Charms" bar will be displayed. The "Charms" bar is perhaps the most important interface in Windows 8. Trust me: If you learn the Winkey keyboard shortcuts first thing, you will be able to get most things done in Windows 8 straight away!Here are a few of the more helpful Winkey keyboard shortcuts:Winkey: toggles between Start Menu and last appWinkey + D: opens DesktopWinkey + C: opens "Charms" barWinkey + E: opens file explorerWinkey + F: searches for filesWinkey + I: opens the Settings charm (to shut down your computer, for example)Winkey + Z: opens "app bar" (the menu user interface that is normally hidden when interacting with a Windows 8 app)Winkey + X: opens the "power user" menu (which includes programs and features, power options, event viewer, system, device manager, disk management, computer management, command prompt, task manager, control panel, file explorer, search, run)Lastly, while on the Start Menu, just start typing . . . and see what happens.

This was a moderately good overview of Windows 8, but seemed to be lacking depth in some key areas. Each purchaser will have to weigh their needs against the content. If you are looking for some significant depth, perhaps another book would be more appropriate.If you are like me, I was looking for factual information in how to leverage Win 8, beyond what was obvious. This book spends a lot of time on the obvious. As the title implies, I was expecting more "secrets", Tips and Techniques.The other aspect of this book, and the reseon for the title of this review, I found the authors going "over the top" in their ebullient flattery of MS. This was so much so, I found it becoming annoying. It got to the point where I asked myself "Did I buy an MS evangelism book or a how to book". Just my personal opinion. The selling of Microsoft was a bit too much.It total, it met some of my needs, but was lacking in detail, secrets, and how to material, with too much verbiage on simple stuff and selling the Kool Aid.

It would be nice to be able to read all of it but there is printing error in my copy between pages 405 and 424. It has only just come to light when I came to read about the Push Button restart. I shall be returning it to Amazon for a replacement. Content of the book is pretty good but not as good as their book on Windows 7 called Windows 7 Seecrets

Very supportive for us here in Denmark - Here's actually no really books about Win8, however this book do not discern Win8 home/standard version to the Pro version - it's all mixed up in this book. Aspecially according to encryption, I have not realiced that ex. BitLocker are for Pro users only. Overall a nessacary book for me as a virgin Win8 user, at home

Although it was written before the release of Windows 8 this book pretty much covers everything that you need to know about Windows 8.I would recommend this book to anyone who requires a little more in depth information, or anyone who wants to know how to tweak their operating system to suit their needs.

paul thurrot is always my first choice when reading up on microsofts products for the first time. Once you have read him then you can go on to the more techniclly detailed stuff if you need to.Paul goes through all the product with a mix of solid reporting and user tips.

This is a useful pub to have at hand when you are 'stuck'. Not a complete guide but certainly helpful for the beginner with W8