Windows 8 Step by Step Review: A Beginner's Guide

A Review of "Step-by-Step Windows 8"

It may come as unexpected to find us evaluating a guide to Windows 8, particularly given our recent publication of "The How-To Geek Guide to Windows 8." However, as a paperback edition of our own work is still under development, we aim to provide readers with alternative resources.

Currently, the creation of a physical, paperback version of our book is in progress. It is anticipated to be available for purchase within approximately one month.

About the Author and Publisher

The book, "Step-by-Step Windows 8," is authored by Ciprian Rusen, who is a close acquaintance. Notably, this publication is directly from Microsoft Press.

This connection to Microsoft provides a level of assurance regarding the accuracy and relevance of the information presented within the guide.

We believe offering multiple learning pathways is beneficial, and this book represents a solid option for those seeking comprehensive Windows 8 instruction.

A Review of the Publication

A detailed examination of this book is warranted, despite our general disinterest in traditional book reviews. We will outline both its strengths and weaknesses to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Positive Aspects

• Ideal for Novices: This publication serves as an excellent resource for individuals new to the Windows 8 operating system. It provides thorough explanations of the Start Screen, personalization options, pre-installed applications, fundamental networking concepts, multimedia features, and family safety controls. All novelties introduced with Windows 8 receive detailed attention.
• Detailed, Sequential Guidance: Consistent with its title, this book excels in presenting information through step-by-step instructions accompanied by illustrative images. It offers substantial coverage alongside this methodical approach.
• Affordable Pricing: Currently, the paperback edition is available for $19.79 on Amazon US. Given its length of 784 pages, this represents a reasonable value. The Kindle version is offered at $14, though it is comparatively less advantageous.
• Clear Table of Contents: The table of contents is structured for ease of navigation. Each section within a chapter focuses on resolving a specific issue or completing a particular task. For instance, instructions on linking a Facebook account to the People app are readily accessible.
• Comprehensive Scope: The book encompasses virtually all new features of Windows 8. Claims of exclusive "secrets" found in other publications are largely unfounded, as this book – and indeed, our own – covers the same material.

Areas for Improvement

• Touch Gesture Coverage in Appendix: Considering Windows 8’s emphasis on touch-based interaction, the placement of touch gesture explanations in the Appendix is surprising. Many users will likely encounter Windows 8 for the first time on touch-enabled devices, suggesting this information should be more prominently featured. It's important to note the gestures are mentioned in the main text, but illustrations are relegated to the end.
• Presence of Typographical Errors: While acknowledging that initial editions of our own work also contained errors, readers should be aware that this book may include some typographical inconsistencies.
• Introductory Confusion: The book begins with a section titled “Introducing Windows 8,” followed by a first chapter bearing the same name. Both sections, though listed separately in the table of contents, contain distinct content, potentially causing confusion for readers.

Concluding Remarks

• For those seeking a paperback guide to Windows 8 comparable to the approach of How-To Geek, and unwilling to await the paperback release of our own publication, this book is a viable option.

The book can be purchased via this Amazon link – prospective buyers are encouraged to utilize the “Click to Look Inside” feature to preview the table of contents and a portion of the initial chapter. Local bookstores may also carry the publication.

Windows 8 Step by Step [Paperback] is available on Amazon.com.