Andy Rathbone

I'm usually a fan of the "Dummies" series (and the various competitors), but if this book is a fair representation, I can't say the same about the "Mini" editions.

My mother got a new computer just before Christmas, and it had the new-to-me (and new-to-her) Windows 8 installed. Windows 8 is quite a change from the prior versions of the operating system, so it took me a while to get oriented. (This was before I received the book.)

Having figured out my way around generally, I hoped the book show more might explain why I was doing things. But that's not the purpose of these 64 pages; it's to get you started with the most common tasks (which are shopping for apps and socializing on networks). Due to the few pages, helpful cross-references are completely missing (on page 8, we're told to "summon the Charms bar" with absolutely no explanation of what it is or what the options are; those are explained on page 21, but this mini edition doesn't make that link).

I had the option of leaving the book behind with my mother (a novice at computers), but its limited content would either be irrelevant to her or something we had already done (like setting up the accounts and installing apps). There are helpful tidbits in the book, but I suspect the full edition would be the better purchase for most users who would need a book like this.

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LT Haiku:

"Touch me!" says Windows;
Dummies book barely teaches
How to get around. show less

This will provide a few quick pointers for an experienced PC user who has just bought or received a Surface. For a novice, who doesn't understand Windows, Microsoft Office, or much of anything, it would be more useful. The author maintains an even tone throughout and doesn't condescend. I sure miss the cartoons these books used to have, however.

As for the Surface, the book doesn't include the new Surface 3, which is truly a laptop replacement. But nearly everything it presents is still show more relevant. I wouldn't recommend buying this book. Just borrow it for a couple of days from the library as I did. show less

What can you say about a computer manual for something as warm and lovable as Windows 10? It’s useful and answered some of my questions. Oh, and I’m still very glad that these books got rid of the stupid cartoons.

There's something that intrinsically bothers me about the entire Dummies series that has to do with the title. This book proves my feelings are well founded. This is average content for average people. Sadly very little of the teaching is really relevant. It will get you using this operating system.