Windows 8.1 For Dummies, Portable Edition

by Andy Rathbone

A lot is new in Windows 8! This quick guide gets you up and running right away

New and experienced Windows users alike will need help navigating the features that set Windows 8 apart from previous versions. Let this quick-and-easy guide show you around the Start screen, introduce you to the Charms bar, and help you set up your Microsoft account. Then you can install apps, add social accounts, browse the web, and more.

It's different — learn to use the Start screen, launch programs, customize Windows 8, and find the old desktop Work with the apps — install and update apps, locate missing ones, and identify which apps are presently running Get social — add your social networking and e-mail accounts for quick access Stay safe — create user accounts and keep your personal files private Make it your own — customize Windows 8 with your own photos

Open the book and find:

Why Windows 8 looks and acts differently than previous versions Where to find the classic desktop interface Why you should password-protect your user account How to add or remove Start screen items Tips on locating an app that's AWOL Advice on updating apps Ten tips for troubleshooting common problems

Learn to:

Navigate and customize the Start screen Create user accounts and set passwords Use Windows 8 applications for e-mail and photos

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Computers, Technology, Education

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

Born in San Diego, California, Andy Rathbone began writing for newspapers in the early 80s. He started freelancing articles to computer magazines soon after, then began writing the "Windows For Dummies" series in 1992. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.

He's since written more than 50 books, with more than 15 million copies in print. Recent books include Windows 8.1 For Dummies, Surface For Dummies, and Windows 8 Tablets For Dummies.

His latest book, the second edition of Windows 10 For Dummies, is available as of November 2016.

Reviews

[Tanya Hakala · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up on this book. I got a few useful bits of information from what I read, but couldn't stand his condescending writing style. I'm glad I took the book out from the library instead of spending money on it.

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since I did the upgrade to .1 in October, I notice minor issues on my computer that has come from the upgrade. So I want to see how this book can assist with these issues or addresses them. I also wanted to learn more than I already experimented or tried on my own since I purchased computer last year with Windows 8.

I tried to do the "create a password reset disk" and no wizard popped up and attempted three or four times. Nothing (nada)! I wanted to do this just in case as a backup plan for changing the password without hassle if you cannot remember. This matter, and so far, this isn't helpful as I would have hoped or this upgrade isn't do what it has said it would do!

Most of the stuff I already knew how to do, only a couple things were shortcuts I could use in the near future. It didn't say anything about the minor issues I saw with the upgrade of .1.

[Tawney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jumping into Windows 8.1 from Windows 7 I wanted an overview of what is different and how to deal with it. Dummies books are at times annoying, but they are an easy way to find basics. This book fulfills that task. I learned some things that probably would have remained unknown to me and hold out hope that Windows 10 really is more desktop friendly.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I was sure that windows 8/8.1 was the worst system ever, but now I can use it and make it work for me. I learned some tricks that I probably should have known with earlier windows versions and I was able to troubleshoot some problems that were vexing me. So all in all a very useful book!

[Kimberly Onnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I actually bought the bundle so that I could watch the DVD prior to my new laptop with Windows 8.1. I used the book more as a reference once I was trying to figure out how to find things after the computer showed up.

[Sharryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Riveting!!! NOT but the only way I can think of to learn how to use my new laptop.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful hints but index is difficult to use. Better as a reference than to read all through.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be more helpful for someone with a smattering of computer experience. Rathbone as always presents material in a clear understandable manner.

[SALLY HAVERLY · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK reference

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty much a waste of time if you have any PC experience and just explore the OS.

[Kristina Forsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for people who want to know how to operate on Windows 8.1 operating system.

[Marianne Kirwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great reference when I upgraded to a Windows 8.1 computer. I would recommend it.