Synopses & Reviews
Learn to:- Launch apps from the Start screen
- Send e-mail and link to social media accounts
- Create music playlists, watch videos, and organize photos
- Install updates that keep Windows 8.1 working smoothly
Just want to make Windows work? Here’s what you need to make Windows 8.1 do what you want!
This book isn’t about making you a Windows guru. It’s much less lofty. It tells you how to use the Start screen, snap your most-used apps to the traditional desktop, find missing files and programs, use the built-in security tools, safely surf the web, enjoy music, organize and share photos, and more. Find what you need when you need it!
- Movin’ up — learn how to get the free upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
- Starting with Start — use the 8.1 Start button, load apps and programs from the Start screen, find the traditional desktop, and navigate folders
- It’s touching — Windows 8.1 was made with touchscreen users in mind; see how things work on your touch device
- Be social — integrate your social networks into Windows 8.1 along with e-mail, calendars, and messaging
- Setting your settings — customize your desktop, user accounts, hardware and gadget settings, and more with the two control panels
- Fun stuff — explore all the options for playing music, watching movies, and managing digital photos
- To the rescue — learn to diagnose and treat common Windows glitches with the Windows 8.1 Help system
Open the book and find:
- How to switch between the Start screen and desktop
- Tips for making the Start screen more user-friendly
- All about your built-in OneDrive account
- How to find anything with Windows 8.1’s Search feature
- Steps for downloading and installing Windows 8.1 updates
- Do-it-yourself maintenance tips
- Help deciphering error messages
- Ways to fix things that bug you
Find exclusive Windows 8.1 articles, videos, step-by-step examples, and more at www.dummies.com/extras/windows8dot1
Synopsis
Windows 8.1 For Dummies maintains the commitment to helping readers navigate Windows while directing them through the key procedures one faces when using a Windows computer. Parts cover:
Windows 8.1 Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know - an introduction to the dual interfaces, basic mechanics, file storage, and instruction on how to get the free upgrade to Windows 8.1.
Working with Programs, Apps and Files - the basics of finding and launching apps, getting help, and printing
Getting Things Done on the Internet - instructions for connecting a Windows 8.1 device, using web and social apps, and maintaining privacy
Customizing and Upgrading Windows 8.1 - Windows 8.1 offers big changes to what a user can customize on the OS. This section shows how to manipulate app tiles, give Windows the look you in, set up boot-to-desktop capabilities, connect to a network, and create user accounts.
Music, Photos and Movies - Windows 8.1 offers new apps and capabilities for working with onboard and online media, all covered in this chapter
Help! - includes guidance on how to fix common problems, interpret strange messages, move files to a new PC, and use the built-in help system
The Part of Tens - quick tips for avoiding common annoyances and working with Windows 8.1 on a touch device
Synopsis
The bestselling book on Windows, now updated for the new 8.1 featuresMicrosoft has fine-tuned Windows 8 with some important new features, and veteran author Andy Rathbone explains every one in this all-new edition of a long-time bestseller. Whether you're using Windows for the first time, upgrading from an older version, or just moving from Windows 8 to 8.1, here's what you need to know. Learn about the dual interfaces, the new Start button, how to customize the interface and boot operations, and how to work with programs and files, use the web and social media, manage music and photos, and much more. You'll even find troubleshooting tips!
- This edition covers the upgrades in Windows 8.1, including the dual interfaces, basic mechanics, file storage, and how to get the free upgrade to Windows 8.1
- Shows how to manipulate app tiles, give Windows the look you choose, set up boot-to-desktop capabilities, connect to a network, and create user accounts
- Covers working with programs, apps, and files; using the Internet and social media; new apps and capabilities for working with onboard and online media; and how to move files to a new PC
- Written by Andy Rathbone, author of every edition of the bestselling Windows For Dummies
Windows 8.1 For Dummies is exactly what you need to get going and be productive with the newest Windows update.
About the Author
Andy Rathbone is a top-selling tech author. His Windows For Dummies books have sold millions of copies since the first edition was published in 1992, becoming the bestselling computer books ever. Andy answers readers’ questions and shares Windows advice at www.andyrathbone.com.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Windows 8.1 Stuff Everybody Thinks You Already Know 7
Chapter 1: What Is Windows 8.1? 9
Chapter 2: The Mysterious New Start Screen 19
Chapter 3: The Traditional Desktop 51
Chapter 4: Basic Desktop Window Mechanics 71
Chapter 5: Storage: Internal, External, and in the Sky 87
Part II: Working with Programs, Apps, and Files 117
Chapter 6: Playing with Programs, Apps, and Documents 119
Chapter 7: Finding the Lost 141
Chapter 8: Printing and Scanning Your Work 153
Part III: Getting Things Done on the Internet 167
Chapter 9: Cruising the Web 169
Chapter 10: Being Social: Mail, People, and Calendar 193
Chapter 11: Safe Computing 213
Part IV: Customizing and Upgrading Windows 8.1 227
Chapter 12: Customizing Windows with the Control Panels 229
Chapter 13: Keeping Windows from Breaking257
Chapter 14: Sharing One Computer with Several People 269
Chapter 15: Connecting Computers with a Network 281
Part V: Music, Photos, and Movies 293
Chapter 16: Playing and Copying Music 295
Chapter 17: Fiddling with Photos (and Movies) 317
Part VI: Help! 335
Chapter 18: The Case of the Broken Window337
Chapter 19: Strange Messages: What You Did Does Not Compute 353
Chapter 20: Moving from an Old PC to a New Windows 8.1 PC 363
Chapter 21: Help on the Windows Help System 369
Part VII: The Part of Tens 377
Chapter 22: Ten Things You’ll Hate about Windows 8.1 (And How to Fix Them) 379
Chapter 23: Ten or So Tips for Tablet and Laptop Owners 389
Index 397