Windows 8.1 for Dummies

A smart value ― the complete book plus three hours of video training!

Windows 8.1 brings some welcome tweaks to the Windows operating system, including more ways to customize the interface and boot operations, a new start button that reveals apps, greater integration between the two interfaces, and app updates. This bargain bundle includes the complete Windows 8.1 For Dummies book plus a DVD that walks you visually through the most common Windows tasks. Whether you're just getting started with Windows or are upgrading to 8.1, you can learn everything you need to know, see how things are done, and start using Windows 8.1 with confidence.

• Includes the complete Windows 8.1 For Dummies plus three hours of video training on DVD
• Covers all the upgrades that make up Window 8.1, including new opportunities to customize the interface, the new start button, and greater integration between the two interface options
• Features complete information on using a Windows computer for those new to the system
• The DVD provides basic overviews and step-by-step instruction covering the essentials of Windows 8.1, such as getting started, using the start screen and the desktop, getting things done online, managing photos, playing music, customizing Windows, and much more

Windows 8.1 For Dummies Book + DVD Bundle is a value-priced crash course for anyone wanting to understand and use Windows 8.1.

Three Reasons to Upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1

Windows 8 already runs on more than 100 million computers worldwide, but many Windows 8 owners feel lost in this strange new operating system. Fast forward one year later, and Microsoft has released Windows 8.1, a replacement to Windows 8. It's easily an improvement.

In fact, here are three reasons Windows 8 owners should upgrade to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 is free

Owners of older Windows versions must pay to upgrade to Windows 8.1, but Windows 8 and Windows RT owners can upgrade to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT without charge. To download and install the free upgrade, open the Windows Store app from the Start screen. Then start the upgrade with a click or tap on the "Update to Windows 8.1 for Free" option.

It's easier to stay on the desktop

Windows 8 constantly forced people to switch between Windows 8's two personalities: the traditional Windows desktop, and the strange new Start screen and its world of touch-oriented apps.

After installing Windows 8.1, desktop lovers can spend more time on the desktop, insulated from the Start screen. Windows 8.1 lets you boot straight to the desktop, skipping the Start screen completely. Accordingly, Start screen lovers can prolong their stay on the Start screen, as its settings area now includes many features formerly limited to the desktop.

SkyDrive storage

Many people access their files from a variety of computers and devices. They may want to create a trip itinerary on their PC, but be able to access it on the fly from their phone. Other people need to access key files from the office. Many want access to their Desert Island Discs from any computer, tablet or phone. Microsoft's solution is SkyDrive, a free online storage space available from every folder in Windows 8.1. By storing your most important files on SkyDrive, you can read and update them from any computer, tablet or phone. Update your SkyDrive files from any computer or device, and those updated files are available to all of your other devices. Windows 8.1 includes seven gigabytes of free online storage space.

Windows 8.1 offers many other perks, including the return of the Start button, and its App store now holds more than 100,000 apps. Facebook finally jumped in with its official Facebook app. Windows 8.1 shaves off Windows 8's rough edges, making it much less cumbersome to use.

If you're running Windows 8, you'll find Windows 8.1 to be a great improvement over Windows 8.