Windows 7 Step by Step

This course book digs a lot deeper than the more highly illustrated books available which don't seem to cover much more than installation, mouse movements, and rudimentary file management. It covers these plus what most learners still need to know for a much more enjoyable and productive use of the new Windows Operating System interface. After looking at the newest iteration of these, Windows 8, I decided that it was not worth upgrading my three Win7 PCs as none were tablets and I saw no comfort value in a touch based interface. Until I actually see the perennially boasted faster startup speeds lasting longer than six months of program additions and internet use I will dismiss that as hype after all the prior disappointments. Deciding that, it would then behoove me to better learn the system I had, the search began for a book like this. I had learned a prior version through this Microsoft Press "Step by Step" system and was quite happy with the results. This book comes with a CD that has the files needed to work within the course lessons and that makes it much easier to get the hands on feeling the reader needs for a sense of accomplishment to continue each lesson. This is still written so the neophyte as well as more experienced Windows users can easily grasp and achieve a deeper understanding of the subject. It covers installation of the system as well as managing it's components like user accounts, your home network, files and folders as well as Internet Explorer 8, personalization and themes, and some hardware installation as far as getting Windows to recognize it and work with the new component. Step by Step is a big book but has a lot of content. The pictures you might miss from other publications are largely taken care of in the accompanying CD so you have a lot more to learn from. As for Cons, I wish Microsoft or someone would go back to the older loose leaf lay flat course books that were so much easier to handle. This fat edition can be a real handful when trying to keep a page open and using the PC at the same time.

The book is well laid out by authors Preppernau and Cox (name change?). What I like about it is besides detailed table of contents and index, it has black text, light blue titles and section titles, gray screen shots and menu pictures, tips in blue, chapter at a glance at the front of the chapter, and key bullet points at the end of the chapter. YOUR EYES MOVE QUICKLY AROUND THE PAGE, 20 percent or more white space in a 492 page book. The side edge of the book has tab markings for chapters, Obviously one does not want to read the WHOLE book. There is a CD-R of practice files which I loaded but have not messed with. I sent the book to my 86 year old mother and we have worked out a few things out over long distance by going to the same page. My biggest point, if your tired or a little ADD, you get what you need to know and move on. If your a hip shooter, then Google for the answer; but, what if your internet is down?? If you want a comprehensive desk reference, this is a good one. Hope that helped.

I researched many Windows 7 books before I bought this one. I brought books home from our Library to compare books. I purchased Step by Step because I thought it was the best offered for me. I need to have a book on my desk while I work on my computer and this book guides me very well. If you're new to computers, this book is too advanced but, if you're familiar with the Windows OS, this book will answer questions. I am very pleased because I think it's very thorough and covers everything easily. I went from Windows Vista to Windows 7 and this book helped take away my confusion. I'm 75 years old and need "simple with pictures." I've read the whole book twice and now go to the index for specific subjects. This book will be my "helper" for years to come. My husband, a computer novice, found this book too technical and advanced for him. As usual, I found what I wanted on Amazon and at a great price with excellent delivery time.

Since this was a Microsoft publication, I ordered this text for an adult beginners class in Windows--I found that it was more detailed for them, and I returned it to Amazon and ordered WINDOWS 7 SIMPLIFIED--the read less-learn more series. The illustrations and directions are much easier for them to understand, and easier to teach from, too. I would suggest, if you are a beginner or even an intermediate, that you try any of the VISUAL texts--they make learning much easier and fun!

I had to purchase this book, as I had never used a computer before. I purchased my first computer in February five years ago at a local store. I got the computer home and thought I would be able to read the book that came with it. I was wrong, no book had to go online to get the manual. I was living in the dark ages, no computer and no internet. I was very happy without a computer but for the last two years I had no access to my pay stubs (they went with getting them online) and had to trust they did not short me on my time. Then the company decided to go online to get my end of year w-2s. I was up a creek without a paddle. The month before purchasing this book I had a cheap phone to get to understand how to use web, and that was not difficult but very small. I had the computer less than one day and the hubby had me call up and get the internet added to our home. I said I don't know how to use this computer stuff and this could be a waste of time. I got the internet and was able to find my way around at least to amazon and my email. Then I knew I could find a way to learn how to use the windows seven even better. I still to this day go back to this book for all sorts of questions I have. I can keep reading this book over and over. I was glad to find this book. One thing is true, an older person can learn from this book. I am an old school kind of person and this book has been very useful. Through this book I have been able to use windows eight and windows ten. I have taught my hubby how to use the computer also.

First let me say that I am no begineer in computers or Windows. Over the years I have used all previous to Windows. However, that said, each time a new release of Windows comes about, I upgrade my computer or purchase a newer computer with the newer Windows version. And to get me up and running very quickly, I buy a couple of Windows books. And each time I upgrade to a newer Windows, I ALWAYS buy a Windows Step by Step book that included the CD and practice files. And each time that I do, I am even more amazed with the book then the last time! The authors that write this book, I feel like I know them because they have authored other computer books that I have read in last several years. And I totally trust these authors. In this book each chapter is read and even though I do skip over the some of the info in the book that I already know, there are always new things that I learn from this book. Even though I am a more advanced person, whenever any software is upgraded, there are always changes and new things to learn. This is where this book comes in. So I must say that I 100% recommend this book to anyone who is either a beginner or a more advanced person who like myself wants to learn the new features in Windows 7. This book has something for everyone.

Delivery was prompt, but I am disappointed in the content. Microsoft is basically touting its improvements over Vista, which I don't care about since I never had Vista. There's a CD of practice exercises, which should be a good tutorial, but I can't figure out how to access the exercises once I've installed the CD.

This is an excellent book to read when first starting with Windows 7; it takes the place of the owner's manual that used to be included in the box with the computer. The writing is lucid, reflecting the authors' experience as teachers. As far as the organization of the content, I would have included Part 3, "Managing Your Computer" ahead of the present Part 2, "Experiencing the World Wide Web." The occasional tips that tell the reader to refer to the deluxe version of "Step By Step" if you want to know more are really off-putting; one feels like one is in economy class while the privileged classes ride up front. Since this is a Microsoft product, the authors are familiar with all the features that are incorporated into Windows 7. I was very satisfied with the book and intend to keep it near my computer as a reference book.

Its a very good book and you can learn a lot from it .There is lots of information in the book and a CD to work with, and practice with.

Tel que décrit, bonne qualité

I just got a new computer with Windows 7 and this book was recommended by my computer tech. I have found it easier and better to follow than the For Dummies. One gets lost in all the reading in the For Dummies; this is much easier to follow. Also, more practical.

Although helpful, I found it hard to follow instructions. The print was very small. I would have prefered the book to be larger so as to allow for larger font size. This would be helpful for people with a visual disability.

I knew the book, I was please with the copy I received, fast delivery, no problems thank you