Dell is giving away Windows 8 book

Windows 8 for Dummies (Wiley)

For a limited time, Dell has teamed up with Wiley to offer a free download of the new “Windows 8 for Dummies,” pocket edition.

The 147-page book is a quick primer on how to navigate in Windows 8, what’s new and how to use Windows 8 features and Apps.

For most people, the book will be all you need to get started and running Windows 8.

Dell are providing a free download at a site humorously named New doesn’t have to be scary.

Windows 8 for Dummies is a pdf eBook that works nicely in the Windows 8 Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader.

If you are using Windows 8 already, type “Windows 8 for Dummies” and cursor down to files. The book will appear on the left upper screen. Right click and select “Reader” to open the eBook.

Like all “Dummies” books, it’s a quick read and easy to understand. The illustrations work well in detailing the concepts.

I read the book on-screen in a short time. Despite using Windows 8 for months, I learned a few things so it’s reasonably comprehensive.

And it’s free. The link to the $15 printed edition with DVD from Amazon.com is below.

1. Start screen
2. Login and passwords
3. Traditional desktop
4. Touching the screen and using a mouse / keyboard
5. Browsing the File Explorer – folders and libraries
6. CD’s and DVDs
7. Flash drives and memory cards
8. SkyDrive
9. Apps – starting, adding and customizing
10. Social apps and integration, managing all those contacts
11. Mail, calendar and appointments
12. Music, videos and photographs
13. Things to like/hate about Windows 8

Print edition and DVD

The print edition is 432 pages long and has 4 hours of DVD material. It is a more comprehensive book than the pocket edition.