Make the most of your new Windows 8.1 device–without becoming a technical expert! This book is the fastest way to take control of Windows 8.1, and use it to create, connect, and discover…simplify and organize your whole life…learn more, play more, do more, live better! This book shows you how to do what you want, the way you want, one incredibly clear and easy step at a time. Windows has never, ever been this simple!

Who knew how simple Windows 8.1 could be?

This is the easiest, most practical beginner’s guide to using your new Windows 8.1 desktop, notebook, or tablet…simple, reliable instructions for doing everything you really want to do! Here’s a small sample of what you’ll learn:

•   Run Windows the way that’s easiest for you: mouse, touch,
or keyboard

•   Make the most of the Charms Bar and other new shortcuts

•   Get online with Internet Explorer® 11 and master its new tools

•   Retrieve up-to-the-minute news, sports, weather, and financial data

•   Set up your home network, printer, and other devices

•   Safeguard your personal information and keep it private

•   Enjoy all your digital photos, videos, movies, and music

•   Easily connect with anyone through email and the People app

•   Discover and play new Windows 8.1 games

•   Control your Xbox from Windows with Xbox® SmartGlass™

•   Manage even the most gigantic collections of data and media

•   Automatically back up your data to the cloud

•   Fix problems, protect against malware, and keep Windows working reliably

Paul Sanna is a computer guy, and he is the author or co-author of two dozen computer books on topics such as Windows 2000, Internet Explorer, VBA, Windows security, and more. He has been writing about computers since his first literary agent said to him many years ago, “I didn’t know Boston University had an English program,” and “Have you heard of this Windows 95 thing?” Mr. Sanna has worked in the IT field his entire career, building software, selling high tech, helping customers understand how to be successful with technology, and helping to market breakthrough analytics technology. His home with his family is in Charlotte, NC. Go Gamecocks!

Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1 Starting and Stopping Windows 8 .............................................................. 7
2 Interacting with Windows 8 ...................................................................... 23
3 Learning Windows 8 Basics ....................................................................... 39
4 Personalizing Windows 8 ........................................................................... 61
5 Connecting to the Internet ........................................................................ 85
6 Surfing the Web in Windows 8 .................................................................. 99
7 Connecting with the People App ............................................................ 117
8 Using the Mail App and Messaging to Stay Connected .......................... 137
9 Using the Calendar App .......................................................................... 157
10 Sharing Your Windows 8 Computer with Others .................................... 171
11 Sharing Files and Printers with Homegroup ............................................ 187
12 Mastering Windows 8 Apps .................................................................... 203
13 Working with the Desktop App .............................................................. 221
14 Using Windows Desktop Programs ......................................................... 235
15 Organizing Files and Folders with Windows Explorer ............................. 249
16 Storing Files on Drives, Disks, and the Cloud ......................................... 273
17 Setting Up Hardware the Easy Way ........................................................ 289
18 Printing, Scanning, and Faxing in Windows 8 ......................................... 309
19 Safe and Private Internet Computing ...................................................... 319
20 Performing Routine Maintenance ............................................................ 337
21 Troubleshooting and Solving Problems in Windows 8 ............................ 347
22 Keeping Current with the Bing Apps ...................................................... 355
23 Enjoying Your Digital Photos .................................................................. 369
24 Enjoying Movies and Videos in Windows 8 ............................................. 381
25 Listening to the Music in Windows 8 ...................................................... 395
26 Gametime with Windows 8 and Xbox 360 .............................................. 411