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Windows 7 Secrets
Tips, tricks, treats, and secrets revealed on the latest operating system from Windows 7 You already know the ups and downs of Windows Vista-now it's time to learn the ins and outs of Windows 7! Internationally recognized Windows experts, Microsoft insiders, and authors Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera cut through the hype to pull away the curtain and reveal useful information not found anywhere else. Regardless of your level of knowledge, you'll discover little-known facts on how things work, what's new and different, and how you can modify Windows 7 to meet your own specific needs. A witty, conversational tone tells you what you need to know to go from Windows user to Windows expert and doesn't waste time with basic computer topics while point-by-point comparisons demonstrate the difference between Windows 7 features and functionality to those in Windows XP and Vista. No need to whisper! Window 7 Secrets is the ultimate insider's guide to Microsoft's most exciting Windows version in years.
1080 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2009
About the author
Paul Thurrott
30 books10 followersPaul Brian Thurrott is a technology reporter, published author, podcaster, and the news editor for Windows IT Pro Magazine. He regularly writes reviews for beta and completed Microsoft products, such as Windows 7 and Windows Vista. He is the host of Windows Weekly on TWiT.TV with Leo Laporte, a podcast attracting over 80,000 downloads for each episode.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 27, 2009
Windows 7 represents a major update of the Windows operating system and as with any major update there can be significant changes to the user’s experience. Windows 7 is no exception. Many people stayed away from Windows Vista, so this jump to 7 is bigger than those who experiences Vista. Windows 7’s interface and operations build upon the work that was done to create Vista. This book will benefit those making the more difficult jump from XP to 7, helping introduce the OS to users in a fairly straightforward and honest way, including pointing out potential pitfalls. Featuring numerous screen shots and tips, the book is assistance to the novice as well those more versed in Windows. The book can be overwhelming at over 1000 pages but it is never meant to be read cover to cover. Rather the first section can be read as a set to learn about the new operating system and then subsequent chapters delved into as needed (or as your interest arises). The book may seem too intimidating to the novice because of the heft, but the language is accessible to the average user. The book is geared to the home user, focusing on home networking and media, though anyone working with the actual operation of Windows 7 (user as opposed to administrator) will benefit from the book.
I’ve read a lot of Paul Thorrott’s writings on Windows and know that he is a very good, clear, concise writer on the topic of Microsoft Windows and this talent he continues to bring in his contributions to this book. If there is a deficiency of the book it is twofold. One is the heft. While it is naturally necessary to provide a lot of material for the user, there is a lot of good information in here that the end user will never see, unless he or she looks for it or stumbles over it. Information on support areas, like Internet Explorer, fall so far into the book that if you don’t look for it you won’t find it. Second, it is sometimes hard to find things in the book – there is no “roadmap” on how to use the book to try and follow the path that is most appropriate to your needs, and the index can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to find a topic, especially for the novice computer user.
As a computer professional I look at a book like this and I apply the ‘mother’ test – would it be useful to my mother. For this book, I would say “somewhat.” I think if you have patience and would like information laid out clearly once you find it, this book is beneficial. If you just want to be told the answer to quick questions, or need a reference book to read through, this might be more like trying to drink from a fire hose. Overall, however, this book is a very valuable resource.
I’ve read a lot of Paul Thorrott’s writings on Windows and know that he is a very good, clear, concise writer on the topic of Microsoft Windows and this talent he continues to bring in his contributions to this book. If there is a deficiency of the book it is twofold. One is the heft. While it is naturally necessary to provide a lot of material for the user, there is a lot of good information in here that the end user will never see, unless he or she looks for it or stumbles over it. Information on support areas, like Internet Explorer, fall so far into the book that if you don’t look for it you won’t find it. Second, it is sometimes hard to find things in the book – there is no “roadmap” on how to use the book to try and follow the path that is most appropriate to your needs, and the index can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to find a topic, especially for the novice computer user.
As a computer professional I look at a book like this and I apply the ‘mother’ test – would it be useful to my mother. For this book, I would say “somewhat.” I think if you have patience and would like information laid out clearly once you find it, this book is beneficial. If you just want to be told the answer to quick questions, or need a reference book to read through, this might be more like trying to drink from a fire hose. Overall, however, this book is a very valuable resource.
July 17, 2010
I have just read about two chapters of the book or more. It is like a wonderful journey. I like its clear and sweet language, its photos, and its explanations of everything useful. I wish I can finish it with its ten hundred pages. However, every chapter stands alone and doesn't connect to the previous one so you can read what chapter you want ( it seems like there are many books in one book ). Thumbs up!
October 2, 2009
It show the Secrets and tip in highlight.
March 19, 2010
Great information. Didn't read though the whole thing but any information I have been looking for has been in there.
Currently Reading
March 25, 2010Learnt about file sharing in Windows 7 and the different editions so far, only read a bit.
August 1, 2010
If you listen to Windows Weekly netcast, then the author has pretty much told you all the secrets over the past year.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews