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Windows 7 in Easy Steps: Without the Waffle
Windows 7 in Easy Steps is a concise yet comprehensive guide to this major software release that is already getting rave reviews in beta. Author Harshad Kotecha blends step-by-step illustrations with straightforward, engaging text to show users how to immediately get started with the new Windows. He shows how to master the new task bar; grasp the revamped desktop; work with the new Libraries system; and utilize the multi-touch devices. The book explains how to make networking simpler through Homegroup and covers much more — all in just over 200 pages.
- GenresTechnology
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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November 20, 2011
I wanted to read about what was new in Windows 7 so I picked up the three books my public library had on the topic. I expected all three to be "too easy" but I can skim and return them being library books and all. I read "Microsoft Windows 7 Essential", "Windows 7 No Problem" and "Windows 7 in Easy Steps" and will be reviewing them together.
"Microsoft Windows 7 Essential" - a 70 page workbook that assumes you've never used Windows 7 before. It doesn't cover what is new in the main text of the book and only covers the most basic of features. There is one table that lists what features are in different versions of Window 7, but it seems like an afterthought. I also get the impression this book is part of a large of another book because it is only once chapter long. If you have one chapter, you don't have to say "chapter 1."
"Windows 7 No Problem!" - This book does assume you've used some version of Windows before. But you probably have even if was just at the library or a kiosk somewhere. I liked the emphasis on different learning styles - highlighting, screenshots, encouraging you to think. And I really liked the explicit "take a break now" before each view to remind the reader to absorb as much as possible. The new (and some old) features were well explained and I have a list of keyboard shortcuts to learn. But only because I like keyboard shortcuts. The book is very approachable. The "no problem" thing grated on me a little by the end. Each chapter begins with a list of things you might want to do and says "no problem." Who said it was a problem? But it was only one page in each chapter and easy enough to skip. That was the only thing I didn't like. This book was by far my favorite of the three.
"Windows 7 in Easy Steps" - For the most part, this is a beginner book. It doesn't assume you know the term double click. Except on page 23 when they use regedit as an example of what you might need administrator privileges for. If you don't know what double click means and I have to support your computer, I'd prefer you've never even heard of regedit not going off an experiment with it. (You can seriously mess up your computer by messing around in the regedit program.) I did like the detailed steps and color screenshots. This book covers anti-virus, set up and installing/upgrade well.
In terms of recommending a book, it is between "Windows 7 No Problem" and "WIndows 7 in Easy Steps". I think I feel comfortable saying that you should go with "Windows 7 No Problem" if you've used Windows before and "Windows 7 in East Steps" if you haven't or prefer things to be explained in more detail. If you are looking for technical detail (I wasn't), none of these books are for you. Both focus on doing things "the Microsoft way."
"Microsoft Windows 7 Essential" - a 70 page workbook that assumes you've never used Windows 7 before. It doesn't cover what is new in the main text of the book and only covers the most basic of features. There is one table that lists what features are in different versions of Window 7, but it seems like an afterthought. I also get the impression this book is part of a large of another book because it is only once chapter long. If you have one chapter, you don't have to say "chapter 1."
"Windows 7 No Problem!" - This book does assume you've used some version of Windows before. But you probably have even if was just at the library or a kiosk somewhere. I liked the emphasis on different learning styles - highlighting, screenshots, encouraging you to think. And I really liked the explicit "take a break now" before each view to remind the reader to absorb as much as possible. The new (and some old) features were well explained and I have a list of keyboard shortcuts to learn. But only because I like keyboard shortcuts. The book is very approachable. The "no problem" thing grated on me a little by the end. Each chapter begins with a list of things you might want to do and says "no problem." Who said it was a problem? But it was only one page in each chapter and easy enough to skip. That was the only thing I didn't like. This book was by far my favorite of the three.
"Windows 7 in Easy Steps" - For the most part, this is a beginner book. It doesn't assume you know the term double click. Except on page 23 when they use regedit as an example of what you might need administrator privileges for. If you don't know what double click means and I have to support your computer, I'd prefer you've never even heard of regedit not going off an experiment with it. (You can seriously mess up your computer by messing around in the regedit program.) I did like the detailed steps and color screenshots. This book covers anti-virus, set up and installing/upgrade well.
In terms of recommending a book, it is between "Windows 7 No Problem" and "WIndows 7 in Easy Steps". I think I feel comfortable saying that you should go with "Windows 7 No Problem" if you've used Windows before and "Windows 7 in East Steps" if you haven't or prefer things to be explained in more detail. If you are looking for technical detail (I wasn't), none of these books are for you. Both focus on doing things "the Microsoft way."
Displaying 1 of 1 review