Windows 8.1 for Seniors: For Senior Citizens Who Want to Start Using Computers (Computer Books for Seniors series)

I am retired now but at work I was doing basic computer work but having not used that for a while I lost a lot of knowledge so I decided to buy this book and I found it extremely useful. It does exactly what I was hoping it would do. For example, when I follow their instructions I see on my computer screen exactly the same as what appears in the book which means I am doing something right :) Fred.

I like the book because it told me more about Windows 8 than other books. I realize Windows 8 is a new operating system and authors had to scramble to get their books on the market, ergo each book has something in a field I need to know. I.e. what does it take to send photos over the internet. The step by step instructions and pictures make it easy for old folkies to get in the swing of a new operating system. I personally decided to jump into the future with both feet and enjoy Windows 8. The authors bent over backwards to make Windows 8 understandable to people who have limited knowledge on computers, when following the step by step instruction seniors should have no problem getting in the swing of things on the computer with Windows 8.

To Whom it may concern: We at Cary SeniorNet were evaluating this manual for the purpose of teaching senior citizens to use Windows 8.1 computers at our computer lab. This is the internal memo I wrote which I am sharing with you. Evaluation of Studio Visual Steps Windows 8.1 for Seniors Evaluation Criteria 1-10 Multiplier Score 1. Easy to understand terminology 10 x2 20 2. Covers Key Topics 5 x2 10 3. Reasonable Cost 3 x2 6 4. Modifiable (will adapt to our style) 1 x1 1 5. Chapters fit our class schedules 1 x1 1 6. Organization 1 x1 1 Total 39 Overview: My initial impression upon first looking through the manual was quite positive. There are many images and many of the topics are covered. Once I started digging more thoroughly into it, however, I quickly became disappointed. Yes there are many images, but there are TOO MANY. For example, there are 7 separate images of the keyboard where one image with supporting text would do. Even worse there are about 36 separate images of the Wordpad screen showing every screen for every step of a simple activity. There are also no exercises for Wordpad but they have you type a few lines in and then work with them. There are no good mouse practice exercises. Instead they have you open the calculator and have you use that window to do your mouse practice. It takes them about 75 pages to cover using the mouse (from page 24 to page 100). There are two chapters on word processing, One on working with text, and one on word processing. On the surface it soundss like what we do, however, I feel they over emphasize trivia and gloss over much of what we teach as being imortant. For example, they make an issue of dragging and dropping a paragraph. Much of what we teach they regard as an incidental “TIP”. Such as clicking, highlighting, swiping across a word etc. to select. The insertion point isn’t even mentioned. You can’t even find it inthe index. They then go into Files and Folders in Chapter 5. We reserve this for Beginning skills 2. Then they go into Files and folders, (Our CS2). There is no coverage of Using the Paint program, Setting up and administrative account, adding new users, Personalizing your desktop, and other items we cover in CS2. They then go into surfing the internet in Chapter 6 (our CS3) . Chapter 7 covers working with e-mail, however, you have to have a Microsoft account and one of the following e-mail providers: hotmail.com, outlook.com, or live.com. The also try to steer you into a Microsoft account. They point out that Microsoft does not support a POP3 account. I question if this is false information. You can access other providers through internet explorer. Certainly you can go to google to access Gmail. Chapter 8 covers working with photos, videos, and music which we mostly cover in CS3. They also go into a lot of what we cover in Digital photography including connecting your camera to your computer and importing pictures from your camera. Chapter 9 “Useful Settings” covers some of what we usually cover in CS2 including working with the start screen and lock screen, changing backgroud color of the start screen, going into the control panel to change mouse settings, desktop backgriound, letter & icon sizes and a few other options we cover in CS2. There are 3 additional bonus chapters which are available on line for download. These cover: Working with a touchpad Working with a touchscreen Downloading apps. They also have practice files available for download but these only include 10 pictures and two videos. After spending $22.95 for this book, some of the material we cover requires the purchase of a second book “More Windows 8 for Seniors” which covers: ● Adjust your workspace ● Create user accounts ● Work with photos ● Play and manage music ● Burn CDs and DVDs ● Use system restore options, create backups and clean up the computer for an additional $22.95 I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book as a reference book. It has a great Appendix called “How Do I Do That Again?”. It also has a great index sorted alphabetically. As a teaching tool for us, I feel that the Que book that Dave Cree mentioned in an e-mail sound a lot more promising.

This book is so well done. Easy to read and to follow. Screenshots are great and a big help. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to learn Windows 8.

was so confused with my new computer. This was just what I needed. Barrowed one from our local library. Liked it so well bought one for my self. Use it often when I am not sure how to do some thing.

Turned out to be like all the "Dummies" instructions I have bought. They don't match up with what I am seeing on my screen. Soon I am lost in the details and terminology that doesn't make sense. Sorry, I'll just make it on my own. So far I really like 8.1.

I'm really not a senior but things are very hard for me to turn I understand this book and is slower and that's what I need to know, I think it's a good book and I like it. Joe

New computer - new methods - older user having trouble - a friend from Face Book recommended this to me - said another friend of her's had gotten it and was so helpful - so far - so good from this end - looking forward to learning more about it!

This book is NOT just for Seniors. It is one of the best books out there for Windows 8. It is a programed instruction on how to get around Windows 8. I was scepticle at first when I first saw it, but really love it. It is very easy to read, and to understand. If you are someone who is a visual learner, this book is for you. There are excerises at the end of each chapter, with good reviews to go to. Copy the review pages to have close at hand when you need to refresh your memory on something. There are other books in the series on Windows 8, "Intenet and E-mail for SENIORS with Windows 8" and "More Windows 8 for Seniors". The second book will be out in the Fall.

Bought this for my father to help him get used to him new laptop. Very well written and easy to follow. Takes the reader step by step through the OS with many illustrations and great tips.

I bought this book, following the window 7 for seniors.which i liked very much. i haven't bought my new computer yet, therefore, i cannot tell you if the manual will be helpful .

I found Windows 8 a difficult operating system so have downloaded a programme that bypasses the wretched ' tiles', reinstates the start button on the desktop and have abandoned Windows 8!

I have had several Studio Visual Steps for seniors books and they are all so good , this is one is the same high quality . John.