This book has been designed to lead you, step by step, through all the tasks you’re most likely to want to perform in Windows 8.1. If you start at the beginning and work your way through all the exercises, you’ll gain enough proficiency to use Windows. However, each topic is self-contained. If you have worked with a previous version of Windows, or if you completed all the exercises and later need help remembering how to perform a procedure, the following features of this book will help you locate specific information.
Detailed table of contents. Search the listing of the topics and sidebars within each chapter.
Chapter thumb tabs. Easily locate the beginning of the chapter you want.
Topic-specific running footers. Within a chapter, quickly locate the topic you want by looking at the running footers at the bottom of odd-numbered pages.
Glossary. Look up the meaning of a word or the definition of a concept.
Keyboard shortcuts. If you prefer to work from the keyboard rather than with a mouse, find all the shortcuts in one place.
Detailed index. Look up specific tasks and features in the index, which has been carefully crafted with the reader in mind.
You can save time when reading this book by understanding how the Step by Step series shows exercise instructions, keys to press, buttons to click, and other information.
Convention | Meaning |
|---|---|
1 | Numbered steps guide you through hands-on exercises in each topic. |
The Set Up icon precedes a step-by-step exercise and indicates the practice files that you will use when working through the exercise. It also indicates any requirements you should attend to or actions you should take before beginning the exercise. | |
The Clean Up icon follows a step-by-step exercise and provides instructions for saving and closing open files or programs before moving on to another topic. It also suggests ways to reverse any changes you made to your computer while working through the exercise. | |
TIP | This section provides a helpful hint or shortcut that makes working through a task easier. |
IMPORTANT | This section points out information that you need to know to complete the procedure. |
TROUBLESHOOTING | This section shows you how to fix a common problem. |
NOTE | These paragraphs provide a helpful hint or shortcut that makes working through a task easier. |
Ctrl+C | A plus sign (+) between two key names means that you must press those keys at the same time. For example, “Press Alt+Tab” means that you hold down the Alt key while you press Tab. |
Boldface type | Program features that you click or press are shown in boldface type. |
Blue italic type | Terms that are explained in the glossary at the end of the book are shown in italic type within the chapter. |
Blue boldface type | Text that you are supposed to type appears in color and bold in the procedures. |
Italic type | Folder paths, URLs, and emphasized words appear in italic type. |
Before you can complete the exercises in this book, you need to copy the book’s practice files to your computer. These practice files, and other information, can be downloaded from here:
Display the detail page in your web browser and follow the instructions for downloading the files.
Important
The Windows 8.1 software is not available from this website. You should purchase and install this operating system before using this book.
The following table lists the practice files for this book.
Chapter | File |
|---|---|
Carriage.jpg Farmhouse.jpg Sheep.JPG Trees.jpg Flying over the Hoover Dam.3GP | |
Hello from Joli and Ciprian.wma Notepad.txt Elevator.jpg Ferris Wheel.jpg Old Pub.jpg Take Off.3GPP The Stratosphere Ride in Las Vegas.3GPP | |
None | |
Document1.docx | |
Document1.docx | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
PictureA.jpg PictureB.jpg | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
ForPrinting.pdf Lock - Switch User Restart Shut Down Sign out Sleep Stop Shut Down | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None | |
None |
The following sections provide information on errata, book support, feedback, and contact information.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this book and its companion content. If you do find an error, please report it on the Microsoft Press site at oreilly.com.
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