Windows 7 Inside Out

I'ver read too many poorly written books by technical specialists who just don't write very well. This book is not one of those. It is well-written, all-encompassing, and provides thorough, understandable, technical help for the novice and the geek alike. The reader can either use this book as a reference or he/she can read it from cover to cover. I did the latter--twice! I just couldn't absorb all the cool and fantastic features in one reading. This is the first time since 1988 that I feel I really have a handle on my OS. If you are running Windows 7 (any version), you cannot do without this manual. It may appear absurd to say that Windows 7 Inside Out can be life-altering, but it can be just that! Geeks and neophytes ought to celebrate.

As a technical professional that focuses on Microsoft products, I have read or have access to a number of technical books. Some focus on technical knowledge sharing, other focus on presentation of the information. It is rare that a book comes along that provides both. This book is very readable and not so technical that the new features get lost in terminology or filler paragraphs to create a larger book.

This book is one of those that not only provides excellent information on the new operating system, but makes an excellent reference guide for those times that you need to look up something. It is not a book you will recall everything, but the information is presented in such a way that it makes it easy to recall seeing it mentioned, which makes for quick search to find what you are looking for.

This book arrived in early October prior to my preordered copies on Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade. By reading portions of this book, I was able to do a clean install of Windows 7 on a desktop and laptop computer. I had to find one driver for the sound on the laptop and knew how to find it by checking in this book. The sections on Home Networking make connecting to your network very easy. I then setup my Homegroup by following the clearly defined information provided by the authors. Everything that you need to know about the basics is presented clearly in this book. One can easily add E Mail and secuity features by checking those sections of the book. There is also advanced information that I do not need but there for those with the interest and skill to use. I highly recommend this book.

I am so accustomed to using the Missing Manual series by David Pogue for OS upgades and programs Windows 7: The Missing Manual but did not have the patience to wait for the printing of the MM book on Windows 7, so decided to buy and dive into this one instead. It is from the Microsoft Press and written by experts in the field of Windows. Who knows the operating system better than the developers themselves?? That said, it needs to be stated that this book is geared toward a more technical user who actually ENJOYS being technical and likes to tinker. If this is not your cup of tea, go with the Windows 7: The Missing Manual as it will humor you and suit your needs. The Windows Inside Out really delves deeply into customization, security, advanced file management and much more.

This book is labeled for the Intermediate / Advanced and contains a CD with tools, training and the book in e-book form. If this is your first technical book, it might be a bit intimidating. I would suggest the Missing Manual by David Pogue if you can wait for it to come to press or Windows 7 Bible which is really geared to the beginner to intermediate user.

5 Stars for Techies

I am in the computer business (Repair, install, etc.) and I needed answers to Windows 7 that were complete and understandable. This book does just that. I also like the fact that a DVD containing the entire book came along with the purchase. It allows me to have a handy reference on my laptop while traveling. The book is thick and too heavy to carry around.

Glad I have it.