Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Essentials & Configuration 1st Edition

Although retired, I am an experienced computer engineer with prior responsibility for network security - So I am not a newbie, and have grown-up with computers from the early microprocessor days of the late 70s. I recently upgraded my Windows XP systems to Windows 8.1. Administration "pocket consultants" are suppose to be easily accessed regarding whatever problem or question is at hand. I have found this book lacking in anything but the author's love of Microsoft mixed in with unabashedly apologies to look somewhere else. Those upgrading from various Windows platforms will have a difficult time accessing useful information - Go ahead and take the sneak peek. The lack of a table of contents accentuates this difficulty and indicates a lack of thought organization.I do have one forte worth mentioning: While wondering through the aimless definitions of how to use your desktop/laptop like a cell phone (swipe, tap, etc.), I discovered the major difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 - And that is the unseen and undervalued system security enhancements over version 8 (Although how a system that stubbornly guides the user towards an email address for local sign-on and storing personal data in a cloud - NSA anyone? - How this can be deemed secure is beyond my comprehension - But I digress). I was able to point this internal system enhancement out to a friend that regretted upgrading from version 8. Small comfort. I'd tell you the reference page number, but I'll be damned if I can find it again. However, its inclusion by the author is worth the plus one star.By the Grace of God, I successfully struggled through my Windows 8.1 installation sans any help from this pocket consultant - And I have XP Pro 32b and Windows 7 Pro 64b running on Virtual Box (free) on CentOS 6.5 64b (again free), protected by a well-configured iptables (free again). Thank you Lord!

Windows 8 is not my favorite OS. It reminds me too much of the Vista days, but you do what you have to do, and I had to spin up on 8.1 over a weekend. This guide saved my bacon and made me look like a friggin' GENIUS in a mere 48 hours. Comprehensive? No, of course not. But if you are an average techie with experience in windows environments and have worked with the last couple at a minimum, this is just fine. Sometimes, you just need to know how to change a flat, not how to make a new tire. This is that solution level. Great for self-studiers and those handed ridiculous assignments without time to properly come up to speed.

Product was as advertised, but took 4 more days than the promised time to ship

Windows 8.1 info in a small book. What I like the best is that O'Reiley offers the PDF and .mobi versions free for those that register the book on the web site. Now I can have it on my kindle and Phone as well as the hard copy book. Good value. Good info.

Good Book with lots of information on areas usually not covered in general 8.1 books

Well written and easy to use. It is packed with correct and useful information. I highly recommend it. I require my students use it as a reference as they learn to configure Windows 8.1 for client computers.

lower level than I expected - fairly basic

OK

love it, quick delivery

Je pensais un pocket "résumé" de référence pour administrateurs avec un minimum d'expérience, mais cet ouvrage, bien qu'intéressant et m'ayant appris plein de trucs aussi, est essentiellement fait pour admin débutants...