Windows 8 is the most important change to the Windows operating system since Windows 95. While almost everything you’ve come to love about earlier versions of Windows is still available, Windows 8 provides an infrastructure on which the next generation of PCs and apps will be built. These new PCs and apps will be powerful, fast, mobile, and touch-friendly.

Your keyboard and mouse will work fine, but you’ll also be able to bring new touch-friendly PCs to your couch, kitchen, patio, or wherever you want them. Your kids, and even that technophobic family member who only knows how to use Facebook on their smartphone, will be able to use the PC with little instruction.

While anyone can use Windows 8, it’s also one of the most full-featured operating systems ever made. By gaining a deeper understanding of Windows 8, you can use it to record and watch your favorite TV shows at home and while you travel, edit and share your home movies, access your files from any device anywhere in the world, get fast Internet access throughout your entire house, and so much more. That’s why I wrote this book: to teach you how to use PCs to improve the lives of you and your family.

I believe books are the best way to learn. Sometimes, though, it’s much easier for me to show you something in person. That’s why I’ve recorded dozens of videos and linked to them throughout this book. You don’t need to watch the videos; they’re entirely optional. However, they make the process of learning about Windows 8 so much more fun. Often, videos can show important concepts much more clearly than text and screen shots.

If you have any questions, or you just want to keep in touch with me, I’m easy to find. On Facebook, friend me at http://www.facebook.com/tony.northrup, and follow my photography at http://www.facebook.com/NorthrupPhotography. Subscribe to my YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/VistaClues. Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ tonynorthrup (@tonynorthrup). You can also just email me at tony@northrup.org.