Customer Reviews

Microsoft Windows Me for Dummies

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I recently bought my dad his first home PC for his birthday (his 68th) and wound up spending hours on the phone answering his questions. I finally bought a copy of this book and sent it to him. Now we can talk about more important things, like football scores, when he calls. This probably isn't the book you want if you've used Windows for years and are looking for the latest greatest junk Microsoft has added, but it sure helps the absolute beginner understand the software.

This book is almost an exact duplicate of Windows 95 and 98 for Dummies. Even some of the page numbers in the index are incorrect. Windows Me Secrets, Windows Me Bible or even Mastering Windows 98 would be better choices.

If you know Windows 98, then don't bother with this book, it's a rehash of Windows 98 info. There are very few new features in Win Me and fewer are explained. They are explained in the authors next book "More Microsoft Windows Me Millennium Edition for Dummies" which he urges us to buy. I'm not! Fooled me once.

This book will give you a lot of information about how to use WindowsMe. It will answer those "silly" or "stupid" questions you are afraid to ask. Or those questions you ask your computer buddy that he/she answers in waaaay too technical terms for you. :) I agree that this book is more for beginners, but it's fun reading. I have been around since Windows 3.1...and I still read all the new Windows For Dummies Books. They are entertaining as well as informative. I never know what new tip or trick I may learn!

Great book for an absolute beginner. Well written, clearly explained, not "cutesy" or as funny as the "Idiots" guides but that was OK. Got a lot out of it and was less intimidated by the machine afterwards; much more comfortable in sitting down and trying out the different programs. Well worth the price.

Windows Me is an almost useless piece of fluff. Author Andy Rathbone goes to great lengths to explain what Windows Me can do, he however makes almost no atempt to explain how to do it. I found his scratchings on the Media player to be an especialy large waste of time. He listed in almost painfull detail exactly what Media Play could acomplish, he simly forgot to say how. Overall I would say purchasing this book was a waste of my time and money.

A. Rathbone seems more relentlessly intent on performing "stand up" comedy, or being unctiously cute than in giving useful, straight forward, instruction. As a complete begginner, I found his presentation aggravating. He needs an editor to weed out all his "goofey", material and get on with the info and instruction. Found the MaranGraphics series much more instructive, clear and concise.

I'm probably one of the last baby-boomers to finally buy a computer. I found it very intimidating. While taking classes that were still leaving me struggling, someone suggested that I buy this book. It was the best investment I could have made. It answers so many of my questions in an easy, humorous way.

At one point, my arrow kept jumping all over the computer screen. I was not even touching the mouse. I thought the machine was posessed. I started flipping through my Dummie book and sure enough, the problem was listed. Not posessed, only a dirty mouse. Whew.

I have used this book as a resource for info more times than I can recall. It has been a lifesaver for me. Computer experts have a way of talking in a different language. Mr. Rathbone keeps it simple and easy. Thanks!!!