Amazon.com Review
Marmel and Koers have oriented their book toward raw novices--people who don't know, for example, what it means to "minimize" a program or to "drag" something to the Recycle Bin. With a fair amount of handholding, the authors explain how to get around in Windows 98 and the programs that run under it. This book won't advance users to expert status, but it will make them competent.
The authors explain how Windows 98 differs from Windows 95 and clue the reader in on the fundamentals of window control, file management, and applications. They then turn to the Desktop, instructing how to configure pointing and clicking options. Subsequently, the authors discuss all the applets in the Control Panel and the details of using WordPad, Paint, and some of the other fairly useful programs that come with Windows 98. The authors touch on the Internet, including the process of setting up a dial-up Internet service provider (ISP) account.
The layout in this book seems a little muddled, with too many small screen shots, labels, icons, and shaded text, and some portions of the text are weak. Overall, novices who want help figuring out Windows 98 will be able to put this book to use. --David Wall
From Library Journal
Like IDG's offerings, below, Prima's books provide similar information in a number of formats. Fast & Easy is the most visually intense book, and it should work well for those who have even a small amount of experience with previous Windows systems. It is logically organized but allows the user to reference sections of interest. In a Weekend functions as a chronological tutorial. Well illustrated and with a good, basic text, it walks readers through "Getting To Know Windows 98," "Installing Applications," "Adding Hardware," and four more chapters that build on one another. Despite the title, Essential Windows 98, offering deeper instruction but in a similar format to In a Weekend, seems the best title to skip.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
