I just happened to notice a shared link that Marcus of the Clubhouse (Windows Community Manager) posted for this new book. It is not available for sale yet, but I thought you might want to know about it anyway so you may pre-order it. The price is less for pre-orders according to the Amazon.com page:
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Windows Live Essentials and Services: Using Free Microsoft Applications for Windows 7 (Paperback)by Bradley L. Jones (Author), Marcus Schmidt (Author) |
It seems like a great book, so I thought I’d help pass the word. Here is a description of the book from its Amazon.com page:
Product Description
A full-color, step-by-step guide for using the most popular free software and online offerings from Microsoft’s new Windows Live EssentialsMicrosoft’s new operating system – Windows 7 – isn’t including many applications you might be used to seeing. Instead, those applications are being made available as set of free downloads called Windows Live Essentials, with the promise of more frequent updates independent of when the operating system releases happen. Windows Live Essentials includes tools such as Messenger, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker. This valuable guide shows you how to use these applications so that you accomplish everyday tasks successfully and smartly.
Step-by-step instructions show you how to use not only these applications, but also associated Windows Live on-line services. As an example, you’ll learn just how easy it is to create panoramic pictures in seconds or how to create movies from pictures in just a few minutes. Then you’ll get the inside scoop on how to communicate and share using Messenger, SkyDrive, Spaces, and Groups.
- Windows Live Essentials are available as free downloads for the Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating systems
- Reviews what is included Windows Live products such as Messenger, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker as well as Windows Live services like Spaces, Groups, SkyDrive, Calendar, and Events
- Provides you with essential information on using the applications and services efficiently in order to accomplish everyday tasks.
With this book, you’ll quickly be on your way to accessing these useful applications in an effort to making your life easier.
This seems like it would be a great book to give to a family member or friend who is getting a computer soon, or for somebody new to all of the features of Windows Live.
X
Edited to add:
Marcus posted a comment to this blog entry with more information. I will quote it here in its entirety:
Thanks for your kind words, folks. I hope this has some good shelf life. We couldn’t talk about each and every feature, but we tried to hit the highlights for someone who is relatively new to the world of Windows Live. You all are already Windows Live experts, so I’m not sure how much more you’ll discover in this book, but thanks for ordering it if you do. 🙂
Maybe they’ll invite me back to help with the next "edition" when the next release of Windows Live comes out.
I’ve learned a lot from all of you and look forward to continuing to do so!
Good luck with the book, Marcus!
X
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X-Evolutionist's Space 
I saw his Update for this one. What a clever guy he is. Well done for shouting this one out, X!
Thanks, Jen. I AM having a Bette Davis film festival this afternoon, but I\’m on break… X
I\’m excited for him as well, X. I have recently read "Google Apps for Dummies" as well as "Google Site and Chrome for Dummies" and wondered why no one had written something similar for Windows Live services. With wave 4 on the horizon, I wonder how such a book will accommodate the inevitable changes to the service. Hopefully, it won\’t be obsolete before it ever hits the shelves!
Good point, Greg. I hope they have incorporated the new features into the book. X
Greg: Technogran could write the Windows Live one? Whaddaya say?
Marcus is well aware of the agony that many users went through when the Wave3 updates were introduced, and also how many use The Essentials Suite of programs, but don\’t make use of all of their numorous features. As it isn\’t out yet, then they will surely have incorporated all of the new features to be introduced in Wave4, Marcus will be fully aware of those. If not as Greg says, it\’ll be out of date before its published! I have ordered a copy from Amazon.co.uk
Thanks for your kind words, folks. I hope this has some good shelf life. We couldn\’t talk about each and every feature, but we tried to hit the highlights for someone who is relatively new to the world of Windows Live. You all are already Windows Live experts, so I\’m not sure how much more you\’ll discover in this book, but thanks for ordering it if you do. :-)Maybe they\’ll invite me back to help with the next "edition" when the next release of Windows Live comes out. I\’ve learned a lot from all of you and look forward to continuing to do so!
Who me? An expert? Hey, be careful what you wish for, Marcus;-)
What no wave 4 hints?
@Mandy: ask Jamie Thompson;-)
Why Jamie Jen?
Sure he done a blog on the subject?
Unfortunately his space has been shut down since June.
Nah – not Jamie\’s? Can\’t believe it. He\’s an MVP! Hang on…
He\’s there, Mandy. Just been on his Space.
Maybe I\’m not in his network any more then – it\’s shut to me and says on profile – closed in June – but he was just guessing anyway, not real info about it like …. maybe Marcus!
Actually come to think of it, don\’t think I was ever in his network – he was in my group!
He\’s been in my network for ages, now. Good chap, is Jamie.
Edited blog entry to add comment from Marcus about the book. X