BKFGWN95.RVW   990129

"Field Guide to Microsoft Windows 95", Stephen L. Nelson, 1995,
1-55615-675-8, U$9.95/C$12.95/UK#9.49
%A   Stephen L. Nelson
%C   1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA   98052-6399
%D   1995
%G   1-55615-675-8
%I   Microsoft Press
%O   U$9.95/C$12.95/UK#9.49 800-MSPRESS fax: 206-936-7329
%P   187 p.
%S   Field Guide
%T   "Field Guide to Microsoft Windows 95"

The title suggests a type of quick reference, along the lines of what
bug have we found now?  Ah, it's not a bug at all, but a Red-Faced
Coronary Inducing Feature!  However, of course, what we really want in
the computer world is fast access to straightforward directions on how
to accomplish what we need to get done.

The first of four sections in the book, called "Environment," gives a
quick introduction to Windows operations.  The graphical arrangement
of the book is quite appropriate for the Windows interface, but the
material misses a lot of areas that may be new to users, such as
clicking, dragging, and other "commands."  There are also some
misleading items, such as the statement that applications run until
stopped (some terminate by themselves).

Part two is the largest, an alphabetic listing of commands, programs,
and terms.  The "applets" of Win95, such as the calculator, backup,
and Paint, have enough explanation to get started with.  Terminology
is not always crystal clear, such as the assertion that folders have
"replaced" directories.  (It might now be evident that folders *are*
directories, by any other name.)  When looking for functions, there is
a listing for starting programs, but nothing under "stop" or "quit." 
(You have to know that MS calls this "exiting.")  Also, I really don't
now that novices need to know that the technology Windows uses to cut
and paste stuff is called OLE (Object Linking and Embedding).

Part three calls itself "Troubleshooting," but most of the entries
deal with commonly used functions.  Useful, yes, but the book might
have been strengthened by including these tips in appropriate areas of
the reference in part two.  Of the listings that do deal with problem
issues, I am not sure that I would rely on them.

Part four is a reference to the menu items under the Start Menu,
Windows Explorer, and the Printer Folder.

When compared with a book like Nelson's "The Little Windows 95 Book"
(cf. BKLTLW95.RVW) this text has serious shortcomings.  However, it
can probably stand with any other of the Windows 95 introductions.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1999   BKFGWN95.RVW   990129