Beginning Windows 8

Windows 8 has been described by Microsoft as its ‘boldest’ Windows release ever. Beginning Windows 8 takes you through the new features and helps you get more out of the familiar to reveal the possibilities for this amazing new operating system. You will learn, with non-technical language used throughout, how to get up and running in the new Windows interface, minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and harness the features you never knew existed to take control of your computer and enjoy the peace of mind and excitement that comes with it. From tips and tweaks to easy-to-follow guides and detailed descriptions, this book takes you inside Windows 8 to discover the true power and flexibility that lies within, and guides you at your own pace through getting the very best from it.

This book introduces novice developers to a range of data access strategies for storing and retreiving data both locally and remotely. It provides you with a range of fully working data access solutions and the insight you need to know when, and how, to apply each of the techniques to best advantage. Focussing specifically on how the Windows 8 app developer can work with the Windows Runtime (often called Windows RT) framework this book provides careful analysis of the many options you have open to you, along with a comparision of their strengths and weaknesses under different conditions. With the days of a single database being the right choice for almost all development projects long gone. You will lean that the right choice for your app now depends on a variety of factors and getting it right will be critical to your customer's end user experience. We cover a range of data access strategies ranging from storing and retrieving data locally using the JET API, to using the most popular open and closed source database products like SQLite and SQL Server. We look at how lightweight HTML and JavaScript apps work well with equally feather-weight data stores like IndexedDB. We'll also introduce you to more advanced data access techniques like REST (JSON), WCF RIA Services, ASP.NET MVC 4 Web API and Windows Azure that can hugely expand the horizons of what it is possible for your app to do as storage - and even processing - are taken beyond the confines of your user's device. By the time you have read this book you will be familiar with the key data access considerations you will need to evaluate as you build you apps and you will be able to confidently select the data access architecture that is most appropriate to the app you want to build. What you’ll learn Understand the data access capability of WinRT Explore the various data access strategies Understand local storage in Windows 8 Apps Discover how to use HTML5 indexedDB as an offline database Use SQLite and SQL Server with Windows 8 Apps Develop ASP.NET MVC 4 Web API data stores Learn how to consume data through a WCF Service Integrate your app with Public Web Services using REST See how SQL Azure can extend your Windows 8 Apps Who this book is for This book is for all the .NET, iOS, Android and Windows Phone app developers looking to develop data driven Windows 8 style apps. You should be comfortable with basic programming concepts and have worked with simple data stores previously. Table of Contents Introducing Windows 8 development from a data perspective Windows 8 Modern app data access strategies Selecting the right strategy for your app Local Data Access I : JET API Local Data Access: II: IndexedDB Dealing with Application Data WCF RIA Services ASP.NET Web API SQL Databases Windows Phone 8 Data Access

Learn to use exciting new development tools and create applications for Windows 8 If you're a beginning developer, there's no better place to get up to speed on the Windows 8 SDK than this Wrox guide. A team of Microsoft experts provides a complete course in Windows 8 programming, helping you take full advantage of the innovative new SDK. Written in an easy-to-read style, this book is packed with reusable examples that showcase the endless possibilities of the Windows SDK and also introduces the new Windows 8 app store. It explains how to set up the development environment and covers user interface design, using special effects and graphics, working with C# and C++, and much more. Provides a complete introduction to the Windows SDK and Windows 8, starting with setting up the development environment and building your first application Covers user interface design, touch- and event-driven design elements, leveraging windows-based services, and offline application development with HTML 5 Explores creating C# applications for the Windows 8 system, XNA 4 and Silverlight 5 considerations, and the role of C++ Shows how to debug, certify and deploy your applications Introduces the new Windows 8 app store and offers advice on marketing your apps Beginning Windows 8 Application Development is perfect for anyone who's ready to get started developing apps for the exciting new Windows 8 OS.

Beginning Windows 8 Application Development – XAML Edition introduces you to the Windows 8 modern app design paradigm and the new Windows 8 programming model developed around this paradigm. You'll learn to build rich, immersive applications designed to run on the many devices that will be powered by Windows 8. With the introduction of Windows 8, once again Microsoft has re-envisioned the way that PCs and devices will be used and applications will be built in a world that has become far more connected. The Windows 8 modern UI style is far more than a programming model and Beginning Windows 8 Application Development – XAML Edition takes you beyond the syntax of any development language. We examine the factors such as UX (User Experience), social integration, and maintaining data and settings across multiple devices. Gives an early start to building next-generation connected applications Introduces new programming libraries available in Windows 8 Explores Windows 8 app design concepts

Windows 8 has been described by Microsoft as its ‘boldest’ Windows release ever and the 8.1 update enhances the paradigm further. Beginning Windows 8.1 takes you through the new features and helps you get more out of the familiar to reveal the fullest possibilities for this amazing new operating system. You will learn, with non-technical language used throughout, how to get up and running in the new Windows interface, minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and harness the features you never knew existed to take control of your computer and enjoy the peace of mind and excitement that comes with it. From tips and tweaks to easy-to-follow guides and detailed descriptions, this book takes you inside Windows 8.1 to discover the true power and flexibility that lies within, and guides you at your own pace through getting the very best from it.

Windows 8 has been described by Microsoft as its ‘boldest’ Windows release ever and the 8.1 update enhances the paradigm further. Beginning Windows 8.1 takes you through the new features and helps you get more out of the familiar to reveal the fullest possibilities for this amazing new operating system. You will learn, with non-technical language used throughout, how to get up and running in the new Windows interface, minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and harness the features you never knew existed to take control of your computer and enjoy the peace of mind and excitement that comes with it. From tips and tweaks to easy-to-follow guides and detailed descriptions, this book takes you inside Windows 8.1 to discover the true power and flexibility that lies within, and guides you at your own pace through getting the very best from it. What you’ll learn About the ins and outs of the Windows 8 interface and its new features How to personalize your Windows experience to give trouble-free performance How to use your computer to connect to devices and services in the home, at work, and on the move How to maximize your productivity with Windows 8 How to secure and configure Windows 8 to guarantee a safe and secure experience How to use hack and manipulate Windows to enable advanced customization Who this book is for Beginning Windows 8.1 is for people new to Windows or who just want toget up to speed with Windows 8. This book also can help people who already know how to perform routine tasks learn how to get more out of Windows, their computer and their time. Whether you want to get up and running with Windows 8, or want to go to the next level and learn useful ways to minimize problems, maximize performance, and optimize your overall Windows experience, this book is for you. Table of Contents Introducing Windows 8.1 Finding your Way Around Windows 8.1 Connecting Sharing with Family and Friends Organizing and Searching Your Computer Printing and Managing Printers Having Fun with Games, Photos, Music and Video Maximizing Your Productivity Personalizing Your Windows Experience Making Windows 8.1 More Accessible and Easier to Use Keeping Yourself, Your Files and Your Computer Safe Maintaining and Backing up Your Computer and Files Advanced Configuration and Customization Getting Started with Virtualization Installing Windows 8.1 on Your Computer Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D

Ready to learn Windows 8 programming? Start Here! Learn the fundamentals of Windows 8 programming—and begin creating apps for desktops, laptops, tablets, and other devices. If you have previous experience with HTML5 and JavaScript—simply start here! This book introduces must-know concepts and getting-started techniques through easy-to-follow explanations, examples, and exercises. Here’s where you start learning Windows 8 app development Build on your knowledge of HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript Create photo and media galleries with built-in HTML widgets Interact with the system through live tiles, contracts, and view state detection Store and access data on the local device and via the Internet Access webcam, GPS, and other sensors embedded in the device Create your first programs and publish them to the Windows Store

Ten minibooks in one get you thoroughly caught up on Windows 8.1! With new improvements and changes, Windows 8.1 offers a refreshed user interface, better integration between the new and traditional Windows interfaces, and more. This updated top-selling guide is what you need to get up to speed on everything Windows 8.1. Nine minibooks in one cover such essential topics as navigating the new Start Screen, understanding Windows 8.1 apps, securing Windows 8.1, and much more. Take the guesswork out of Windows 8.1 from day one with this complete, all-in-one resource. Helps you get up to speed on the Windows 8.1 operating system, including its Start Screen, which is a feature sure to please traditional Windows users Provides top-notch guidance from trusted and well-known Windows expert and author Woody Leonhard Covers Windows 8.1 inside and out, including how to customize the Start screen, manage apps, and control privacy Delves into core Windows 8.1 apps such as e-mail, people, and SkyDrive Shows you how to connect online, add hardware, back up and update, and secure Windows 8.1 Discover new improvements, old favorites, and everything in between with Windows 8.1 All-in-One For Dummies.