If you're a typical mouse-and-keyboard Windows 7 user and you're not particularly interested in trying anything really new, you can give Windows 8.1 a miss.I know that's a horrible thing to say on an ordering page for "Windows 8.1 All-In-One For Dummies." But it's the truth -- the kind of straight talk you'll find throughout this book. All of my books, for that matter.If you're buying a new touch-sensitive tablet or combo, and want to stick with Windows 8.1, it's a great operating system. If you want to dabble with some new things - particularly using one of the new tiled "Metro" apps -- Win8.1 has all the bells and whistles, and then some.I've been writing books for a long time. My first book - "Windows 3.1 Programming For Mere Mortals" - came out at the dawn of the Windows era. Along the way, I've learned that most folks appreciate the straight story, and that's what you'll find in all of my books, including this one. If there's a problem, I tell you about it, and try to steer you around it. If something works well (for example, Windows 8.1's Storage Spaces works wonders!), I not only point you to the feature, I explain in depth how to make it work right -- for you. If you don't need something -- antivirus in Windows 8.1 being a good example, because Win8.1 has all the AV you'll ever need -- I warn you to save your money. Lots of money.The straight story. No sugar coating. I wrote this book for you, not for Microsoft.Check out the previews for "Windows 8.1 All-In-One For Dummies." I hope you're impressed.I'm a senior contributing editor at both InfoWorld and Windows Secrets Newsletter, and I'm co-editor of InfoWorld's TechBrief daily newsletter. You can follow me on Twitter, @woodyleonhard, or check out my blog at www.AskWoody.com.