Programming Windows® 8 Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Apply your existing skills with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—and start building your own Windows 8 apps now. As a member of the Windows Ecosystem team, the author has trained hundreds of Microsoft engineers and has been on the front lines of bringing the first Windows 8 apps to the Windows Store. Through this book, you’ll get a thorough grounding in platform features and considerations, and delve into development essentials. “Quickstart” sections provide ready experience with the tools, API, and core features. And you’ll gain insights and best practices on design, coding, and performance from real-world developers working on real-world apps.

Topics includes:

• Platform Characteristics
• App Anatomy and Page Navigation
• Controls, Control Styling, and Basic Data Binding
• Collections and Collection Controls
• Layout
• Windows 8 Style Commanding UI
• State, Settings, Files, and Documents
• Input and Sensors
• Media
• Purposeful Animations
• Contracts
• Tiles, Notifications, the Lock Screen, and Background Tasks
• Networking
• Devices and Printing
• Extensions
• Localization, Accessibility, and the Windows Store

Windows 8 Inside Out

You’re beyond the basics—so dive right into Windows 8 and really put your PC to work! This supremely organized reference is packed with hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds. It’s all muscle and no fluff. Discover how the experts tackle Windows 8—and challenge yourself to new levels of mastery!

Topics include:

• Installing and personalizing Windows 8
• Mastering the new UI and features
• Using pen, touch, and voice input
• Implementing security essentials
• Managing files, disks, and drives
• Sharing and synching digital media
• Setting up and troubleshooting a home or mobile network
• Monitoring and tuning performance

Windows 8 For Dummies

Microsoft Windows is the operating system that runs nearly 90 percent of the world's computers. Windows 8 will offer new interface updates, cloud-based services, and much more. This update of Andy Rathbone's bestselling Windows guide covers all the basics, plus the enhancements unique to Windows 8. Whether you're meeting Windows for the first time or upgrading from an earlier version, this book shows you how to navigate the interface, work with files, browse the Internet, set up e-mail, manage media, and more.

• Combined editions of this book, all by Microsoft MVP Andy Rathbone, have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, making Windows For Dummies the #1 bestselling technology book of all time
• Covers all the basics of using Windows 8--core desktop components, managing files and folders, saving files, using Windows search, printing, and working in the cloud
• Shows how to get online, set up and use e-mail, use the latest version of Internet Explorer, set up security and virus protection, add music to the media player, organize photos, and edit media
• Includes coverage on using Windows 8's new start screen on both a desktop computer and a touchscreen device

Windows 8 For Dummies has what all Windows newbies need to know as well as complete coverage of the new version's bells and whistles.

Team Foundation Service is live! Up to 5 users are free, and for a limited time all use is free!

It's available now. It's Team Foundation Service, a new way for teams who care about rapid software delivery to plan and manage projects. And for teams up to 5 developers, it's free.

• Accessible from anywhere, using existing and familiar tools.
  Plan projects, collaborate with your team, and manage your code online from anywhere using any modern web browser. Works with all editions of Visual Studio 2012 (even Express!), as well as Eclipse and other tools (by using our command line client).
• Get started quickly, with no infrastructure to manage.
  Go from "sign up" to your first project in minutes, and set up a Continuous Integration (CI) build in a few easy steps. Your source code and work items are stored in the cloud, making server configuration a thing of the past.
  
• All languages and platforms welcome.
  From C# to Python, from Windows to Android, you can use a variety of languages and target a variety of platforms. Our services are designed to help you focus on what you do best—building great apps.
  

Get started today by signing up for your free account!

Team Foundation Service is being made available to teams of up to five developers for FREE. Sign up today, invite up to four team members and start collaborating for no cost. To get started, visit: http://tfs.visualstudio.com.

Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Phone

Windows Phone SDK provides Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Phone and the assets to build epic apps faster using what you know. Use .NET to build your apps or take full advantage of the platform for your games with DirectX/C++. .NET apps and games can reuse their business logic across Windows 8, the web (ASP.NET), and Windows Azure so developers can move faster.

Windows Phone apps
The Visual Studio 2012 integrated development environment (IDE) simplifies the development of phone apps so you can focus on delighting your users.

Windows Phone Emulator
Once you’ve built your app, test it using the Windows Phone Emulator. You’ll see it the way users will see it in a simulated, real-world environment.

Blend for Windows Phone
Seamless integration with Blend for Windows Phone means you can create unique and compelling apps that will shine in the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Use with your existing Visual Studio
With the Visual Studio Add-in you can create end-to-end solutions. Create continuous services to power your apps with cloud-based services. Or share business logic across Windows Phone, Windows 8, or ASP.NET.

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/cht/products/visual-studio-express-for-windows-phone