Windows 8.1 Preview is available now

Windows 8.1—a free update to Windows 8—is coming later this year, and a prerelease version is available now for you to try. Windows 8.1 has new ways for you to personalize your PC and includes a wave of awesome new apps and services.

Windows 8.1 Preview is available now: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview

Windows 8.1 Preview

First preview: Programming Windows Store Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Second Edition

Free eBook: First preview: Programming Windows Store Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Second Edition, is available to download: Here

Source: Microsoft Press Blog

FREE ebook: Windows Store Apps Succinctly

Syncfusion’s FREE eBook, Windows Store Apps Succinctly:

Windows Store apps present a radical shift in Windows development. They place content and interaction above all else to provide users with immersive, intuitive application experiences. With Windows Store Apps Succinctly by John Garland, you'll be guided through obtaining a developer license, to managing your application's life cycle and storage, all the way to submitting your app to the Windows Store.

Table of Contents

• Core Concepts
• XAML, Controls, and Pages
• Application Life Cycle and Storage
• Contracts and Extensions
• Tiles, Toasts, and Notifications
• Hardware and Sensors
• Deployment

Download Windows Store Apps Succinctly

Download MSDN February 2013 for FREE!

Digital veraion (PDF) of MSDN February 2013 issue is available for FREE here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ee310108.aspx

C# Fundamentals Important Update

Since the launch of this series Microsoft has released Windows 8 along with new editions of Visual Studio. In this short update video, Bob Tabor explains which versions of Visual Studio 2012 Express you should download and explains the difference between Visual Studio for Windows 8 and Visual Studio for Desktop.

Windows 8 tutorials

windows8update.com have put together a complete overview of all the different parts and functions of Windows 8 - Windows 8 Tutorials.

Windows 8 Upgrade Tutorial: You might be interested in articles about upgrading from Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 to Windows 8. Check out our Windows 8 Upgrade guide or Tutorial.

Introduction to the Windows 8 interface: Microsoft have totally re-imagined Windows. The new user interface is different from anything you have ever seen in a Windows Operating System. Learn about Metro, Charms, Hot Corners and more.

The Windows 8 Charms Bar: This section covers the Windows 8 Charms section of Windows 8. This is a new feature in Windows 8 that allows users to get to some of the most commonly used functions in the Operating System quickly.

Windows 8 PC Settings: This section covers the Windows 8 PC Settings section of Windows 8. This is the section that allows you to tweak your PC configuration.

Windows 8 FAQ’s: This section covers the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about setting up some of the core apps in Windows 8.

Windows 8 Applications: This section covers the applications that actually come with Windows 8 such as the Windows 8 Messaging application, the camera application, the music applications etc.

Windows 8 Control Panel: This section covers the parts of Windows 8 that users can configure when they need to make changes to the way Windows 8 runs. These include items like Windows Update, Location Settings, Family safety and Autoplay.

Windows 8 Administrative Tools: This section covers the parts of Windows 8 that System Administrators need to use to monitor and configure the system such as Computer Management and Windows Firewalls.

Get Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free, for a limited time.

• For a limited time, get Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free **
  
  ** Windows 8 Media Center Pack is available at no charge for a limited time only through this promotional page on Windows.com. If you obtain Windows 8 Media Center Pack through any other location fees might apply. Offer valid from October 26, 2012, until January 31, 2013, and is limited to one product key per email address. You qualify for this promotion if your PC is running Windows 8 Pro. Additional hardware may be required to watch and record live TV. You must provide a valid email address to receive your Windows 8 Media Center Pack product key. Your product key must be activated no later than January 31, 2013. Microsoft will only contact you at the email address you provide to send you your product key and to remind you when the activation period for your product key is ending. Catalysis Corporation is a third-party company we use to collect subscription information and process the delivery of these emails. If you purchase a new PC with Windows 8 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8 Pro Pack, Windows 8 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store. Get the full details on our special offers.
  
  
• For a limited time, get Windows 8 Pro Pack for $69.99 *
  
  * Offer valid from October 26, 2012, until January 31, 2013, and is limited to five licenses per customer per promotion. To install Windows 8 Pro Pack, you must be running Windows 8. Internet access fees may apply. Prices shown are estimated retail prices; actual price may vary by retailer. If you purchase a new PC with Windows 8 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8 Pro Pack, Windows 8 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store. Get the full details on our special offers.
  
  

Link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs