Question:
I'm writing a book
I'm writing a book for how newbies to get from first booting up to doing a bit of simple programming including internet on the way.
The thing is do any newbies use XP anymore - I haven't moved onto Vista yet. Should my book writing wait.
Many thanks.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
I currently use XP, haven't felt the need to go to Vista. I think Vista Ultimate and Home Premium are more popular than the other Vistas you posted, and Linux as a secondary OS as well.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
I'm writing a book for how newbies to get from first booting up to doing a bit of simple programming including internet on the way.
The thing is do any newbies use XP anymore - I haven't moved onto Vista yet. Should my book writing wait.
Many thanks.
I'm kind of confused, what exactly is the purpose of the book? Usually most computer books have a more defined focus.
In all honesty, I'm not totally sure there's a market for a single book that explains both the basics of computing and even simple programming. Usually those kinds of topics are isolated to more specific books on the individual topics.
Have you put a proposal together, and do you have a publisher/book series in mind?
Before you write the book, you definitely might want to put a proposal together and work with an acquisitions editor to define exactly what you have in mind.
As far as what "newbies" use, that's generally going to be people with new computers. So that could be a mix of things; pretty much any new PC buyer now is going to end up with a Vista system, whether they want one or not. And of course there are also people buying Macs with Mac OS X.
But you'd probably want to focus on a particular OS; Vista would be most logical if you are writing a book for people completely new to computers, because that's most likely what they are going to be running.
But then the question is, what does your book do that the tons of "Getting Started With Vista" books don't do?
And more specifically, going back to what I said at the beginning, what's the real purpose of the book? An entire book can easily be filled up just with the "getting started" stuff; it would be a bit of a stretch to jump into more advanced topics like programming in a single book.
-Zadillo
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
I use both XP and Vista, but prefer XP. I wouldn't call myself a newbie either by any means.
Most computer users (newbies included) use XP. In fact, there are more Windows 98 users out there than Vista users at this point.
Why not just write the book for Windows XP and Vista? Vista isn't that much different from XP.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
The "Dummies" series covers computing basics. Don't waste your energy writing a book that, in all honesty, either won't find an audience or won't be published.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
There are plenty of beginner’s books out there. However if you are still planning to go ahead, then I think better to write for Vista for following reasons:
1. Even though you get a larger number of hits for XP right now, a newbie would want to learn about the latest stuff, right? (Who wants to start off with old technology? ;) )
2. Your target audience is people who are new to computers; therefore there is a good possibility for most of them to have new PCs. All the major manufacturers are now shipping Vista, and by the time you are done with your book I’m sure XP won’t be available as a pre-loaded OS (at least for not for the home users >majority of your audience??)
Having said that, I use both Vista Ultimate and XP Professional with Linux on VMWare. But then again, I’m not in your audience, so I don’t think my input really matters.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
OK thanks guys. I've got a publisher so I'll write for Vista.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
mattireland - Have you considered writing a book on Vista for young children? I just do not remember seeing any computer books aimed squarely on youngest population. Just an idea of a niche market for you.
And if you do a picture book, you could always include:
1) The Blue Screen of Death,
2) The Penguin. Everyone loves penguin.
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
Well, those are fantastic ideas, but the BSOD might give children (and maybe even adults) nightmares... also, Tux has little to do with Vista. ;)
Matt
Answer:
Re: I'm writing a book
WOW! What a good idea. I'd have to give you some of the profits though silver horse.
Thanks!