When most people set up Windows 8 & 8.1 from new they are presented with the option on signing in with a Microsoft Live Account or creating one if they don't already have one.
It is possible however to sign in with a Local Account...here's how.
I know this should have been a part of the talk on Friday the 6th Feb but we really did not have time to start a full clean installation of Windows. (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it).