Dartanbeck over at the Carrara section of the Daz3D forums has created a great thread that serves as an alternative Carrara 8.5 Manual.
It includes up to date and sorted links to the video tutorials by Cripeman, details about animation, hair plugins and a lot more.
Here is a must have link for all Carrara users:

Carrara Information Manual:
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/15970/carrara-information-manual/p1

*UPDATE*
Now also added an “Carrara Information Manual” button on the frontpage of CarraraCafe.