Windows XP : Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks Review

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(More customer reviews)I just received my copy of "Windows XP: Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks" and I can honestly say that I have never learned so much, so fast. I've been using XP for about a year now, and consider myself comfortable with it. But I always felt there were some things that were right within my grasp to do, but I couldn't figure them out intiutively. Well, this book has them all. Want to organize your documents or photos better? Configure XP to work as you want it to? This book has it. It's organized in a logical manner, unlike Windows XP Hacks. Finally, I just love the "Visual" approach. It's much easier to see what I am doing, rather than reading about it. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to get the most out of XP, fast and easy.

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You already know Windows XP basics. Now you'd like to go beyond, with shortcuts, tricks, and tips that let you work smarter and faster. And because you learn more easily when someone shows you how, this is the book for you. Inside, you'll find clear, illustrated instructions for 100 tasks that reveal cool secrets, teach timesaving tricks, and explain great tips guaranteed to make you more productive with Windows XP.

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Computing for the Older and Wiser: Get Up and Running On Your Home PC (Older & Wiser) Review

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(More customer reviews)I received the book in perfect condition and promptly. The first day the book solved several problems I was having. Our computer friend who works with senior citizens wants to order some for her students. She thought it looked like just what they needed for basic and and more advanced. It is very visual and generally clear for me.

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Computing for the Older & Wiser is a simple-to-follow user friendly guide aimed at the older generation introducing the basics of mastering a computer. Covering the latest release of Windows Vista Home Premium(TM) and Windows XP(TM), this book is designed for people who want straightforward instructions on how to use their home PC.
Written in plain English, using no unintelligible 'computer speak' Adrian guides you step-by-step through the basics of computing including chapters on:
Use of the keyboard and mouse
Email and the Internet
Customising your desktop
Word processing
Digital photography
Useful websites
and much more

Useful tips and tricks and a question and answer revision section in each chapter will build your confidence, get you up-to-date and technologically savvy in no time!
If you want to learn how to search and shop online, email or chat to family and friends, and you have the enthusiasm to learn a new skill then this book is for you.
With explanatory screenshots in full colour
Easy to read font
Supplementary website - including additional exercises to help improve your PC skills, further online hints and tips, and a directory of useful resources. www.pcwisdom.co.uk

"Computing for the Older & Wiser will take readers comfortably through getting started on their home PC. The content is similar to what we would take our clients through if they were to attend a class, which is exactly the right level."—Faye Lester, Computer Training Coordinator, Age Concern Camden, UK
"I have not had so much fun for years"—Renee Moore, 79, pupil at Age Concern, Colchester, UK

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Windows XP Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, Second Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)The machine I'm using to write this review is the slowest machine to shut down that I've ever seen. When I was first flipping through this book, I saw Technique 6: Shut Down, Restart, and Switch Users Quickly. It turns out that there is an undocumented feature built into XP called shutdown. The book says that the machine will shut down in half the time. I found that it shuts down much faster than that.
It's clear that this fellow knows an awful lot about windows that I didn't know. I suspect no one is going to use all the techniques that he describes, but some of them are really helpful. His discussion of SPAM, for instance, is excellent.
Unlike most of the For Dummies books, this one isn't for the absolute beginner. While his techniques are not difficult, they do presume that you have just a bit more knowledge than trying to find the on switch. This is a very helpful book.

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Computers were supposed to save us time, but Windows XP users know how often the opposite seems to be true. What if you could get a list of shortcuts that would save you time every single day? Windows XP Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes 70 of them, great tips and tricks that make Windows work faster, more reliably, and more like the way you work.
Collected and tested by Windows guru Woody Leonhard, these timesavers are organized into groups of related tasks so you can quickly find the ones that will help you at any given time. You can set up your desktop and launch your programs in the way that makes sense for you, take back control of the Internet and e-mail, manage your music and visual media, and protect your system in a few simple steps. You'll find no-nonsense advice on
Eliminating irritating programs that start automatically
Speeding up the restart or shutdown process
Streamlining searches, the Start menu, and Outlook Express
Strengthening your firewall and zapping scumware
Adjusting your monitor to reduce eyestrain
Reducing download time for photos
Enhancing the performance of your network
Making online shopping faster as well as safer
Scheduling maintenance chores to run while you sleep

From the most basic to somewhat advanced tricks designed for power users, this grocery list of timesavers has something for every Windows XP user— including you!

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Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) Review

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(More customer reviews)No one speaks Windows XP the way Woody speaks Windows XP in his new publication "Windows XP All-in-one Desk Reference", which is a masterpiece of organization, indexing, and commom sense treatment of technical topics in non-technical discourse.
Not since Woody's publication of "Woody Leonhard teaches Microsoft Office 97" has such an instructive, clearly written and illustrated technical book on Microsoft products been published.
There is a mind-boggling number of subjects each treated individually in short, simple explanation that gets to the heart of the subject. The dialog and explanations are laced with amusing analogs that make reading a pleasure, aside from the technical content. Subjects ranging from the simplicity of the XP Desktop to the meaning of the highly technical term DHCP, are handled with the same masterful stroke of simplicity.
This book is a must-have in every home and office that expects to stay on-line in the 21st century.

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Windows is the number one operating system in the world. There's a lot to Windows XP, with office productivity applications, multimedia features, the Internet, and security upgrades. Now and then, you probably wish you could call Tech Support.
That's when you'll be grateful to have nine books about Windows XP in one — Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, Second Edition. It replaces a whole shelf of reference books and covers
Windows XP basics
Customization
The Internet
Internet Explorer
Microsoft Network
Hardware
Multimedia
Windows Media Center
Wired and wireless networks

Fully updated with the latest information on Microsoft's improved security features, the newest on multimedia applications and Windows Media Center, and plenty of additional stuff to help you decide about broadband Internet connections, this edition of Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies makes Windows XP manageable. It helps you
Get started with Windows XP, search for files, use shortcuts, deal with common problems, and take advantage of built-in help
Customize your desktop, menus, icons, and startup programs
Protect your PC by using Windows Firewall, appropriate virus protection, and other security measures
Compare browsers, connect to the Internet, choose the right e-mail program, and manage newsgroups and chats
Work with digital images, download and play music, burn CDs, find out about digital camcorders, and create movies with Movie Maker
Decide whether a Media Center PC is right for you
Create a home network and troubleshoot any problems that come up

With thumbtabs that make it easy to find what you're looking for and the famous For Dummies cheat sheet in the front, this book is designed to make life with Windows XP a lot easier, happier, safer, and a whole lot more fun.

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Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)I run a technical support web site, and this is a book I'd wish I'd written. Since Allen got to it first, I expect I'll be pointing people to it frequently as I answer their questions.
One of the major reasons Windows becomes unstable over time is something I've heard referred to as "software rot". Do nothing but use your computer in normal ways, and over time, it will slow down, and possibly even become unstable. The system will "rot" out from underneath you.
Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is a great step-by-step guide to not only "cleaning up" your Windows programs, data, processes, disks and more, but more importantly, keeping your system clean and preventing that rot from happening. It's as much about slightly altering how you use your computer to keep it clean, as much as it is about that initial remedial clean-up.
Advanced topics include how Windows uses memory, getting a handle on Security, Windows Networking, the Windows Registry and more. The book closes with 4 "Top Ten" lists ranging from troubleshooting ideas to online resources.
The book is an easy read, and targeted at the novice or less experienced user. There are plenty of examples, as well as warnings along the way when you might venture into areas that require caution.
I've always been a little leery of the "for dummies" types of books. I've been concerned that they would take too simplistic an approach for the material to actually be useful in the long run. I'm happy to say that Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is not only a useful how-to book for the average user interested in getting the most out of Windows XP, but will also serve as a handy reference for the life of your Windows XP installation.

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This wide-ranging guide helps ordinary users fight back against Windows slowdowns, glitches, and annoyances
Windows is the world's dominant desktop operating system, with 93.8 percent of the market as of 2002
Packed with savvy tips for decluttering a system, speeding up access to programs and data, customizing the interface, rooting out resource hogs, tuning up e-mail and Web browser performance, protecting against viruses, and more
Focuses on Windows XP and covers the new Service Pack 2, but many techniques are applicable to older Windows versions

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Absolute Beginner's Guide to Windows XP (2nd Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)Good basic guide for beginners using computers and ones more experienced who need to refer to basics occasionally.

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Upgrade to a digital lifestyle! Absolute Beginner's Guide to Windows XP, Second Edition is not just about using Windows, but also about how to live in a digital world where you can share pictures over the Internet, download music from websites, communicate with long-distance family and friends on the computer, and more. Step-by-step instructions will show you how to accomplish key tasks and take precautions to protect your computer from viruses and spyware. Some of the tasks covered include:

Starting programs
Understanding file management basics
Getting wired for communication
Working with photographs
Playing music and videos
Improving your computer's performance
Upgrading Windows

Updated to include information on Service Pack 2, Absolute Beginner's guide to Windows XP, Second Edition will show you how to work with Windows XP to make your life easier!

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Big Book of Windows Hacks Review

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(More customer reviews)§
Despite Microsoft's claims that their vaunted "focus groups" and client experience consultants have allowed them to offer us painless computing, you and the rest of the world know it isn't true. Waiting for Windows XP or Vista to boot up and shut down certainly are irritations in themselves worth a hack or two.
As you can imagine, this is a large book. That is not just the number of pages (650) but also the format -- of the fold-flat variety. This big book of hacks is easy to work with physically.
The editorial review on this page describes the contents well except that I would alter "contains more than 100 hacks" to "contains almost 200 hacks." Quite a difference.
The writing is clear and informed. I'm sure you have read many of Gralla's magazine contributions over the years. Be sure that the book is not all text. There are plenty of illustrations and even photos (for the hardware hacks) to guide you. The hacks themselves are directed at all versions of Windows, with the focus on XP and Vista.
Consider this book a compendium of all those tips you always rip out of your computer magazine subscriptions to save -- then lose track of. Here they are, all in one place, not easily lost given the size of this book!
§

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Bigger, better, and broader in scope, the Big Book of Windows Hacks gives you everything you need to get the most out of your Windows Vista or XP system, including its related applications and the hardware it runs on or connects to. Whether you want to tweak Vista's Aero interface, build customized sidebar gadgets and run them from a USB key, or hack the "unhackable" screensavers, you'll find quick and ingenious ways to bend these recalcitrant operating systems to your will.The Big Book of Windows Hacks focuses on Vista, the new bad boy on Microsoft's block, with hacks and workarounds that also work for Windows XP. You can read each hack in just a few minutes, saving countless hours of searching for the right answer. The step-by-step instructions let you apply the solutions in no time. This book takes you beyond the operating system with hacks for applications like Internet Explorer 7 and Office 2007, and hardware such as the Zune, your wireless router, and the PC itself. The Big Book of Windows Hacks includes:

Expanded tutorials, new background material, a series of "quick hacks", and informative sidebars
Security hacks, including protection at wireless hotspots, hacking Vista file permissions and user account protection, and more
Efficiency hacks, such as tweaking your PC hardware, troubleshooting hardware problems, and speeding up system performance
Fun hacks, like building a custom Media Center PC or turning a PC into a digital video recorder
"Beyond Windows" hacks for running Linux inside Vista, dual-booting Linux/Windows or XP/Vista, or emulate classic video games on your PC
In all, this remarkable book contains more than 100 hacks so that the power user in you never again needs to be at the mercy of systems and hardware run by Microsoft's omnipotent Vista and XP operating systems.

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PGP & GPG: Email for the Practical Paranoid Review

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(More customer reviews)This really is a terrific book if you're at all interested in learning how to secure information. It's very well-written in a clear, *concise* manner.
Two great introductory chapters lay out the fundamentals of cryptography and OpenPGP in plain English. There's nice coverage on terminology, the differences between OpenPGP/PGP/GPG, and the basics of using them.
The first chapter has also got a terrific chart laying out specific actions for things you want to do with your messages, like "I want to send a message that only my intended recipient can read" which is answered by "Encrypt the message with the recipient's public key." Much of the rest of the book follows this same clear vein as the author moves through the details of implementing PGP/GPG.
The book is full of small tidbits of very useful information, such as considerations for selecting expiration periods for your keys, or how to decide on what levels of trust to give family and friends, or even how to increase your paranoia by worrying about whether or not a hardware keystroke probe is monitoring your passphrase as you enter it.
The sections covering implementation of GPG are particularly well done. GPG isn't the easiest thing to work with, but Lucas does a great job of pointing out potential pitfalls and working readers past the rough spots.
A terrific work that lays out lots of good information in a small, well-written package.

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OpenPGP is the most widely used email encryption standard in the world. It is based on PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) as originally developed by Phil Zimmermann. The OpenPGP protocol defines standard formats for encrypted messages, signatures, and certificates for exchanging public keys.

PGP & GPG is an easy-to read, informal tutorial for implementing electronic privacy on the cheap using the standard tools of the email privacy field - commercial PGP and non-commercial GnuPG (GPG). The book shows how to integrate these OpenPGP implementations into the most common email clients and how to use PGP and GPG in daily email correspondence to both send and receive encrypted email.

The PGP & GPG book is written for the moderately skilled computer user who is unfamiliar with public key cryptography but who is nevertheless interested in guarding their email privacy. Lucas's trademark informal and relaxed tone makes public key cryptography as simple and clear as possible, so that any reasonably savvy computer user can understand it.

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Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed Review

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(More customer reviews)I've now consumed the entire book. The book is so very useful and pleasant -- in a substantive way. No colors, not an excessive amount of cutesiness (but a tiny spriknling, just the right amount, of humor). But in short, nothing distracting, but still pleasant to look at. More importantly, "Unleashed" is a true pleasure to USE -- because the material is all very useful and not the least bit difficult to understand what to do. Just as an example.... If you choose classic logon instead of the welcome screen, one would think there is no way to get your password hint. True enough. BUT, due to this book I got my hint in anyway, even with the Classic Logon which has no way to give password hint. How'd I do that? Well the book told me how I can make a Security Warning screen be whatever I want. I can title it whatever I want and I can have in the screen whatever I want. So guess what I did? I made the "Security Screen" be titled "Mark's Password Hint" and I put my hint in the text box. So before I'm requested to give my password I get the security warning as customized for me -- that is password hint. The mechanism was editing the registry. You will no longer be afraid of such a thing (editing the registry) with this book by your side. Now admitedly you, as the reader of a review on the BOOK probably did not want the specific task of getting your password hint to show up even when it can't (because you're not using the Welcome screen logon). But you need a concrete example of the kind of thing the book can do for you. I started with a logon example (and I used the books other logon/startup material too) because that's where the book starts. The book is very orderly. I have used it for a great deal more -- including optimal running of XP (such things as changing pagefile size and so on and so on). Truely a superb book. What about the book XP Inside Out Deluxe. Great stuff too, but you should start and consume ALL of the Unleashed book first, and only THEN go to XP Inside Out. Inside Out is harder to know where you're at because the book is so huge. Unleashed also has a higher percentage of things you'll really want to do. There are a couple of items that only Inside Out has but whatever Inside Out has that is also in Unleashed, the Unleashed book does it better. Definitely start with Unleashed and you'll easily and enthusiastically eat it up. If you need cutesiness with just a bit of informativeness get one of the "for dummies..." type books. But if you intend to really DO anything with what you read, UNLEASHED is THE optimal book. For a few extras, LATER get the XP Inside Out book -- but not till you've totally consumed UNLEASHED.

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While what you create using your computer is a unique expression of who you are, how you use your computer probably isn't. Nearly every Windows XP user follows the same Start menu path to launch programs, uses the same standard techniques in programs like Windows Explorer and Outlook Express, and performs the same customizations that don't go much beyond changing the wallpaper. However, there are those of us who qualify as the "post-novice" user, who think that doing things the "official" way is too slow, less efficient and less powerful than there is potential for with Windows XP. Microsoft Windows XP Unleashed will take you beyond the standard-issue default settings and program wizards to shortcuts, new customization techniques, workarounds for common problems, and warnings on how to avoid the pitfalls of Windows XP, including those associated with Service Pack 2. Along the way, you'll learn about all kinds of insider details, undocumented features, powerful tools, and background facts that help put everything about Windows XP into perspective.

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