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Windows XP for Dummies, Second Edition by Andy Rathbone
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(Paperback - REV)
- Pub. Date: September 2004
- 432pp
- Sales Rank: 18,043
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: September 2004
- Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
- Format: Paperback, 432pp
- Sales Rank: 18,043
- Series: For Dummies Series
- ISBN-13: 9780764573262
- ISBN: 0764573268
- Edition Number: 2
- Edition Description: REV
Synopsis
Intended for the home user, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for working with programs and files, connecting to the internet, organizing music and photos, and customizing the Windows XP operating system. The second edition adds a chapter on faxing and scanning documents, and a section on Internet Explorer's new security toolbar. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
More Reviews and RecommendationsBiography
Andy Rathbone may be the bestselling technology author ever. He has written 35 For Dummies books and is also an authority on PC hardware and entertainment technology.
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble Review
Even beginners know more than they used to. And they certainly want to do different things with their computers than they used to. So Andy Rathbone has thoroughly overhauled his bestselling Windows XP for Dummies. The new edition is ideal for the 21st-century Windows XP newcomer -- and for millions of non-experts who wouldn’t call themselves beginners anymore.
Nearly 50 percent of Windows XP for Dummies, Second Edition is new. For instance, Rathbone’s expanded email chapter includes setting up Outlook Express for AOL and for free webmail services like Yahoo! and Hotmail. Also covered here: finding lost mail; managing your contacts with Address Book; and (by popular demand) Windows instant messaging.
Rathbone’s rewritten his digital media coverage to reflect Microsoft’s WMP 10; he covers everything from playing MP3s to duplicating music CDs. (Nifty tip #1: how to update your song’s tags to make sure your MP3 player recognizes them. Nifty tip #2: how to turn off copy protection so you don’t accidentally prevent yourself from playing your own ripped music.)
Of course, all the basics are still here: using the Windows XP interface, working with Windows’ applets, managing files, getting onto the Internet, and so forth. But this edition also covers everything from Windows XP Service Pack 2’s firewall to anti-Spam tools. Nice touch: a full chapter of Windows’ most common error messages, and how to react to them (panic is not necessary). If you don't need this book, chances are you know someone who does. Bill Camarda
Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2003 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.
From the Publisher
The top-selling technology book of all time with over 9.5 million copies in
print, Windows For Dummies, is now updated to help users figure out Windows
XP-the fun and easy way.
* The Windows operating system controls software and user tasks on a
PC. Windows XP is the latest release of the OS that dominates the worldwide
PC user market. Covers the essentials new and experienced Windows users need
to become familiar with the latest release of the Windows operating system
and use its basic and brand new features.
* Covers the enhanced features of the new release, including making
your way around the new interface and the enhanced media and connectivity
features.
* Series features: Includes the simple instructions and friendly
advice that have made the Dummies books the choice of over 100 million
readers.
Product Details
- Pub. Date: September 2004
- Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
- Format: Paperback, 432pp
- Sales Rank: 18,043
- Series: For Dummies Series
- ISBN-13: 9780764573262
- ISBN: 0764573268
- Edition Number: 2
- Edition Description: REV
Table of Contents
| Ch. 1 | What is Windows XP? | 9 |
| Ch. 2 | The desktop, start menu, and other Windows XP mysteries | 15 |
| Ch. 3 | Basic Windows mechanics | 41 |
| Ch. 4 | Flipping through files, folders, floppies, and CDs | 61 |
| Ch. 5 | Playing with programs and documents | 85 |
| Ch. 6 | I can't find it! | 107 |
| Ch. 7 | Printing, faxing, and scanning | 115 |
| Ch. 8 | Cruising the Web | 141 |
| Ch. 9 | Sending mail and instant messages | 163 |
| Ch. 10 | Safe computing | 185 |
| Ch. 11 | Customizing Windows XP with the control panel | 205 |
| Ch. 12 | Keeping Windows from breaking | 229 |
| Ch. 13 | Sharing one computer with several people | 243 |
| Ch. 14 | Connecting two or more computers with a network | 255 |
| Ch. 15 | Playing and copying music in Media Player | 275 |
| Ch. 16 | Fiddling with photos and movies | 295 |
| Ch. 17 | The case of the broken window | 323 |
| Ch. 18 | Strange messages : what you did does not compute | 333 |
| Ch. 19 | Moving from an old computer to a new one | 347 |
| Ch. 20 | Help on the Windows XP help system | 359 |
| Ch. 21 | Ten aggravating things about Windows XP (and how to fix them) | 369 |
| Ch. 22 | Ten things to remember about Windows XP | 375 |
| Ch. 23 | Ten things to look forward to in the next version of Windows | 379 |
| App. A | Upgrading to Windows XP | 381 |
Read a Sample Chapter
Windows XP For Dummies
By Andy Rathbone
John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0-7645-7326-8Chapter One
What Is Windows XP?In This Chapter
* Understanding what Windows XP is and what it does
* Understanding Windows XP's service packs
* Knowing what service pack is on your computer
* Downloading and installing Service Pack 2
Chances are, you've probably heard about Windows. In fact, millions of people all over the world are puzzling over it as you read this. Almost every new computer sold today comes with a copy of Windows XP preinstalled - cheerfully greeting you when first turned on.
This chapter helps you understand why Windows lives inside your computer, and how to keep it alive and well with Microsoft's service packs. It explains which service packs you need to keep Windows XP up-to-date and how to deal with the burdens they lay at your feet in the name of increased security.
What Is Windows and Why Are You Using It?
The answer to this one's pretty easy: You're using Microsoft Windows because you don't have much choice. Nearly every computer sold since late 2001 comes with Windows XP preinstalled. A few people escaped Windows by buying Apple computers (those nicer-looking computers that cost more). But chances are, you, your neighbors, your boss, your kids at school, and millions of other people around the world are using Microsoft Windows.
And just what is Windows? Sold by a company called Microsoft, Windows isn't like your usual software that lets you write term papers or send angry e-mails to mail-order companies. No, Windows is an operating system, meaning it controls the way you work with your computer.
Windows gets its name from all the cute little windows it places on your monitor. Each window shows information, such as a picture, a program that you're running, or a baffling technical reprimand. You can put several windows on-screen at the same time and jump from window to window, visiting different programs. You can also enlarge a window to fill the entire screen.
Like the mother with the whistle in the lunch court, Windows controls every window and each part of your computer. When you turn on your computer, Windows jumps onto the screen and supervises any running programs. Throughout all this action, Windows keeps things running smoothly, even if the programs start throwing food at each other.
In addition to controlling your computer and bossing around your programs, Windows XP comes with a bunch of free programs. Although your computer can run without these programs, they're nice to have. These programs let you do different things, like write and print letters, browse the Internet, play music, and even whittle down your camcorder's vacation footage into a three-minute short - automatically.
Windows XP's Luggage: Service Packs
Microsoft launched Windows XP in 2001, making it a creaky old-timer in computer years. To keep its old boat afloat until its replacement in 2006, Microsoft has released not one but two chunky add-on programs called service packs.
Service packs, given away for free, provide the Microsoft folks a chance to go back and fix the things they messed up when they first released Windows XP. For instance, if Microsoft discovers a programming mistake that keeps Windows XP from working with a certain computer part, the service pack fixes that particular problem.
Most importantly, service packs repair oodles of security problems. Every week, some smart alec figures out a new way to break into Windows XP. Microsoft analyzes the problem and releases software to plug that security hole. Service packs provide all the patches, fixes, and plaster Windows needs to bring your computer up-to-date.
The next section explains how to tell what service packs are on your computer, if any, and how to install Service Pack 2 to make your computer as secure as possible.
TECHNICAL STUFF
What service pack version is on my computer?
Despite the way service packs polish Windows XP and protect it from evildoers, your computer certainly doesn't shout for joy when it has received one. In fact, the only way to know if you have a service pack installed is to probe your computer's menus. Follow these steps to reveal the service pack that's currently installed on your computer:
1. Click your Start menu.
2. Right-click on the My Computer icon and choose Properties.
The System Properties dialog box appears, revealing intimate technical details about your computer.
3. Look for your service pack version in the System section.
You should see the words Service Pack as the bottom line of the window's System section. The number after the words Service Pack reveals its version number. For example, the computer shown in Figure 1-1 has Service Pack 2 installed. (The mouse's arrow points to the words.)
What's in Service Pack 2?
Installing Service Pack 2 is like receiving an updated version of Windows XP with new features - all for free. Here are some of the tastier tidbits that this huge 100MB program brings to Windows XP:
I cover all these features in Chapter 10. You can find also more information about Service Pack 2 on the Internet at microsoft.com/security.
Installing Service Pack 2
Microsoft lets people install Service Pack 2 in two different ways depending on how you connect to the Internet, either by dial-up (through the phone lines) or broadband (cable or DSL):
REMEMBER
Even after you install Service Pack 2, you still need to use Windows Update. That keeps you updated with fixes discovered after Microsoft released Service Pack 2. I explain how to make Windows Update run automatically in Chapter 10.
Service Pack may make some of your programs behave strangely. If you're having problems with any of them immediately after you install Service Pack 2, visit that program's Web site to see whether it offers a patch.
Yes, Microsoft is sneaky
Microsoft may tout Windows as your helpful computing companion, always keeping your best interests in mind, but that's not really true. Windows always keeps Microsoft's interests in mind. You'll find that out as soon as you call Microsoft for help on making Windows work right. Your first two questions are free if you pick up the long distance charges to Redmond, Washington. The third call (and all the rest) cost $35 apiece.
Microsoft also uses Windows to plug its own products and services. Sometimes you click a menu item that touts something helpful, but Windows simply leads you to a Web site where you can purchase additional items from Microsoft or its business partners.
Simply put, Windows not only controls your computer but also serves as a huge Microsoft advertising vehicle. Most of the offers you see on Windows aren't necessarily the best ones - they're just the ones that make the most money for Microsoft. Many of its offers are simply advertising flyers stuffed inside your computer.
What's Windows XP Professional?
Windows XP comes in two basic versions: Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. Both versions look and act almost indistinguishably from each other. Chances are, you're using Windows XP Home, the version designed for homes and small businesses. Larger businesses often use Windows XP Professional because that version has a few extra menus tucked away for things like advanced corporate security. Other than those extra menus, the two versions are virtually indistinguishable.
If you're planning on using your computer to connect to the office through a network, ask the person in charge of your office's computer networks which version he or she recommends. Windows XP Home connects to most corporate networks without problem, but only Windows XP Professional can connect to a specialized Windows server domain.
I run Windows XP Home on my main computer, but I run Windows XP Professional on another computer just to see what the fuss is about.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Windows XP For Dummies by Andy Rathbone Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
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