Alan Simpson's Windows Xp Bible - Softcover

Comprehensive in its treatment of Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system for the masses, Alan Simpson's Windows XP Bible has an answer to most "How do I..." questions that are likely to arise in the minds of Windows XP users, particularly those who aren't too familiar with recent versions of Windows. If you're going to buy a Windows XP reference book for your office, this would be a good choice. The author--the respected Alan Simpson, who's put out similarly comprehensive books before--must have incredible patience, because he manages to document almost every Windows procedure down to the last option and the final "OK" click. Most people won't need this level of handholding--almost everyone has gained knowledge of the basic Windows conventions by now--and perhaps this book could have been more compact (as it is, it's pretty hefty) or contained more obscure details without it. But don't accuse Simpson of neglecting details.

No one will read this book front to back. Most visits will begin with the table of contents (which is very detailed) or the index (which is even more so). A page-flip or two later, readers will have explanatory prose (which is clear and detailed, and almost always strictly businesslike without being off-putting) and a procedure or two with numbered steps. The procedures have a particularly good design when it comes to options--it's clear what happens if you make different choices in dialog boxes. Again, coverage is absolutely comprehensive, with detailed explanations and procedures extending even to Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) and the new Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP (Professional Edition and Home Edition) for beginning and intermediate-level users of the operating system, with a few bones thrown in for more advanced users. Internet connectivity (standalone and shared), file management, administrative duties such as backing up files and uninstalling programs, local-area networks (LANs), and all other user-level aspects of Windows XP are covered. Chapters on portable computer issues and security are particularly nice.

If Windows XP can do it, you can do it too ... With a new kernel, a new interface, and loads of new multimedia and connectivity features, Windows XP is the most significant Windows upgrade since Windows 95. Written by renowned Windows guru Alan Simpson, this soup-to-nuts guide is just what you need to master XP, whether you want to customize your system so you can work faster, harness the digital media features so you can experience music or movies, or make the most of remote connectivity and networking so you can stay in touch. Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Windows XP
* Pick up shortcuts and other cool tricks for navigating the new interface
* Master new Internet tools, including online voice and video in Windows Messenger, Web browsing with Internet Explorer 6, Outlook Express 6 e-mail, Remote Assistance, and more
* Organize your system to work the way you do - and personalize your screen
* Get a grip on maintenance, troubleshooting, and managing multiple users
* Turbocharge your laptop using the latest road warrior tools and techniques
* Use XP tools and a scanner or digital camera to collect and share photos
* Download music, organize and play songs on your computer, and burn your own custom audio CDs
* Create digital movies from your camcorder using Windows Movie Maker
* Build your own local area network - and discover the latest LAN tricks
* Tackle partitions, security, the Registry, and other advanced topics
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