Alan Simpson's XP Bible - Softcover

Simpson, Alan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 076455722X ISBN 13: 9780764557224

Publisher: John Wiley &Sons, 2004

Synopsis

Focusing on Windows XP functionality, this Bible is value-packed and covers the basics (e.g., navigating a computer) as well as how to use the most popular Internet features; customize the work environment; maintain and tweak the system; use general techniques for working with text, numbers, and graphics. The Desktop Edition offers the very best content from the Windows XP Bible, combined with new coverage of Media Player, Movie Maker, and Service Pack 1, and features sidebars with annoyances, workarounds, solutions, and tips.

About this title

Review:

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.

From the Back Cover:

"Finally, a comprehensive and approachable guide to Windows XP!"
--Paul Thurrott, Windows & .NET Magazine

If Windows XP can do it, you can do it too...

If you have just come face to face with your first computer, or if you’re new to Windows XP, this desktop reference will boost your confidence within minutes. You will start at the very beginning, learning the basic skills, and then advance at your own pace as you discover the Internet, multimedia features, and finally how to customize and expand your system–when you’re ready.

Inside, you’ll find what you need to know about Windows XP

• Learn to navigate your computer, understand the terms, and use basic programs
• Begin using the Internet and e-mail, and learn how to protect your system
• Work with cameras, scanners, and photo editing, play music, and use the newest versions of Media Player and Movie Maker
• Organize your work and manage files and folders
• Take advantage of the new features of Service Pack 1
• Customize your desktop and programs to fit the way you work
• Find workarounds, solutions, and tips for solving common Windows XP problems

What’s a Desktop Bible?
Wiley Desktop Edition Bibles are power-packed, streamlined versions of the standard Bibles. They include everything you need to know for practical application, concisely written and conveniently designed for day-to-day use.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley &Sons
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 076455722X
• ISBN 13: 9780764557224
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 720