Mastering Windows XP Home Edition

By Guy Hart-Davis and Hart-Davis

Book Overview

The Only Windows XP Home Edition Resource You Need--Now Completely Updated Here's the insider knowledge you need to maximize Microsoft's powerful home operating system, whether you're moving straight to XP or upgrading from Windows 98 or Me. This encyclopedic guide delivers full coverage of every topic from installation and multimedia, to security and networking. Beginners can start off by using Windows XP on a stand-alone computer and connecting to the Internet, while experienced users can quickly build and secure a home network, work with the Registry to change XP's behavior, and optimize and troubleshoot Windows XP. Coverage includes: Upgrading from Windows 98 or Me Taking full advantage of XP multi-user support Customizing Windows XP Installing, removing, and running programs Sharing files securely--or keeping them private Adding hardware and installing drivers Connecting your computer or network to the Internet Sending secure e-mail and minimizing spam Communicating via the latest versions of Windows Messenger Using Windows Firewall Getting and giving help via the Internet Enjoying audio, video, and DVDs with Windows Media Player 10 Burning audio and data CDs Building a secure home network Using Microsoft PowerToys Using VPNs and connecting to a company network Setting up wireless networks with Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0782143849
• ISBN13: 9780782143843
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Sybex
• Length: 1009 Pages
• Weight: 3.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 7.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great first edition companion

This is a excellent companion for those of us who bought the first edition of this book when XP was originally released. The first edition had a very nice "hand holding" section at the beginning to get new users up and running quickly and confidently. It also included a CD of some useful utilities and the text of book for online searching. This Third edition includes a lot of new material not available when XP was first released, as one would expect with a developing product. It clearly shows a user with some familiarity with XP much of what lies "behind the curtain." There is no accompanying CD. So, while there is a lot of duplication between the two editions, this Third edition represents a major updating of information and techniques.

Perfect XP Reference for the non-Geek

When I first bought my XP Home machine two years ago, I went to the book store and picked up Mastering Windows XP, and I have been congratulating myself with my good choice ever since. I started out with average knowledge about using Windows 95 and nothing on XP. This book has been invaluable to me from day one. Mr. Hart-Davis writes in a friendly, chatty tone, but still succinct enough not to drown you in words. He patiently describes the most basic concepts (all the basic stuff is grouped in the beginning pages with screen shots, very inviting to total computer beginners) all the way up to advanced features like dual boot and disaster recovery. Why, I needed the chapter on disaster recovery during the first week of owning XP! With Mastering Windows XP I learned so much about how to get the most out of my computer, such as running explorer offline, setting up restore points, and customizing the taskbar. I recently even learned about emulation - how to install Windows 95 within Windows XP with the help of Microsoft Virtual PC, so that I can run some old games that XP considers below itself. Almost always, whenever I have a need, I can find the answer in this book. I feel like I am a bit of a master of XP now - nothing compared to the real pros, of course, but compared to my friends and relatives, I have the confidence of a true geek in front of my computer!

Excellent reference for the novice

Well written book for the novice home user who just needs to know how to get the most (and best) from Windows XP Home Edition. This book does a good job covering the features of the Home Edition, such as using the built-in CD burner and fax in language for the non-techie.If you are a more experienced computer user, you'll be disappointed in this book. Windows XP Inside Out or Special Edition Using Windows XP would be a better choice for you.

Good Book

I have seen this book; It is better than average. As far as the reviewer that thought this was the actual XP Operating system and not a book - I truly question the intelligence in that observation. Sounds like a mistake my great-grandmother might would make - not the average person.

The best Windows book ever published

It's perfectlyclear that this product is a book and what a book it is! I waspleasantly suprised at the comprensive coverage and how well writtenthis book is. It is an entertaining read unlike so many dry, boringcomputer books. I'm currently getting up to speed on Windows XP andhave found everything that I need here in this in fabulous book. Hatsoff to Guy Hart-Davis for writing what is the BEST computer book Ihave ever come across. It should be considered the new BIBLE.