Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies FROM OUR EDITORS
The Barnes & Noble Review
Youﾽre running Windows XP (Home or Professional). You donﾽt need to learn how to point and click. But you suspect you could be doing a lot more with Windows XP. Getting the job done faster. Having more fun -- and fewer hassles. Youﾽre right. And Woody Leonhardﾽs going to show you how, in Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies.
Leonhardﾽs been sharing his Microsoft expertise for years: His free Windows and Office email newsletters now reach more than 510,000 readers every week. Now heﾽs brought together some 600 pages of great Windows time savers into one incredibly easy book. Weﾽre not talking about obscure registry tweaks that promise to deliver whopping 1% performance improvements but actually crash your computer. Weﾽre talking about stuff thatﾽs actually useful and doable.
These tips cover no less than 60 categories of tasks. Youﾽll learn how to customize your Windows desktop; create CDs and DVDs as quickly and effectively as possible; protect your privacy online; make the most of Outlook Express email; cope with your digital photos more efficiently -- and thatﾽs just scratching the surface.
Leonhard focuses much of his attention on Windows XPﾽs improved networking features and rich media capabilities, often showing how to use Windows to do things that wouldﾽve required costly add-ons in previous versions. (Sometimes add-ons are still required; Leonhard points those out, as well. And the bookﾽs a gold mine of web links to deeper information: for example, complete guides to setting up your computer for multiple operating systems, or sites that contain free benchmark tools for seeing just how fast your computer is.
Take for example, the tip on getting Windows to start faster by skipping the logon screen (not for high-security environments, but handy for lots of other folks who always logon the same way to play the same games). Like a few of Leonhardﾽs tips, this one takes advantage of Windows XP PowerToys, which are definitely worth your time to download. (By the way, if you do need to see a logon screen -- maybe to change users -- you can always do that by pressing Shift while Windows starts.)
If you care about every last second, Leonhard also points you to Microsoftﾽs BootVis tool, which tweaks the boot process in all sorts of ways you probably donﾽt want to know about.
Itﾽs conventional wisdom that adding memory improves performance. Often, it does -- but Leonhard also tells you when it wonﾽt. (You could save some bucks.)
Thereﾽs also plenty of coverage here for notebook users. Leonard helps you make the most of standby and hibernate, and identifies some power-saving choices that could save you both time and battery life. Thereﾽs even a trick for deterring theft.
If you need an introductory guide to Windows XP, Leonhardﾽs earlier book, Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies, fits the bill. But if youﾽre further along, Windows XP Timesaving Techniques for Dummies is tough to beat. Bill Camarda
Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Find the faster, easier ways to work with Windows
Build a better desktop, automate maintenance, can the spam, and make your network work
Who’s in charge here — you, or the computer? Take back control with Woody Leonhard’s to-the-point tips for teaching your system to work your way. He’ll help you open your Windows to simpler setup, faster file management, safer, saner Internet use, ways to cheat the Blue Screen of Death, and a whole lot more.
The Dummies Way Tricks and tips for working smarter Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Contents arranged by technique Advice that goes beyond the basics A dash of humor and fun
* For the millions who already know the basics of Microsoft Windows, this handy reference shows how to make it work faster and better through quick, easy-to-follow lessons loaded with screen shots and step-by-step instructions
* Explores more than sixty Windows XP tasks, including customizing the Windows desktop, protecting online privacy, creating CDs and DVDs with Windows XP, working with the Outlook Express e-mail client, dealing with digital photos and video, and setting up a home network
* Along with the normal Windows tools, Windows XP is packed with rich media features and networking options previously available only through separate software packages; this book helps readers make the most of these exciting additions
* Author is one of the best-known gurus for first-time PC users, and maintains a Web site and e-mail subscriptions that reach more than 500,000 readers weekly
Author Biography: Woody Leonhard is a Windows guru and author of Windows XP All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. He publishes several e-mail newsletters, including Woody's Office Watch and Woody's Windows Watch.
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