Que has updated and re-released its classic reference book on Windows XP Home edition. This "Bestseller Edition" includes an appendix that covers Service Pack 1 - what it contains and how to install it.
The book maintains its encyclopedic coverage of Windows XP Home, from installation to troubleshooting (earlier version reviewed in Feb. 2002). In this review I want to highlight the 45 minutes of video on the CD and how it can be used as a pointer to items in the book.
The CD consists of five lessons covering the XP interface, tweaking your interface (GUI), and three lessons on networking. I was pleasantly surprised how useful they were. Since I am currently setting up a new computer with XP I was very interested in learning all I could about options to make the interface operate comfortably.
I took lots of notes while viewing the first two lessons. I found myself rewinding the video and watching a particular piece a second time to make sure I could find the right path. That's when I realized that the CD could serve to highlight topics in the book.
Robert Cowart is the guide as we get an overview of the XP interface. The pacing is slow and deliberate. I learned I could substitute my own picture for the icon of the user. I will try that tomorrow. We see the new filmstrip feature of My Pictures. Something else I want to try.
We move to My Music and how it plays MP3 files. My Videos is next. I see where the System Restore function is located; I make a note to read more about it in the book. Cowart shows us how to get the tree view for our folders. I take notes again as he shows where we can find system information on our computer and operating system.
Robert Cowart continues to guide us as we make changes to the GUI. Fiddle with the start menu. Modify the look of the desktop. Click and drag programs to the launch bar. That orientation will make setting up the desktop a lot easier.
Brian Knittel covers networking. And, here, Knittel does refer you to supporting chapters in the book.
We cover the hardware side of the network first - what you need and how to hook it up. You hear the narrative and see the video.
We move to the software installation in XP next. We see how the Wizard works and he guides us through the software choices. We also see what we have to do if other computers on the network run Windows 98, 98 or Me.
Finally, we see the indications of what a good installation would look like along with what we should do to troubleshoot.
They offer another lesson, called Windows XP CD-Extra, that's available at www.brainsville.com. When I checked I learned that the CD was in development with no release date in sight. I was invited to leave my e-mail address for new product notices.
I think we are beginning to integrate the video tutorial and the book in meaningful ways. Watch for more of this.

Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows XP Home, Bestseller Edition by Robert Cowart and Brian Knittel. 2003. Que. 1028 pp. $45. With CD