This book was out even before Windows XP. I started reading early so that knew
what to expect in the latest from Redmond Washington.
Teach Yourself Windows XP in 24 Hours provides a great overview of Windows XP
- written for beginners and intermediate users. And, it provides enough detail
and "how to" to hold you while you are trying to sort out all the
changes in the new operating system. This will be ideal for my wife who just
got a new computer with XP at work.
Perry doesn't take himself too seriously and he chops up Windows XP into 24
byte-sized easy-to-understand chapters. For example, in the last chapter he
argues that the most important thing in computing isn't the system unit, the
CPU, the size of your hard disk, or even your printer. He says matter-of-factly:
"the most important component is the very chair you sit in. Smart PC users
spend more money on their chair than on their operating systems" Amen.
Good advice, and not what you'd expect in a book on Windows XP.
You'll cover all the functions users will need to know to get the most out Windows
XP. This is not the manual that sits on the shelf in the SIS office, although,
it does cover networking with Windows XP and advanced functions.
In the advanced section I found reference to Dr. Watson. This programs ships
with Windows XP, but is not found on any menu. It runs manually after you type
in Drwtsn32 from the Start command. It's nice to know because once started it
sits in the background and waits for problems. From what I hear it will wait
a long time, but that's not the point. Should you experience a problem, you'll
know you can run this program to document the events leading up to the freeze
(or whatever) and then you'll retrieve the log file to read about possible fixes
or just use it as a reference when you call Tech Support.
As with all process items in the book, Perry creates a "To Do" list
where you'll get step-by-step instructions on how to perform this function.
You know I like check lists.
You learn what's new in XP and how the three different XP versions differ.
You should find the sections on working with images very useful. Windows XP
builds on Me with its superior handling of graphics and sound files. And, although
setting up an Internet connection appears to be more streamlined in XP, I'd
feel a lot more comfortable having with a guide such as this on my desk.
I have not seen the manual that ships with XP, but I suspect you will be shopping
for a supplement. Please consider this one as you begin your search.
Teach Yourself Microsoft Windows XP in 24 Hours by Grag Perry. SAMS. 2002. $25.
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