Product Description

* The bestselling computer book of all time-more than eight million copies sold in all editions-now revised to cover the updates in Windows XP Service Pack 2 as well as updates in popular Windows applications
* This fifty percent revision includes a fully revamped , "task-oriented" table of contents as well as expanded coverage of e-mail, anti-spam tools, faxing, troubleshooting, customization, multimedia, and CDs and DVDs-plus a brief look ahead to the next generation of Windows, codenamed "Longhorn"
* Walks first-time Windows XP users through signing on, navigating the interface, using basic applications, finding and working with files, handling Internet functions, setting up peripherals, and fixing basic problems
* Written in the friendly, accessible For Dummies style by Andy Rathbone-one of the bestselling tech authors of all time

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3028 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Windows XP for Dummies does a good job in its role as the flagship of the Dummies line, providing Windows novices with a guided introduction to Microsoft's latest and most feature-rich operating system for everyday computer users. Its treatment of computer, Windows and Internet fundamentals is among the best on the market, and author Andy Rathbone has an appealing way of writing that's simultaneously fun and detail-rich. If you're a Windows novice--meaning you don't know how to undelete a file that's been sent to the Recycle Bin, or what a Web browser is, or what it means to "cut and paste" text--you will get a lot out of Rathbone's work.

Some aspects of this book could be better, such as the part of the networking chapter that calls for an Ethernet hub without noting that a switch, though possibly more expensive, would do the job better, without any additional hassle. The networking coverage also does an inadequate job of explaining how to share a cable modem or DSL connection among several computers. This is a serious shortcoming, and we're getting to the point in our evolution as a society of computer users at which we can assume that everyone knows what the "Cancel" button does and would rather read about the newer, more exciting things that Windows XP can do. Even the dummies aren't that dumb anymore.

But, that said--and Rathbone does confine a lot of the really elementary stuff to a skinny introductory chapter--this book is a boon to people who aren't familiar with Windows XP or its immediate predecessors (including Windows 95, Windows98, and Windows Me). It's also great for people who have learned a little about Windows on the job or from their kids, and want to expand on what they know. --David Wall

Topics covered: Microsoft Windows XP for people completely unfamiliar with the operating system and other recent versions of Windows. Coverage includes how to run programs, move and delete files, connecting to the Internet and using applications like electronic mail programs, Web browsers and multimedia players.

Publishing News, July 2004
"...sure to be a huge seller..."

Good Book Guide, December 2004
"Readers will enjoy reading this bouncy, overwhelming accessible text...gives a peek at the next generation of Windows genius."

Customer Reviews

Windows XP
Not much to say really.. this is a great book for somebody who has no experience of using a computer or wants a refresher of the basics. A great place to start off but probably a little too basic if you have some computing experience.

Thank You
Thank you Mr Andy Rathbone. You've saved me £££'s on helpline charges and added years to my life as I don't have to converse with IT types (who usually take three hours to tell me to switch it off and then switch it back on again!)

A clearly written'how to' book for non-specialist readers.
If you are confused as to how to achieve something with your computer or are seeking a solution to a computer hardware/software problem then it will probably be easier to look for the answer in Windows XP for Dummies than to use the help menu in the programme. Andy Rathbone writes clearly for the non-computing specialist and whilst his quirky humour will not get everyone in stitches his wit does not distract from the task of supplying the reader with the information that they require. Like a good teacher he keeps it simple and straightforward and is never boring.